Thank you to everyone for the great advice, empathy and general loveliness in response to my post on Sunday. 😘 You genuinely sorted me out and helped me to gain some perspective.
This morning I ran 30 mins, with no focus on pace or distance, using the Nike + app Headspace morning run. I have figured out that stress really plays with my head and affects my running - physically I was feeling heavy and emotionally demoralised. I realise my brain was tired and less able to deal with the mental demands of pushing yourself on a run.
So today there was no pushing - just being and running. And it worked. 😊 I had a nice run.
You guys are so good you should really start charging for your services!
Thanks again.
Sadie-runs x
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Well done Sadie, you did exactly the right thing! 👍 There’s no point putting extra pressure on yourself if you’re not feeling up to it. Sometimes just relaxing your approach is all you need. 🙂
Thanks David. I have been pushing all summer - first to get to 10k, then to speed up my 5k, never thought to back off for a while. Work stress hit me like a sledge hammer and still I persisted like an idiot! Am so glad I posted for advice. Phew. xx
So happy you've found your groove. Stress is a funny thing, everyone has some to varying degrees, no one can see it and only one can feel it. It manifests in so many different ways too.
Sometimes running has been a release for me when in a stressful period, other times it feels like an elephant on my/your back and we just can't face a run.
Its all positive learning, it just doesn't feel like it at the time. ❤️
Thank you, dear Mitch. And thank you for suggesting the Nike+/Headspace runs. It really helped me let go of all the nonsense. Stress always affects me physically, I just feel so exhausted. Took me a while to realise that was why I was finding running hard. I was getting out there, but with no mental resources to get through my run with a positive mental attitude. These are the times I need to loosen up, I think, and do shorter runs or runs without worrying about how far/how fast. 1 year running and I am still learning LOL! Thank you so much for your support, my lovely. xxx
I had the same thing on Monday, got home full of beans and bounce, ready to go out, thinking I'd do a longish (7-8k) run.... couple of late work calls interrupted my flow, and it was 8pm before I got out...… At which point, tigger was gone...lol. Scraped 2k then just gave it up as an experience.... chalked it up as "maintenance" lol!
Missed your previous post dear Sadie and still have not made time to read all your replies and gems there.
Certainly going to pour back over these again.
Great to read this latest news.
Just wanted to mention a couple of thoughts picked up from JuJu and her regime that I think that perhaps are applicable and useful,
🌟The distance dial in thought and the distance readiness thought.
I think this concept takes huge pressure off yourself.
Eg. At a given slow pace I just knew I could do a HM so it was dialled in before I went 8, 10, 12, 15k and HM.Ready as I ever was going to be and because I am Slow ,hours of stress free running in my legs.
NB. Of course I do not have your responsibilities and also get quality and quantity of sleep.
🌟The distant readiness thought.
Again this can relieve huge pressure.🤔
Eg. I use 10K as my distance and intend to test and confirm that each month on my reset 4th week.
JuJu eg.operates with HM readiness.💥🏃♀️🐆💥
Of course we all bank our fitness and with honest endeavour want to retain it, but we have also got to be confident and smart and take the concept of dividends also if they work for us.
What’s not to like if they give us no tension relaxed running.
I read in your post, JuJu in her reply mentions reset week,I now practise this, it’s a retrospective no brainer really, but as always, light bulb moments need to be advised, and JuJu has been there and done it.💥
So I am back on 42k/week for 3 weeks and 22k for my reset week,(4thweek).
So perhaps food for thought , dial in capability, distance readiness and reset week.We are all uniquely different and have our distinct needs.
This is not about me, you have raised Sadie dear an old chestnut of sustainability and how to manage overuse and most definately and how to achieve stress free/tension free running.
Sorry for this Sadie, went off on one,but as JuJu says running is the golden thread that binds us together.
Motivational magic on this unique forum of salt of the earth runners.
