Hi all, haven't posted for ages - life gets in the way and nothing interesting has happened recently, or nothing interesting enough to share at any rate! I am, however, avidly following everyone's progress which gives me much inspiration!
Over the summer I mostly consolidated my runs, did a few park runs and make sure I could comfortably run 5ks a couple of times a week (until my holiday, but that's another story of beer, food and sun haha 😎)
I decided that once I was back at school I would begin ju-ju-'s bridge plan, which I began Monday before last. I also decided to take it slowly as, being a morning runner, it would mean early, and dark, starts once I started the longer runs. A couple of weeks ago a local runner was attacked (in daylight) and since then my other half has been worrying about me running alone in the early mornings, so I have started running again with Dobby (being very aware of her every step so as not to trip again) and a panic alarm, which seems to have put his mind at rest. 🤗 I also have changed many of my most common routes so that I am always in well-lit or busy areas, which seems to work - even if it is a bit same-y.
Anyway, to cut a long story short, this week (meant to be week 2) I found myself on a a route that took me further out of town than usual and the only way I could get back home without running through various dark shortcuts was to take the main road, which meant that, at the end of the run I had run 7.1 kilometres! And I enjoyed every minute of it - it was such a great run and the feeling at the end was so good despite the red face :s and the very tired dog 🐕 😴 I appear to have skipped a week😬. So chuffed with myself 🤗
My question is - 2 colleagues of mine are trying to persuade me to sign up for a half marathon in March next year - which was never one of my plans - but I am considering it as an eventual goal. I know I shouldn't run before I can walk 😂but do you think it's a possibility? I have entered a 10K race at the end of October also, which is now looking good.
Thanks for reading this far - and happy running all! 😊🐕🏃♂️🏃♀️
x
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Dizzysmum17
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Thanks Mitch - it seems to have been a problematic summer in one way or another, running-wise, but happy to be on the bridge now! Thanks for your support - I think I'll play it by ear and sign up if and when I am confident enough to do it
Well I certainly intend to try for at least one half next year, why not - though with my current sleep deprivation, it’s all I can do at the moment to clock up 5k.
Thanks Flick - great to hear others who want to do the same - the sleep will come! Hope the ear plug testing is working and you're managing at least a few more hours than previously! x
Used different earplugs last night and much better, but could still feel the snore vibration through the bed It cut out the jackdaws squabbling too this morning. However, have ordered some replacement foams ear pieces for my flare audio earplugs, as they are brilliant.
Does that mean that the foam replacements will be used as earplugs at night or am I being a bit stupid? Let us know how you get on. And glad that you’re finding some improvement. X
Glad to see you on the magic plan dizzysmum and well done on your accidental 7.
I have been wondering how runners will be feeling with the darker mornings and evenings approaching , especially those running along canal paths etc. Perhaps the seasoned runners can let us know how they play it.
I can’t give you any advice in going half marathon- it’s certainly not on my radar.
Thanks Dexy - accidental 7! Love it! I did most of my C25K in the summer months so this darkness is a bit of a shock to be honest! Advice from seasoned runners would be greatly appreciated. xx
Are you capable of a HM next March.... Sure why not.
However, as someone who is about to step up my training again this year for a March HM (Dec-March) I am well aware that my training runs will be during the winter months and therefore in the dark. A HM will mean longer runs too. You are capable I'm sure, but be ready for some long, cold runs in the dark.
On the plus side it is great to have a reason to keep fit and running over the winter and new year when everyone else is feeling guity from overindulgence and making soon-to-be-broken new-year resolutions about getting fit.
Totally agree Whatsapp - I am continually changing my mind and one of the reasons is the thought of winter training. March is not far away and although my colleagues keep pushing me to sign up I am thinking that it may be better to wait - especially as I haven’t reached 10k yet! Thanks for your advice. 😊👍
I'm not looking forward to dark runs! My railway line route will only be for the lomg weekend run. So will need to do two dark ones. Considering joining a local running group on a Monday, but not sure I could keep up! My husband also worries. He's bought a bike so he can come with me when my sister can't run!! 😁😁
Join the running club Ang! You’ll love it and of course you’ll keep up. I hear they cater for all levels and abilities and you are a runner so go for it! And bless your husband for getting a bike - such a cool thing to do 🏃♀️😊❤️
It sounds as if you've done brilliantly! My running club sent a message out saying a female runner was sexually assaulted recently but even though I'm paranoid about safety I still run on quiet country roads. You have to weigh up the risks, take the right precautions and be sensible. Like you, I run with an alarm which gives a bit of assurance. And you've got Dobby!
As for the HM, you've got plenty of time including some built-in buffer for life, injury, etc. Why not get to 10K, consolidate and see how you feel. That's the beauty of this running thing, we can choose how to spend our running lives and do whatever our little running hearts desire. Great, isn't it? 🙂
Thanks IP - you’re totally right - we have all the time in the world and there is no rush. I think I’ll do exactly as you suggest and see how I feel. I never planned on anything like a HM but when people are geeing you on and challenging you it’s difficult to think clearly 😊.
Think Dobby would probably love them to death before doing anything else but she is a deterrent. X
Yes I think you should go for it... and that’s so awful, to be attacked in daylight, makes my blood boil. Huge well done for finding work arounds and I’m so pleased you are doing the plan.... well done you!!
I’m struggling to get back on track after some time off in the holidays and having to get up to run when it’s still dark. I’m back to running down the main roads which just isn’t as inspiring as running by the river. How are people carrying alarms when they’re running? Sorry if that’s a stupid question but I can’t see how it could be used if it’s in a pocket - I have an alarm so would like to give it a go so I don’t have to run along the roads on week days.
Hi Sarah. My alarm has a clip that attaches to my running belt if that helps. I agree - running down roads is not as interesting and I find it quite same-y but needs must I guess. I would be too worried to go anywhere that was dark or secluded even with the dog in the mornings so I think I’ll just deal with it for the time being and wait impatiently for lighter mornings!
Thanks I think you’re right - I wouldn’t want to be running in the dark even with an alarm. I could probably clip my alarm onto a running belt for more isolated runs on lighter morning. It annoys me so much that we have to worry about being safe on runs !!
Thanks Agelesslass - I think I’ll see how I go once I’ve reached 10k. I keep changing my mind but it’s no rush - I’ll do a half marathon at some point next year anyway. X
Well done on your accidental 7k! Brilliant achievement 😊 It's awful that someone was attacked. You just want to be able to run and enjoy it without having to worry about anything never mind that.
Re. The HM...10k felt pretty far for me and I will need a few weeks to be even half way comfortable with that distance. No plans here for an HM. That being said I am sure it is absolutely possible. Just be sure you want to do it as most of the plans have 4 runs plus other training so it's a bit more of a serious business than 10k. Do you have to sign up now? Is it a run that sells out early? If not then wait and see how you get on with 10k. Only a few weeks from 7k!
Thanks Sarah - it seems like quite a big step up and not sure I need to be worrying about training during winter with less light and fewer opportunities for longer runs. I will wait and see, as you suggest, but I think I am leaning towards consolidating 10k for a while when I get there and maybe doing one later in the year. 🙏 🏃♀️😊
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It cut out the jackdaws squabbling too this morning. However, have ordered some replacement foams ear pieces for my flare audio earplugs, as they are brilliant. 
That was strange but I do like a plan
Am I going to do myself a mischief?
Making a plan - no u-turns allowed ✋🏼🛑!
I guess I ought to post here!!
