Inhale… two, three… exhale… two, three…

Inhale… two, three… exhale… two, three…

He is a tantalising target in the distance.  A tall dark figure with his jacket tied around his waist.  The jacket flaps around awkwardly in the blustery Liverpool wind but the man’s stride doesn’t falter.  He leads this run and I am determined not to slip away, forgotten in the dust.

Inhale… two, three… exhale… two, three…

We race along the promenade, wind and miles rushing by.  The sun burns off the morning dew and the day is already proving to be unseasonably warm.  I am thankful for the wind and the cooling evaporating sweat on my skin.  The path is straight and wide and in the not too far distance my prey gives me a thumbs up.  I smile returning the gesture and continue to count my breaths.

Inhale… exhale…

My heart pounds uncomfortably hard but my legs and lungs are faithful.  This is furthest I have gone at pace.  My Garmin beeped earlier to tell me I have already set a record for fastest 5 K (25:55) and 10 K (53:03).  I am committed to this; not just chasing down the shadow of my friend, but to see what I can actually do.  How fast?  How far?  I am testing my limits. So far, so good!

Inhale… exhale…

A quick pit stop for ice water (thanks to Andy who dropped by in his car to help us) and the pursuit begins again, but this time I have a secret advantage.  It’s on an incline, and I do love me some hills.  My escapee doesn’t gain much ground on the hill, although he does pull frustratingly further ahead the moment we reach the flat.  Alright then, challenge accepted.

Inhale… exhale…

I don’t gain any more ground.  But it comes down to this.  My body knows this game.  It can put one foot in front of the other.  It can do that for a long time.  And I will not quit.  My focus narrows.  My music blares encouragingly up tempo beats. I am just this, oxygen in, CO₂ out, step, step, step – repeat.  It’s moments like these – where simplicity and synchronicity and clarity of purpose burn bright through every fibre of my being – why I love running so much.  Running is my solace and passion and in this moment, with 10 miles done in less than 90 minutes and still feeling strong, I am definitely riding a runner’s high.  My favourite mantra is on a loop in my head –  I can do this, I can definitely do this!

Inhale… exhale…

I’ve chased my friend along Otterspool, up Upper Parliament Street, through Toxteth, past Princes Park and around Sefton Park… I lose him on Queen’s Drive and end up doubling back finding him just in time for a final effort.  We sprint side-by-side past Greenbank Park and it feels amazing.  It’s a perfect 11 mile training run in preparation for the Half here later this month.  I’ve never run so far so quickly and I am, to use a Scouse expression, absolutely buzzing!

Massive thanks to Nav for the challenge!  This was definitely one of those barrier breaking runs.  I don’t know what my limits are yet, but I know I haven’t reached them yet and I am excited to keep reaching.