What a run!

First though, I must say just how much my thoughts about my running have changes lately.  I was always so focused on speed, getting faster, that sub 2 hour half marathon.  After a second run with my running buddy, I have really had a change in thought.  I have learnt to enjoy the runs again.  To not worry about how fast we have gone (or far for that matter).  I have learnt to take in the views around me, enjoy the company, and just be at one with myself, nature and where my feet are taking me!

Now onto this weekends run!  We had planned on a 14km run for this weekend and it was time for me to head through to Palmerston North for our run.  My running buddy had mapped out this route for us - lots of trails and all new scenery for me.  I will be honest and say when I first saw the map I was a little worried!!  It did look hard.

I could see there was going to be a lot of ups and downs but I was also very excited.  We decided right at the beginning we would walk any bits we needed to and just try our best.  My running buddy had been sick and couldn't push it too much and I was still amazed at what a struggle 13km had been the week before.  Well before I knew it 1km had passed.  We were just cruising along, chatting about this, that and everything and I was taking in the views.  We certainly did have to stop - mainly for some photos of the views we had - and to say, "Look at us, we did it!"  The 10km of trails was just amazing and it was the 4km we covered along the river and on the streets that were hard but we got the whole 14km done.  I loved every minute of it.  I'm so proud of what I achieved and just want to share a couple of photos of our run with you all.  Sadly, it's a Feilding run next weekend so there won't be the photo opportunities or anything but at least I will still have the great company.  And here's to some more training this week.  I'm thinking some hills might need to be tackled and maybe a time trial later in the week.