Penny has dropped - it’s all in the mind - Bridge to 10K

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Penny has dropped - it’s all in the mind

sarah65 profile image
sarah65Graduate10
10 Replies

Set off for this morning with 9k in mind. Usual demons along the way trying to put me off. Thought about the post from OlderThanDirt yesterday and I have to say I found it most enlightening. I didn’t realise it but I find the same in that if I can get to a certain distance the demons disappear and I know I can keep going. Understanding that running is a psychological challenge is half the battle in defeating those demons. I can see that now.

I’m measuring in time rather than distance and keep adding on 10 minutes each week. I’m super slow but still have a good few lbs to shift although I’ve lost over a stone since I started C25K back in February which has to help!

Stopped after 80 mins and found I’d ran around 9.6k - very happy with that.

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sarah65 profile image
sarah65
Graduate10
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10 Replies
dindy profile image
dindyGraduate10

Hi sarah65. I also find I run by time on most occasions rather than distance. I did find if I set out to do a certain distance say 10k and fell short I was disappointed and deflated.

I rather run for say 20 -40 mins then turn around & come back.

Some days pace is not so hot yet others I exceed my pace. Myself I have only been running for around 10 months, 8 if you take out 9 weeks for c25k so I am still a novice/beginner runner and have lots still to learn.

No point me pretending I can run a set distance of say 5- 8 or10K every time as it just will not happen yet. I no longer fret if my pace was slower than the run b4, so what?? As long as I am running whatever pace or distance then I am happy & progressing, but not too fast.

sarah65 profile image
sarah65Graduate10 in reply todindy

I agree - I try not to get worked up about pace even though those demons tell me I can’t be a runner because I’m too slow! I decided to concentrate on distance and aim to do two 40 min runs in the week and a longer one at the weekend. It’s going well so far but I suffer with very achy legs afterwards. Determined to start the strengthening exercises this week.

linda9389 profile image
linda9389Graduate10

Wow, that's a great run and a great start to the day! I totally agree so much of this is in the mind - happy demon bashing :D

sarah65 profile image
sarah65Graduate10 in reply tolinda9389

Thanks Linda - it does make me feel good to know I’ve done it and I’ll be ready for those demons next time!

Sadie-runs profile image
Sadie-runsGraduate10

You can run for 80 minutes?! Those demons do not stand a chance up against you, Sarah! I always find the first 5k of a longer run the hardest, after that, the demons realise how serious I am, bog off, and let me get on with it – from there it gets infinitely more pleasurable. :-) Good run, well done!

Sadie-runs xx

sarah65 profile image
sarah65Graduate10 in reply toSadie-runs

Thanks Sadie xx I have to aim for distance because I can’t do speed!

Sadie-runs profile image
Sadie-runsGraduate10 in reply tosarah65

That’s fine. They are two completely different disciplines - each one amazing if you can nail it. Some people are built for speed, some distance. 😁

Empem profile image
EmpemGraduate10

Wow brilliant! 9k still seems like a dream at the moment.Those demons are powerful and you out ran them!

sarah65 profile image
sarah65Graduate10 in reply toEmpem

Thanks Empem. It’s amazing how quickly it builds up week by week. I can hardly believe I’m doing it most of the time!!

Empem profile image
EmpemGraduate10 in reply tosarah65

The achey legs too.I'm with you on that.Not sure whether I should feel back to normal with no niggles before doing any strengthening though.

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