Disclaimer: I was hoping to take the 10-mile option but had to downgrade to 10K owing to ongoing plantar fasciitis – a disappointment, but medically sensible (I’m trying to tell myself) because I’m already pushing it in terms of injury.
I started fairly early, as is my preference. It took about 10 minutes of running to warm up. Once the dull ache in my foot had subsided, I could relax into the run and start enjoying myself. There’s definitely an extra dimension knowing you are part of a bigger event, and I’m so grateful that this supportive community exists.
It was very quiet everywhere so I could run in the roads on the softer tarmac and avoid the hard, uneven pavements. At 3.5K I saw a beautiful siamese cat. I then ran past a front garden with a sign offering free plants and plant pots. (Might need to go back there.) On the down side, I noticed that my Garmin battery was already flagging. I thought I’d charged it properly but obviously not.
Chugging past the halfway mark I saw a second cat. Also, three dumped office chairs and two abandoned shopping trolleys. Then at 7.5K, a slinky black cat crossed my path. I’m not superstitious but it was a lovely sight.
By 8K I was nervous that my Garmin wasn’t going to make it to the end. This had the welcome effect of making me speed up a bit. Then it was the final stretch along the river. The finish point (at the end of my road) was marked by another cat appearance, confirming the feline theme of today’s run. The Garmin made it and so did I.
Thanks, as ever, for organising this brilliant event. My plan is still to get back to HM distance over the next couple of months, so I’m determined to tackle the longer distance next time.
Written by
Stephen_UK
Half Marathon
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
That was a great HU (cat run) 10K you ran this morning Stephen _UK, imagine seeing four cats on a run, wow, congratulations on completing your run this morning, I usually see plenty of dogs on a run but rarely any cats.
Thanks, Al. Yes, it was the most catty run ever, which really helped. And I had my own one to welcome me when I got home. Hope you are your running are doing well.
Congratulations Stephen! Any run with cats is a good one. As an owner of 2 black cats I really do think that they are unjustly given a bad reputation. Good luck with your recovery from PF. 👏👏
Well done Stephen; great time full stop…..but definitely more so with ongoing injury issues. Cathartic( sorry!) These post give a sense of all of the different environments in which we run. Mine tomorrow will be 95% trail…thankfully puddle free now.
👏🎈 🐈⬛ 🐈 🐱 Great cheers from those of us on the sidelines! Well done!! Awesome run! (Trust the plantar fasciitis is not too troublesome and enjoying an ice pack now)
Well done - sorry you had trouble meaning you couldn't do the 10 miles. I dropped down too. This sounds a very good run though and hope your feet feel better soon.
Great running Stephen, especially as you're carrying an injury. Reading your report, there was never any doubt that you would finish, you're only concern was that Garmin wouldn't - love it! Well done 👏👏
Hi Linda. Yes, that would be great. Gives us something to work towards. I actually have an official HM planned for September, so it would be really helpful. Hope you are well and thank you again for organising this great event.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.