A week filled with sweat, determination, and unexpected triumphs. From runs with the Unicorn Running Club to slippery treadmills during Hyrox sessions, each day brought its own challenges and revelations. Cloudy skies tested my resolve, while moonlit nights with the running club fuelled camaraderie. Strength training and hybrid methods played their part, and as the half marathon loomed, doubts transformed into belief. Let’s lace up our shoes and explore the magic of ordinary moments—where every step becomes a story waiting to be told.
 

Monday: Unicorn Running Club Magic

The week kicked off with an evening run with the Unicorn Running Club. We covered a spirited 5 km, our breaths visible in the crisp air. The weather danced between drizzle and snow, and luck was on our side it didn’t rain.

Tuesday: Hyrox and Slippery Treadmills

Tuesday morning dawned it was wet and I was determined. My gym-bound journey was a slippery affair-the rain had soaked my trainers. The treadmill awaited, and I eased into the first 1 km run, mindful of the treacherous belt. Between three rounds of 1 km treadmill runs, I transitioned between the rower, the Skier, lunges, burpees, and wall balls, a symphony of effort that left me exhilarated and drenched.

Wednesday: Cloudy Struggles

A 4-mile run on Wednesday tested my resolve. The clouds hung low, wrapping me in their embrace. Warmth replaced thermals, but doubt crept in. Would my legs hold up for the impending half marathon on Sunday? The struggle was real, but so was the determination.

Thursday: Unicorn Nights

Another Unicorn Running Club night—a steady 5 km under the moon’s watchful eye. The rhythm of our steps matched the beating of our feet. 

Friday: Gym Grit and Unexpected Waters

Friday morning greeted me with another early gym session. The treadmill beckoned once more—1 km runs in triplicate. Overhead dumbbell presses, wall balls (two sets of 25 reps), and the dreaded burpees followed. But the surprise lay in the evening—a swimming session. I expected to struggle, yet I glided through 1.3 km comfortably. Three attempts, but I conquered the distance. A shift in mindset—maybe the half marathon was within reach.

Saturday: Park Run Dilemma

Saturday posed a dilemma: park run or rest? I chose the former, opting for a steady pace. No pushing, just enjoyment. The sub-26-minute finish bolstered my confidence. The half marathon loomed, and my goal of a sub-2-hour finish felt tantalizingly close.

Sunday: Half Marathon Dreams

On a chilly Sunday morning, I woke up with a mix of nerves and excitement. The weather, though freezing, remained dry small victory. Navigating road closures, I stumbled upon a cozy café, where a cup of tea warmed my hands, and the proximity of the toilets was a welcome surprise. Just in time, I joined the pens at 09:00, aiming to stick with the 2-hour pacer. But as the miles unfolded, I found myself moving ahead, crossing the finish line in an impressive 1 hour 56 minutes. This newfound confidence led me to sign up for more half marathons, defying my earlier doubts. Can strength training truly enhance running? I’m starting to believe it can. With hybrid methods in play, exciting progress awaits.