Thank you, dear Tbae. Those lightbulb moments catch me by surprise and always feel like such a revelation! I felt so much lighter and happier this morning taking the pressure off myself. When I feel ready, and stronger, I will set a new goal. But for now, I am going to allow myself to reset, and not worry, and also try and find ways to cope with the pressure I am under at work. Thank you for your lovely, thoughtful reply. xxx
Thanks Jan. 😘New picture is from a beautiful walk I did along the coast this summer, a very happy day. Essentially those replies lifted me from worry and despair; amazing advice, for which I am so grateful. Gawd, I still have so much to learn! xxx
Good news, sounds like you have it figured out Sadie 👍 . . . this will keep you going you until the stress eases and you are back to your normal runs. Work stress is pretty debilitating physically and mentally, I know that from working in design and print related businesses for over 40 years! 😁😁😁
With a lot of help from my friends! Thanks OG. I work in publishing…constant deadlines, ever-shrinking budgets, and tricky licensors to contend with (as well as unreasonable bosses). I love books, but this job is pushing me to my limits, especially when it interferes with my running! x
Awww so glad you are back to normal service Sadie ❤
I tried the free trial of that, and although it is so hard, it really is very good once you get into the swing of it. I must do it again! Glad to hear that it has helped your son. I don't care about money or status, I just want to live a happy healthy life. Running helps, meditation could be the next step. xxx
Thanks Dexy. 😘 Yes, I am definitely my own worst enemy, but thank goodness for the lovely souls on here who put me straight! Psychologists in training, the lot of them! Worked out my issues and what was needed in an instant! xxx
Great to hear, Sadie! Well done on finding what works for you. 😊❤️
You’ve inspired me to try those Nike+ Headspace runs now. I liked the idea, but tend to get a bit overwhelmed by “multi app overload” when about to set off for a run...
Thanks darling MD. It was a good distraction to try something new, and liberating to just run with no goal in mind for a change...I have been far too obsessed with that lately. Must learn to listen to my mind as well as my body...xxx
Having read this, I've downloaded several of the headspace runs. I turned off pace notifications while I've been away and it has been so much more peaceful. I've also slowed my pace better without the notifications than I was managing with them! Go figure!
So pleased to hear Sadie. Just keep doing what brings you some stress relief and pleasure. I haven't been back out yet, maybe Friday or Saturday? I will also just be going out for a run, no pre-planning distance, time or imposing any expectations.
Thank you lovely Lori. x This morning I reminded myself why I had started running - to get fit and to enjoy the mental benefits, not to become a world class athlete, LOL! So, just getting out there and marvelling in the fact that I can run really lifted me. Running is full of light bulb moments. 😊 Hope you get out soon for a “dog run” - that’s just a run for pleasure and because you can. Run like Phoebe from Friends! Hugs to you too. xx
That’s the whole point, being and running. And putting things into perspective. Job related stress is, unfortunately, wide spread and can be debilitating but running is there to help relieve whatever they throw at you. Who cares, do your own thing, ignore, oppose & enjoy. Works miracles for me.
Thanks mrrun. I sort of lost sight of that for a while, but as I said somewhere else (I think!), getting back to the roots of why I run has helped no end. 😊
Sometimes I do a no frills run, if I need to clear my head. No metrics, no music, garmin up my sleeve so I'm not tempted to look at it, and I like it best on a windy day so this is the perfect season! It does really help to just run sometimes, like you did when you were a child—just for the joy of moving freely in the glorious outdoors 😊 Running and meditation are pretty interchangeable for me in general. I did used to use the Headspace app for a bit but find if I do a repetitive motion like running (or knitting! Honestly, I knitted ten hats last winter 😄) it actually helps me relax more than sitting still.
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. . . this will keep you going you until the stress eases and you are back to your normal runs. Work stress is pretty debilitating physically and mentally, I know that from working in design and print related businesses for over 40 years! 😁😁😁
Tortoise negotiates with Life for better terms for Running 🐢
Enjoying my running again 😁
Running form!
At last my first non-stop 10k! 
