Cool damp run run today so that was good but I’ve realised that most of the time I’m running by numbers 😔. It’s in my head that it doesn’t ‘count’ as a ‘proper’ run unless I do 30 min or 5k. Please don’t shout at me I KNOW THAT’S NOT TRUE. I so envy those that pop out for 10 min because they are committed to running but may not have time for longer. I don’t have time restraints so feel ‘obliged’ to go for it. Haven’t started juju’s plan as it’s more numbers!!
Think I need to introduce a fun run maybe for the weekend. But will my head let me?!!
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Sybilw
Graduate10
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I don't think there's a fundamental problem with using those numbers to structure your running plans. Do you mean that you are struggling to attain them? If that is the case then perhaps you should consider planning shorter runs for a while - for example 3k or 20 minutes. Work on becoming strong with those numbers before increasing them. Remember, you're playing a long game here!
If I've misunderstood and you aren't struggling, just try to relax a little - a couple of minutes here and there don't matter. If one day you only run for 25 min, another you may run for 40. A long game, remember? But at the same time if you run for 20 minutes three times a week, it all adds up.
Finally, for a fun run - how about treating it like a treasure hunt? Instead of running x distance, aim to run a route where you pass a few special landmarks (for example)? Or you might choose a destination. Take it easy - that way you can have the pleasure of the scenery around you as you run.
Thank you for those ideas. I’m not struggling but I’m just forgetting to have fun!! I have lovely scenery around me but I’m getting hung up on details. Maybe I just have to put the Garmin on my ankle so I can’t check it!! Still committed to 3 runs a week so fear not - I’m no lost cause yet!
I'm glad you're not struggling - sounds like you're doing really well too!
I wonder if you could customise your watch face so it doesn't show the time or distance ran? Or, since it's getting colder, maybe you could wear some long tight sleeves so it's difficult to pull them back to look at your watch while you're running?
Trouble is, you can still look at the data when you get home 😉
If I have a really fast (relatively speaking) run I'll allow myself a recovery run of 2.5k next time out. But obsessed by numbers? Of course. Everyone who owns a running watch is probably the same 😂
🤣 You’ve hit the nail on the head. Need to hide the Garmin and make a plan (long, short and quick) for my three outings. I have fun when I’m out - why can’t I be pleased when I get home?!
I've started leaving mine at home when I go for a walk now. Today was a great example, walked round my 5k running route. Stopped at the pub for a lovely hot pork sandwich beside the roaring fire, watching the guys outside hang up Christmas decorations from the lampposts.
A lovely walk on a cold, sunny morning. The fact that I can’t look at it in Garmin Connect matters not one jot.
You could use numbers in a more free flow way, eg minutes or km completed in a month/ quarter/ year?? That way all your runs count whatever the time or distance- sort of cycle computer style! 😄
I’m the same! But of course all runs count really! You’re right though, I too need a number to aim for and anything under that isn’t a run (except it is!!) 😅
Sounds like you are doing some great runs.. but maybe... to kick the number habit for a while... run naked.. Just your watch on .. and maybe music if you listen to it.
I try, when not on a specific plan, to do a short.. a 5 or 6K and then a, see where I get to run...much longer time-wise..usually on a Sunday..
I slip in a I K or a 2 K as a quickie if I have any kind of time constraint or just feel like a run
Maybe log your runs... make a note of all you see and hear etc...you say you have lots to look at
I called these runs, my runs for pure Joy... after I graduated.. ( I did not have a Garmin then.. I still do some runs like this. just because I can and I take in everything around me... Such a beautiful time of the year... it is perfect for just running and looking around..
Ju's plan could be good for you, in time..... simply because it is a short, a longer and an even longer run.. with recovery runs too :).
PS
I say, all my runs count... each and every one You count yours too.. because you are a runner
I still can’t still quite believe that I don’t think it counts if it’s 1 or 2k. How my life has changed. I’m logging all my runs so maybe that’s part of my problem!! Just needed to have a rant yesterday I think. Thanks for your ideas.
I know what you mean and yes I was but less so now. That's because when I joined a running club and we went for a run they'd sometimes stop at "odd" numbers, like 6.85K or 7.94K. It used to bother me big time and I use to run a little bit extra just to get to a full round number which was ridiculous. But it got me thinking that it really doesn't matter in the big running plan and I now find myself doing it on my own and not bothering much about rounding up. A run is a run.
That’s the corner I need to turn as I’d feel the same!! I’ve contemplated a running club but I’ve only run twice with one other person and not sure I’d like it. Maybe I’ll aim for 3.62k today!! 🤣
I really don't get too worried by the numbers. I do like to track distance but time not as important. I'm slow. Never ever going to do a 5k in 30 mins. Ever. But nearly at 40 mins now without trying. Just naturally speeding up a bit. I just love to run! 👟👟🤪
I just need some of your “chill” to rub off. To be fair I’m not going to hit 30 min 5k either but I seem to need do one or the other each run! Heading off now so let’s see what today brings.
Seems it’s quite common. A bit obsessive? Quite a good trait in lots of ways. 😆
Trust me, I'm there, I know exactly what you mean!! I don't feel like I've had a proper run unless it's at least 5k, and more worryingly for me that's now turning into 10k. Today I was obsessed with my pace and whether I was too slow/too fast etc. I run to a fixed tempo backing track because I'm obsessed with keeping a constant pace, even though I usually don't.
You know what? I think I just need to get out there and run without all the tech once in a while. I did some "unplugged" running after graduating from C25K, and loved it. Note - I called it unplugged running and not naked running
Think that’s why I’m avoiding starting 10k (that and I’m not sure I’d manage!!). I tried unplugged for a while but that where the walks crept in. Damned if I do . . . . Good luck with your 10k!
Yes I had a phase of trying unplugged, and it’s too easy just to walk, isn’t it? 5k to 10k was way easier for me than 0k to 5k was, I find longer runs really fun now, because they’re a bit slower, plenty of running time once I’ve warmed up and got past the toxic 10. My longest run to date was 13k which took me about 90 minutes. Careful though, if you do try it, it’s addictive!!
That’s part of my problem - I don’t know if I’ve actually cracked this ‘slow’ thing. I start at the rate I mean to go on! That’s an impressive time for 13k 🙌🏻
I think I’m the same too! I hardly ever do less than 5K but this evening I purposely didn’t look at my Garmin during my run so I had no idea what my pace was! It beeped every km so I knew when I’d done 5. I always say to my family just going for a wee quick run but end up doing 5 or more each time! 😀
By the time you’re ready you may as well do 5k to make it worthwhile! At least I stop at 5 though! I’ll keep going with these guidelines/restrictions for now. I know I moan but I think it suits me. 😆
I’m the same Sybil, I sometimes go out planning a short 3k but then know I can do better and almost always end up doing 5k. If you have time and energy then that’s fine, and it does me good to plan a short run then go further. I know I’d be upset if I planned a long run and had to cut it short 🏃♀️ Try to vary your route and enjoy your runs otherwise it will feel like a chore x
Don’t want it to become a chore. Think I’ve spent so much time working out where to run to get to the magic 5 that I should do the same for 3 and 4. I always start and stop at the same point too so am imposing lots of restrictions on myself! Did anyone mention ‘obsession ‘!! Anyway - I’m still ou there so all is good. 👍🏻
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I actually did it! My first 10k
CR11: I did it!! 7km you are mine 🥳🥳🥳🦌🦌🦌
I did my first 7k run!!
