Amazing Amanda and the Peeing Elf!

Today was the DRC Christmas handicap 5 mile race. Now I haven't run all week because my knees and ankles have been so sore so I had decided to wait till this morning to decide whether or not I would run. Whilst my ankles were still sore this morning my knees felt ok so I decided I would go and run.  I haven't runa full 5 miles non-stop since I started back so that was my main goal for today.  I knew that I would be slow but today wasn't about running any specific time, it was about spending time with running friends and hopefully getting round the route in one piece (with no walk breaks).
I set off on scracth with 3 other ladies, 2 of which were there to keep myself and Amanda comany on the run round. This was Amanda's first ever 5 mile run and she was probably as nervous as I was about running it.

The conditions were great for running - a lovey crisp wintery morning with the sun shining.  So long as you paid attention to the road you could easily avoid all the icey patches. We were having a good time encouraging each and catching up as we went round.  Each time one of us was struggling the others rallied round and kept us going. This is one of the reasons I love being in a running club - it doesn't matter what standard you run at, you will always be encouraged and made to realise how well you are doing - 6minute miling or 12 minute miling - it' all relative.
The second best moment of the day was when the little elf in our group nearly got caught short when she was having a sneaking spot of relief at the roadside and a car was coming the other way.  I can't be completely sure but her modesty remains intact - just ;-) ha ha.
The best moment? That was when Amanda crossed the line in 1st place! She didn't believe she could run the whole 5 miles and certainly didn't expect to be winning it.  Puking and walking breaks were held off and she crossed the finish line to a big cheer from our little group.  It really was a brilliant moment.

I rushed home as soon as we'd finished so I could shower and bring Annabel up to the clubhouse to meet all her future 'crew memebers' ;-) .  Poor wee soul was a bit overwhelmed by all the noise and the people and wasn't entirely pleased about being there but she did well and even got some wee xmas pressies from her 'running aunties' to take home too so it was a good wee adventure for her. She's a lucky wee girl.

Next time she'll be at the club will probably be the Hollywood Stroll race which is run on the same route that we used today in May.  Next time she'll be in her babyjogger though so will be racing the very best of them! ha ha.

There were some great times run today. I managed just shy of 11 minute miling (the slowest there as I expected) but I am really pleased that I managed to go the whole way without stopping and not feeling like I had broken anything. I'm a bit sore and stiff (especially in my knees and ankles) this evening but I have had a great day.  It's days like these that we remember why we run.  It's not always about being fast or getting faster, it's about being out there with your friends and having fun doing something you love. Happy days.