Since my wobble a week or so ago, I have tried some new things. Running with Nike + Headspace, a 40 min run with Paula Radcliffe (on Nike +, not in person, obvs), running the entire length of The Sugarcubes debut album, have slowed down a bit, and not focussed on doing long distances. The result? I truly feel I am running “in the moment”. I feel relaxed, happy, strong again. After the run I am feeling energised rather than shattered. Happy, rather than self-critical, and the endorphins have come back. I am going to continue this on my weekday runs, with slightly longer, relaxed runs on the weekend when I feel ready for it.
It’s always good to remind ourselves why we run, and for me, that is because I enjoy it.
Ran at dawn today and the presence of the moon in the dusky blue sky filled me with pure joy, as did the flock of noisy geese that did a fly-by at the end of my run.
Happy running, all.
Sadie-runs xxx
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Sadie-runs
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Sounds like a great run Sadie. 👍😀 It seems you’re back in love with running 🏃♀️ again, which is great news. 🙂 Sometimes we see things when we’re running that we could see or care about otherwise, like your 🦆 friends this morning. It must have been great to be out there enjoying nature.
Thank you David, it truly was. I think I am on a second honeymoon with running. Do you know John Bingham? He says the most perfect things (that resonate with me) about running. A friend of mine sent me this one when I was feeling a bit low:
“It was being a runner that mattered, not how fast or how far I could run. The joy was in the act of running and in the journey, not in the destination.” John Bingham
Don’t worry, I knew that’s what you meant, Dexy. 😘 🌝
What a lovely run, and love the pic. I had the moon too, and the sun opposite it, on my run. and I too run because I enjoy it. It's so easy to get caught up in the runners' hype that assaults us from every direction, from the shoe we buy, the books and articles we read, to posts from our fellow runners.
Talking of buy: I hope you enjoyed your visit to retail running nirvana. xxx
Thank you lovely Flick. Yes, you are so right about getting caught up in the things that don't matter the most. Recognising that, and letting go, has been revolutionary for me. x
I had a browse of shoes, but decided I would be okay with my Flyers for now…(but did get some lovely new long running tights for the cold mornings). xxx
Ooh, did you get an exciting shade of black? Actually I have three pairs of black leggings - gasp! i wear them with coloured tops. In fact i like black a lot. xxx
LOL! You know I love to run ninja style, so yes, they are black. But controversially, they have some pink reflector zig-zags on the lower front leg. That's quite enough colour for me! xxx
Thanks IP. Amazing what a slight shift of thinking can do for your running, eh? So happy. xxx
Hi Sadie,
It gives me so much joy to read this, it really does. I knew your mojo was in there somewhere, you just had to find it, and you have! I haven't really got anything to add or anything wise to say, because I think you've said it all.
I've also decided that I really need to stop putting pressure on myself and just run for the love of it. My last two runs have been with that mindset, and what a difference it makes.
I'm so thrilled you're enjoying it again, and I'm also so thankful that you're being honest enough to share your struggles.
Aw, thank you dear Neil. 😘 When you think about it, we had a summer of goals and pushing ourselves (and in the heat, too!), so let’s use Autumn to regroup, collect ourselves, run for the pure unadulterated pleasure, until the urge bites us to aim for something new! My running feels all very zen right now, and I am enjoying this. Glad you are enjoying some happy runs too my best running pal! xxx
Lol! I now have this mental image of you sitting cross-legged, hovering about a foot off the ground meditating all whilst wizzing round your local park 😂
That’s an amazing post and some great tips that I’ll be mindful of going forwards... I’ve had a few bad runs recently, focussed to much on pace and time rather than enjoying it
Thank you! God, there is so much to learn about running; one year on and I am still discovering new things. It’s hard, but the trick is to know when to push, and when to not push. And that’s hard. It is all too easy to get fixated with constant improvement and PBs and the danger with that is that you can stop listening to your body (and mind). No doubt I will need a fresh goal again soon, and will need to challenge myself, and I will be ready for it. Never be afraid of taking a few runs to just enjoy now and again, Schofield, especially if you have had consecutive runs that haven’t felt so good. We have to take care of our mojo as well as our bodies. 😁 xx
That sounds like you’ve rediscovered your mojo. It’s horrid when you loose it but such a great feeling when it comes back. A bit like the prodigal son. 😀
Fab! That sounds like a great run - it is great to find that happy place ( I know I did on my weekend long run). I love the sound of the Nike + Paula Radcliffe run - where can I find this? 🙂
It was lovely, Sandra! The guided run with Paula can be found on the Nike + Run Club app - which is free! She just talks through her career with a running coach, and together they talk you through a 40 min run. It’s a nice distraction and inspiring. x
What a lovely positive post and I’m so glad you’re enjoying your running again! Long may it continue! I think it’s all too easy to get stressed with speed and distances etc( I know I do a bit even when I know I shouldn’t) I might try that app you mentioned!!
Thanks! Nike + Run Club is a free running app. Headspace guides runs (a type of meditation) and the Paula guided runs are two separate runs on the app (amongst loads of others). All worth a try! I loved the Headspace runs. x
Yay! So pleased to read you are feeling better and found a new happy running ‘zone’. I see from Strava you’re doing brilliantly but with just stats it’s hard to see where our heads are at. Better a happy runner than one defined by stats alone. Xx
Thanks lovely Alka. I haven’t really adjusted my running routine too much, just changed my mindset. Running seems to be as much in the mind as it is of the body it seems...I am just not trying to push at the moment, and focus more on how I feel. And that has been liberating! I know I will want to push to improve again soon, but for now I am really enjoying my maintenance runs, and simply, the joy of being able to run! My head is definitely in a much better place. 😊 How are things with you my lovely? xxx
Lovely. I’m good thanks. Have my 1st 10k Race on 6 Oct so taking it easy till then. Don’t want any more injuries! Then think I’ll embark on a slow HM plan. 😏 See how I feel after the 10k. Take care Sadie. xx
Slow and steady, good work! Hope you really enjoy your 1st 10km race, am sure it will be axwonderful experience. (And, I am pretty sure you have a HM in you, Alka. 👍) xxx
Thank you so much OG! In a way I don’t resent this glitch; have learned something very valuable from it, and something that may improve my running in the long haul. All good! x
Fabulous to read Sadie, could feel the joy of your run. So good to hear you are back on top after a blip. I too am running at the moment with pleasure and enjoyment as the primary focus.
I joined a running club this week and did a club run of 4 miles on Tuesday night which was lovely. Then on Thursday night went to a training session (pyramid hills) so not as much pleasure to say the least but still enjoyed it somehow and came home smiling, tired but smiling nonetheless.
Thanks my lovely. And you have joined a running club?! Brilliant! I would like to join a club, but not sure I could face running in the evenings after work. In fact I have only ever run in the morning since I started! It does sound lovely though, and motivating. Glad you are back enjoying your runs too, Lori. Phew! xxx
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Do you know John Bingham? He says the most perfect things (that resonate with me) about running. A friend of mine sent me this one when I was feeling a bit low:
xxx
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