Enforced Jeffing

[Tartancat]

Getting a little bored with my usual 5km route so with the help of my OS map I plotted a new route through virgin territory.

So finished work and set out. Lovely and warm so no faffing about with layers, just a t-shirt - lovely!

No toxic 10 for me today - the lane is a gentle incline down to the main road making life easy for me. And no traffic coming (a minor miracle) so straight over I go. Through the gate and over a stile. The farmer has been cutting the hedgerows, and the air is filled with the smell of cut leaves and the warm tang of decay.

Down the field, following a sheep path, and through the gate onto the bridleway. Bridleway? Really? There's no way you could ride a horse down here- the cobbles are rough, slimy and treacherous. I'm forced to walk until the track turns to earth. Up then into the village, turn left and into a cul de sac to the footpath at the end. Um, so where is the footpath? Nowhere to be found , so round I turn ( the woman parking her car smiled - maybe she's used to seeing people foxed by the lack of footpath)

Turned left again - maybe I read the map wrong. Keep going, keep going..... aha, a dirt track heading in the direction of home. Gotta be worth a try. Corn fields on either side of me and looks like the cobs are ripening.

A fork in the trail, which way now? I head right and can hear the traffic on the main road at the end. But there's a tiny path off to the left so that's where I head. And it's another enforced walk as it's lumpy bumpy along here.

And what's that ahead? A pond, hoorah, I'm back on track! It's well known by the local fishermen (and women!) But apart from an abandoned bait box there's no sign of action today.

Through the deserted farmyard, back across the main road (loads of traffic now all heading home for tea). Walk along the verge then over a stile onto the narrowest path I've seen in a long while. No chance of running here, so another enforced (though welcome) walk. I'm dodging low hanging hawthorn branches, their red hips trembling. The horses in the field next to me act like they've never seen a woman in lycra before. Spooky!

And finally, back onto the lane and back to jogging till I get back home.

5.2km sort of done, but my question is (for those who made it this far), does that count as a 5k run? I've got the C25K mindset still that if you had to stop before the end you haven't completed it. I struggle with the concept of Jeffing!

[Sadie-runs Graduate10]

That’s trail running for you! Sometimes you just have to walk bits. And it still counts in my book. Funny, I do remember feeling awfully anxious after C25K about stopping to walk, but now? Pffft! Not so much, especially on long runs. Especially not if your walking bits are through necessity and not for too long. Funny the rules we impose and on ourselves for no good reason! Sounds like you had a lovely adventure. Good work. 👏👏👏

[Tartancat Graduate10 in reply to Sadie-runs]

It was a lovely jaunt. I guess I need to remember that I run for enjoyment (and i really enjoyed it today) - the 10k will come when it comes! Thanks Sadie-runs for putting it in perspective 🙂

[BaddieThePirate Graduate10 in reply to Tartancat]

I agree with your question, I've asked the same thing, and with Sadie's answer. They are our runs now and it sounds beautiful and fun. It counts! Well done 👍

[Tartancat Graduate10 in reply to BaddieThePirate]

Thanks Baddie!

[Flyingred Graduate10]

As a confirmed Jeffer, I would say that yes, of course, it counts as a 5k run! If you alternate walking and running and cover the ground faster than if you ran at a constant pace then, for me, it's proof that Jeffing is a good way to go.

It depends on your motivation, but I go out running because I want the health benefits, it reinforces my good habits around food and alcohol, and I've found that I really enjoy running through the countryside.

Sounds like a great run too!

[Tartancat Graduate10 in reply to Flyingred]

Hmmm, my time was slightly slower than if i was constantly running, so I'll put a bit more effort in next time!

Thanks Flyingred 🙂

[pinkaardvark Graduate10]

I just stop my watch of I need to check a map or walk a tricky bit or take a photo. That way I'm recording running only as that's what I want a record of. I don't record walking elsewhere in the day so don't see the point while out running, plus I wouldn't want to look back and think I had ran xkm when I actually hadn't.

[Tartancat Graduate10 in reply to pinkaardvark]

Good plan. Up till now I've recorded from start to finish so I can see how long the route took (includimg where i had to walk) and try to improve on that. But now I'm trying to run a set distance each time stopping and starting my watch might be the way to go.

So much to think about!

[Hidden]

I've had rough cross country bits where I've had to walk briefly. On trails it sometimes cant be avoided, but it's usually been seconds rather than minutes for me.

Love your run description. I had a marked footpath just vanish on me in the summer. I got totally lost across field as a result and ended up on a busy road with no roadside path - eek.

[Tartancat Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

I think I found the end of the elusive footpath by the pond, so next time I will run it backwards to see if I can find the beginning. I won't be beaten!

[Hidden]

A good and interesting run 😀

Think the walking thing is a personal thing, I get the jeffing as it's structured

For me I still feel I have failed if had to walk .. don't even like standing still if I have to cross a road

If it works for you that is all that matters .. sounds like fun

[Tartancat Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

It was fun, but it's a fine line between pushing myself and relaxing. One day I'll be good enough to do both at the same time!

[Elfe5 60minGraduate]

Ground covered is ground covered I reckon. People who Jeff a half marathon have still completed a half marathon! 😃

[Tartancat Graduate10]

You're right, but I bet their running sections are a tad faster than mine! Still, I've realised from all the really useful comments here that there are many different ways of progressing. Loving this, so many different things to try I don't think I will ever get bored with this running malarkey!