I don’t think I’ve ever done this before. I may have muttered something vaguely similar to a friend or possibly convinced myself I’d have a go, but here’s the very first time I have ever announced this…

Tomorrow I will run a 5k PB.

At 9am tomorrow I’ll be doing my 50th parkrun. That’s a big deal! My local parkrun here in Cheltenham is only 104 weeks old and was my introduction, so I’ve averaged a parkrun every fortnight for the last two years. I’ve also visited 11 other parkruns around the country in that time, I love parkrun!

So that’s the venue sorted, but why put the pressure on myself to perform when I could just relax and celebrate?

Well in the last few months I’ve been working with my trainer Catherine, and I’ve never felt better prepared physically for running. I’ve lost a stone in that time and been running injury free now for 8 months (please don’t let that be the kiss of death!). I also matched my PB a few weeks ago by mistake, I had no idea I was even close otherwise I could have found a second or two I’m sure! I’m also being joined by a lot of friends tomorrow, some cheering and some running, possibly even pacing me.

So everything combines to suggest I have a PB in me, and for the first time ever I am feeling confident about giving it a go, so let me repeat…

Tomorrow I will run a PB.

Wish me luck, I’ll let you know how it goes!

******************************UPDATE******************************

I’m amazing myself on a regular basis at the moment, with digits like this.

On my 50th parkrun this morning I ran a 23:43, which is a PB by 45 seconds!

Thank you to everyone who came down to support, for the applause when my 50th and PB attempt were announced and the cheers as I ran round the course. Thanks to those that offered to pace me, and Danny who sat on my shoulder quietly pushing me on or just ahead making the gaps for me to run in to. Thanks to everyone who came to ask how I’d got on after the run. Thanks to parkrun for being the most amazing community, I really do love you.

Here’s to the next 50 and some more fast times.