The joy of running slowly

[Sadie-runs]

Morning dears,

So, I completed my 2nd run of the 1st week of ju-ju’s 10k programme today, and it went rather well. I chose to do the 5.5km run, as I woke up feeling energetic. Although torrential rain was forecast, it was dry, and also nice and cool - bonus!

I have made the decision to bring my pace down for the 10k training, as I had been getting a bit too speedy of late, which could explain recent fatigue resulting in meh attitude to running. My usual 5k pace is around 6.12 mins per km; this run I averaged at 6.45 per km, and you know, it felt great. The longer the runs get, the more I may slow my pace. I felt challenged but finished the run easily, and more importantly, happy.

Taking the decision to start the 10km training has been a game changer for me. I feel really excited again, and a little bit scared, but like during C25K, I feel determined.

My local train station has a white board and every day they write an inspirational quote for all us cynical and tired commuters. Today’s was perfect:

“Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever did.”

I am going to avoid doubt.

Sadie-runs xxx

[Hidden]

Haha, this is ironic in the light of my most recent post 😂 Come and run with me, dearest Sadie, I will soon slow you down - AND give you a taste for extravagent lycra purchases: I saw the most divine shocking pink everyday wear - not running - top yesterday and couldnt afford it because of all my running gear purchases 😭 xxx

[Sadie-runs Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

I feel more running purchases coming on…but need to resist! (I am trying to save up so that I can afford to take a sabbatical from work next year). I will, however, treat myself to something when I get to 10k, for sure! xxx

[misswobble Graduate10 in reply to Sadie-runs]

Ha ha me too. I was looking at a Nike gym top yesters. £58! Crazy 😬🙄

[Sadie-runs Graduate10 in reply to misswobble]

My problem is I only seem to like the really expensive stuff. I once ordered a couple of tops and a pair of shorts from Sports Direct or somewhere like that, and when they came the colours were nothing like they looked on the website (lurid!) and the fit was horrible, and the T-shirts so thin you could clearly see my very glamorous (not!) sports bra underneath. The shorts? Well, from just trying them on I could tell they were going to be "chaffie". Sent them right back and then spend a small fortune on gorgeous Under Armour T-shirts (soft, divine fit, great wicking, lovely colours) and shorts that I could run to the moon and back in. Meh. Why was a born such a princess?!

[Hidden in reply to Sadie-runs]

I went i to Sweaty Betty in Oxford. Gulp ...

[Sadie-runs Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Oh lorks...what happened, Flick? How did that turn out?! 😂 I love their stuff but oh my, the prices...

[Hidden in reply to Sadie-runs]

Precisely, the prices! I only went in out of curiosity. I already had clothes from Tikiboo. Since then i discovered Sturdy by Design and their stuff is gorgeous and, in my opinion, more comfortable than Tikiboo. Out of interest (and I've probably mentioned it before) the waif like blonde model for Sweaty Betty a couple of years back is the daughter of a close friend, and I knew her when she was a little girl. But Sweaty Betty stuff is incredibly classy I have to say.

[Sadie-runs Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Ooh have not heard of sturdy by design, stop encouraging me! And small world, eh?

[DebJogsOn]

That definitely sounds like a plan Sadie. Enjoy!

[Sadie-runs Graduate10 in reply to DebJogsOn]

Thanks Deb. Cannot believe how long it has taken me to truly realise that running slowly is key. Doh! x

[DebJogsOn in reply to Sadie-runs]

Finding what you enjoy is the important thing. Do that and you'll do fine.

I enjoy running (moderately slowly) and love being outside but am not fussed about being fast or racing so long leisurely runs are great for me.

My recent interest in hills is all about being able to tackle more varied routes rather than becoming a fell runner.

You're definitely more speedy than me and when you're running further you might start wanting to do it faster - and that'll be right for you.

Like I've said before run what makes you happy 😊.

You got this!

[Hidden]

Love that! Well done Sadie. 😊

[Sadie-runs Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you, Calypso! And that quote, I couldn't help but think it was a message from the universe, as I am the Queen of Self Doubt. x

[ju-ju- Graduate10]

How cool is your train station, I love it!!

