Up to 7.5k again :)

Hello lovely running buddies,

I hope you're all well and having safe happy runs!

I've been out again this morning, after doing a few 5ks to get back into the swing, I decided I was going to do at least 7k, so... I did.

I set off at a slower pace than the last few runs, deliberately so actually. I tend to run to a fixed-tempo running track from podrunner. Lately I've been doing 162bpm, but I dropped back down to 159bpm today, because it was a longer run. It doesn't sound like much, but it makes a massive difference to my ability to complete a run without killing myself, believe me! Also, I love the 159bpm track, well love is a bit strong, but it's called "Road to Joy" and is based very losely on some Bach and the Beethoven's 9th, which as a classical musician I really appreciate. It's also the track I listened to for a lot of my Bridge to 10k training.

I started as usual on the canal towards Marple, and then cut off downhill towards the Middlewood Way (pics added later hopefully). Along the Middlewood way to the A6 at High Lane near where I live, and then I had a choice. Stop, or continue. Needless to say I pushed on back up the hill towards the village, and continued until I was nearly home, then walked for a couple of minutes to finish, followed by some much needed stretches when I got back. The weather though was beautiful. Chilly, but sunny, and my run took in a canal, some road running, and bridleway. I loved it. It feels so good to get back up to what I consider a decent distance (for me!) again.

Things to take away and think about:

1. Running is so much more fun if you go a little slower

2. Having said that, my pace gradually dropped off during the run, particularly on the uphill sections. The middlewood way is all slightly uphill from Marple to High Lane, and the last bit of road, the A6 to High Lane village is practically vertical. Well, probably not, but it feels it after running for 7k

What I do want to say is a big big thank you to everyone on here. So many of you support me through the ups and downs of running, and I probably would have given up recently if it hadn't been for you all.

Thank you, run safe!!

Neil

[Sadie-runs Graduate10]

Perfect! That sounds like a heavenly run, Neil, and massive congrats on getting back up to 7.5km – that's great! Slow running is amazing, I love it. I honestly don't give two hoots about speed anymore, and to be honest, I think the long slow runs are making me naturally faster on my shorter runs! So it's kind of a win win. But when you run slow, and you can go further and get into a rhythm, it just feels so lovely.

Hills as well! I am impressed. And good lad for keeping up with the stretches.

Sadie-runs xxx

[Hidden in reply to Sadie-runs]

Thank you dear Sadie. I’ve taken a lot of inspiration from your recent journey you know!! I was so ready for a longer run, and it felt soooo good. I even enjoyed the uphill stretch at the end, it didn’t seem to bother me so much. And you know, I nearly didn’t run today. So glad I did

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10]

Brilliant Neil, what a lovely sounding run! 😀🏃

I intend to revert to snail mode on Thursday when I tackle my first ever 8k. 🐌

[Hidden in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Snail mode is awesome! Compared to my recent 5ks this was slow, but I really really enjoyed it. I’m quite sure you can do this!!

[SaskAlliecat Graduate10]

Great job Neil. Good to see you back to fine form! It looks like a very picturesque place to run which helps a lot, I find.

[Hidden in reply to SaskAlliecat]

Thank you, I have to say my legs are feeling a wee bit twingy now nearly half a day on, but I shall do some more stretches before bed. I’m kind-of addicted now

[Goforitmama Graduate10]

Love the photo! It looks like a gorgeous day and a great place to run.

Thank you Neil for your honesty when writing about running and your ‘ups and downs’, it lets people like me know that we are not alone.

Hope the longer run gave you your inner smile. Take care.

[Hidden in reply to Goforitmama]

Thank you, I never know how much to share, I sometimes feel I should maybe shut up, but you lovely lot still seem to appreciate hearing from me. In fact Sadie tells me off if I don’t post regularly!! I’m just very glad if sharing my rollercoaster running journey is helping people. Thank you for your lovely comments!

[Goforitmama Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

I will let you know if it’s TMI !

[Hidden in reply to Goforitmama]

😂

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate10]

I hope you are feeling very proud of yourself Neil..you have done so well returning after your niggles/injury and you are definitely a Runner not a couch potato.

I'm very proud of you, and inspired! xx

[Hidden in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Thanks Jan. This is too important to me to give up. My mental health needs me to be running!! Thank you so much for your kind comments. I never thought I’d be inspiring you!!

[Richard7 Graduate10]

Good going Neil. Speed is relative and to me your run today over that distance was fast. But I get what you mean. Will done fellow runner.

[Hidden in reply to Richard7]

Thanks Richard, and thank you for persevering with me. The fact that you guys basically don’t give up on me means a lot. *manly hug*

[Dizzysmum17 Graduate10]

So great to see you back up there Neil. I am so pleased for you and it’s been fantastic watching your progress these last few weeks. You should be so proud! 😊❤️X

[Hidden in reply to Dizzysmum17]

Awww thank you. Everyone is writing really lovely replies. For someone who was told he didn’t have an emotional bone in his body, I’m actually close to tears now.

I am proud actually, which is hard for me to admit. It’s all to the credit of you guys who have helped me through though. Incidentally your own journey is pretty inspiring, you know?

[Dexy5 Graduate10]

You are definitely getting back to it now Neil. Well Done 👍

[Hidden in reply to Dexy5]

I’m doing my best! I’m not ready to give up yet, that’s for sure. Thank you for being an awesomely supportive VRB

[Dexy5 Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

As you have been to me 😀

[Fabulous450 Graduate10]

Fantastic!! Well done to you Neil!! I’m loving the look of the canal, you lucky man!! Glad you’re well and truly back into the run for the sheer enjoyment and loving it so much!! 😍🤩❤️

[Hidden in reply to Fabulous450]

Hey thank you it’s still a mix of ups and downs tbh, I feel quite achy today after yesterday’s run, but I shall do my stretches like a good boy, once I can prize myself out of bed lol I love a longer, slower run actually, not least because it’s something I never thought I’d be able to do

[Fabulous450 Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Ups and downs for me too Neil. In the downs I try to stop thinking about what I should be doing and just go with whatever I feel like doing, including doing nothing !! Rebel that I am...and it works.

Yes get those stretches done!! 😁 Bravo to you!! 😍❤️

[DebJogsOn]

Sounds like the best kind of run to me Neil 😊

[Hidden in reply to DebJogsOn]

Yes, I would say so! No rain, balance of flat and hills, varied scenery, I really enjoyed myself