Reverse duathlon in the Forest

A few weeks ago as part of my marathon training, I ran out to Brockenhurst parkrun. It was a hot run and I don’t especially like running along the main road (does anyone?!) I also prefer to run with company. It’s a good mental challenge to do a long run on my own every once in a while.

Mob match at Brockenhurst parkrun

Today I needed to go to Brockenhurst parkrun as Ben had organised a mob match against New Forest Runners, so I decided that it would be fun to cycle there. (It’s just over 13 miles from my house). Stu and Emily agreed to come along, despite the fact that I asked for a 7:30am start (I’m still a little hesitant on my new bike). The plan was to cycle 21k, run 5k and then cycle 21k… with some untimed transitions between.

It was a lovely ride out to Brockenhurst, although there are already signs that we’re moving towards the end of summer, as there was a definite chill in the air, and I needed to wear arm warmers. We arrived at Brock parkrun quite early, which was a relief… last week, Gary, Stu and I went open water swimming at Eastleigh before cycling back to Southampton parkrun. Unfortunately, we didn’t allow quite enough time and I was still changing shoes as everyone was lining up to start. At Brockenhurst, I had time to change from my cycling clothes and lock my bike up as well as chatting before the start.

There was even time for Kevin to organise a group photo. Richard won’t be quitting his day job to become a professional photographer! Stu and I decided to rock the parkrun club tees instead of LRR ones.

How did I do?

Some of the other LRR ladies asked what pace I intended to run at. My honest answer was that I simply wanted to finish, as my glutes and calves were very tight. I started out quite slowly but was pleased that I wasn’t too far off 5:30/km. In the third lap, Stu remembered that he said he’d run with me, so he joined me. I started to feel better by the final lap, and although it was significantly faster, it actually felt easier!

I was also quite pleased that despite feeling heavy-legged, my cadence wasn’t too bad.

After changing back into my cycling clothes, a group of us headed into Brockenhurst for some drinks. Emily, Stu and I then cycled back to Southampton. I felt much more confident by the time I had finished cycling. I am now looking forward to the Garmin Sharp Ride Out in September.

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