As I wrote here on the blog before, 6 months ago I returned to running after an 8-year break caused by knee injuries.
Today I will write briefly about my first organized run.
It was the Great Edinburgh Winter Run. It was only 5 kilometers in truth, but after quite demanding terrain, because around Arthur's Seat mountain in Edinburgh. Anyone who has ever been to Edinburgh should know that it can be a challenge for an inexperienced runner.
I've run that way many times and even had bit longer routes there, about 20 kilometers.
The day before I ran an intense running workout and then I had to do two days off. So I was not prepared for such a challenge on that day, but curiosity won and I wanted to finally make my first run "in the group". Also when I saw on FB that my friend was taking part in this event, I quickly signed up and the next day I had to run.
It was my first run in my life,
and second as a spectator. That's why everything was new to me there. I did not know how to stick number. Where do we start, what the warm-up looks like, etc. But I quickly finded out and everything ended well.
We started! The whole run took place naturally on the asphalt road... At the beginning, there was a large uphill run up to Artur Seat. I like to run uphill so it worked well for me. Then about 2 kilometers at an equal pace. I was feeling very good at that time, considering that I was running almost at 90%. The last 2 kilometers were already a torment. Mainly because of a long steep run on the asphalt. This was not good for the knees. Despite this, I was not afraid of my knees.
It may seem ridiculous but I was afraid that I would run downhill too fast and I will fall over ... Seriously.
The last 500m I ran as fast I could! But it was worth it. After the run, I felt wonderful!
I tried to run the entire route at an equal pace and the perfect POSE technique. I think it worked well. The worst was steep run. Despite bending my knees and trying to cushion, even having headphones on my ears, I felt that I hit my feet hard on the ground.
Just because of this steep run I felt pain in the tibia again and my shin splints came back. Now I still feel it but I already know how to deal with it.
To sum up. Running is a wonderful feeling.
Running in a group increases the feeling of competition. But with healthy thinking during run is a great experience. Immediately after the run, I signed up for the next two. In this, a half marathon. By the way, My time was 27 minutes, which is my life record, even though I was running at a mountain!
