As will be almost every Sunday from here on in, today I had to do a long run which usually entails having a run longer than an hour or 10km.
Usually for these types of runs I takes some time to plan a route, maybe some scenery I would like to appreciate more or perhaps even something new to experience. Today I choose to take a 12 mile route taking me from my home to the outskirts of Hal Ghaxaq - Along the parallel road of the airport - down to Hal Far - Birzebbugia and then straight back up to my home. I knew this route had to have some really challenging hills and also good downhill slopes to rest.
Started off great slow steady pace, no need to push today was not about timings it was about finishing really, managed even to wave to some friends passing by along the way, all was great. The first of a few challenging hills was rapidly approaching; the part which leads to the airport a steady unsought of ups and downs but managed fairly well. As I approached the airport well I was really not focusing on the pacing and more on the planes (as some people close to me may know why). But unfortunately I got a constant stream of bugs being splattered onto my sweaty face and neck so perhaps that is a route to be avoided in the cold months or winter.
Downhill to Birzebbugia via Hal Far all great except I was really getting thirsty and craved water but I pushed through. Birzebbugia went by like a dream but then I found myself facing the worst hill of the route; the hill next to Ghar Dalam. It was a nightmare, every step uphill was a challenge and I kept constantly telling myself "one more step, one more and its over!", "come on Mark push it a little, no speed just keep running, no stopping to a snail's pace or worse walking pace".
At that moment I have to admit I was this close to giving up but then after I got through that stage, I am sure as hell glad I didn't give up! Something one can adapt in real life perhaps this might be my new year's resolution! Even if the pain is so great you cannot stand one more second of it, try and try and try harder, the rewards of finally conquering that uphill run would truly be satisfactory!
Hope you all have a wonderful new year filled with all kinds of great and positive things =D
No comments:
Post a Comment