Well done.... the longer I have been running the slower I have got! I love finding that sweet spot of running, feeling good and enjoying everything around me. You cannot beat it... and what a great start to the day.

[Empem Graduate10 in reply to ju-ju-]

Looking forward to the "sweet spot" I like that.!

[Sadie-runs Graduate10 in reply to ju-ju-]

I know! I look out for it every day, just so happens that today the message seemed to be directly for me.

And thank you, ju-ju. I got so bound up with getting a good time for my 5k, that I forgot about the joy of the sweet spot. x

[Hidden]

*puts on cheerleader costume* yay!!!!!!

Well done you, you're doing fantastically. We CAN do this

[Sadie-runs Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Yes we can! (Okay, Obama!) I will not lie, every run is kind of tough, but tough is fine when it is enjoyable. I got a lovely slow, running pace on today … I hope this stands me in good stead for the increases in distance. x

[Hidden in reply to Sadie-runs]

You’ll be fine. In fact WE’ll be fine. I am sure the key is to slow down, so if we nag each other about that, we might stand a chance

[misswobble Graduate10]

A slow run is gorgeous and feels gloriously self-indulgent doesn’t it. Good for mind and body. Pity they can’t all be long and slow. Except they can, if we want 🙂

Good luck with the training 💪👍😃

I got the torrential rain this morning while out with the dog. Put the heating on to dry our wet things 🙄

[Sadie-runs Graduate10 in reply to misswobble]

It just felt more natural and pleasurable...I might bring in a little speed play on the shorter ones now and again, but anything above 4k is going to be slow from now on…

Thanks misswobble, and I hope you dry out soon! x

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate10]

Well done Sadie, going slower will definately help you reach longer distances!

Exciting isn't it. Tick those runs off as you journey to 10k!😄xx

Those shorter recovery runs are really fun too...and a treat for your legs! (What stopping already😉)....

[Sadie-runs Graduate10 in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

It is exciting, Jan! I never thought I could get quite so excited at the challenge of running slower. And it is a challenge. I also anticipate that this will be a battle of wills with my brain – if you know what I mean!

xxx

[Tasha99 Graduate10]

Well done!

My 10k pace is a good minute/km slower than my 5k pace.

[TedG Graduate10]

Way to go Sadie, nothing worse than setting off too quick then suffering fatigue.....been there done it 🤗

So glad you’re enjoying your runs again 😊

So girl 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️😎

[Sadie-runs Graduate10 in reply to TedG]

Thanks Ted! Cannot believe it has taken so long for the penny to fully drop! x

[Richard7 Graduate10]

Great start Sadie .. Have fun .. curious what tomorrow's inspirational post will be!

[Sadie-runs Graduate10 in reply to Richard7]

Thanks Richard! 😁

[Fishypieface Graduate10]

Good idea to slow it down, less chance of injury and will hopefully feel a bit easier

I love that your pace is about a minute faster than mine!! I've been running on the treadmill - about 7.48 mins a km (cos that's what it landed on ) and it's been lovely to go s-l-o-w. I even feel like a better runner.... Still sweaty as though. I don't seem to be able to regulate my pace on the street though, it's just go or stop!

You are doing a fab job, keep it up! xx

[Sadie-runs Graduate10 in reply to Fishypieface]

Thank you dear FPF. I know it sounds silly, but this running slow lark has been a real revelation! After 9 months of having it drummed into me here the penny has dropped. 😁 And like you say, I actually feel like a better runner for it! I am also so paranoid about injury after my various shenanigans over the last nine months - hamstring, calf, hip you name it - I will do anything to try and prevent it if I can. I have a sneaky suspicion that going too fast might have been at the root of it all...

Hope all is well with you. Glad to hear you are back to running! xxx

[WhizzyTwix Graduate10]

I slowed my 3rd ever 10k down last week to around 7.00 mins per km and I enjoyed nearly every km of it! My 5k (approx 6.30 min per km) is a different matter, I spend most of it breathing heavily and feeling like I'm going to vomit!