The longer I leave it...

[ClareO65]

Probably been the longest time I’ve not run for since I started this running malarkey- 5 days. I am definitely finding the longer I leave it the worse it’s getting. I’m going to run this morning but am having all manner of thoughts. Will I manage it? What if it’s hard? Have I eaten too much?

Have reflected on why I didn’t run in the week after being so determined not to let Autumn/ Winter stop me. Work has been busy, time has been short etc. but this has not stopped me before. Have planned my week next week to include 2 treadmill sessions as I believe it’s the dark that is bothering me. How do others feel about dark running? Maybe I need to get up earlier but sleep is my nemesis so if I’m sleeping, I’m sleeping!

Anyways, think I just needed to get that all out there. Putting my running gear on. Hope my run feels ok. Feel like I’m back at C25K about to do that first 20 minute run (having run a half marathon in October!)

[Gerilicious Graduate10]

Hi Clare. Just like you I don’t like running in the dark and hubby thinks it’s not safe, so I got a treadmill to use for the days when I just can’t go out. Having said that, I still prefer the pavements. The days I have to go out, 8pm is the latest time I’d start a run. Can’t wait for spring/summer to return.

Hope your plan for the coming week goes very well

[ClareO65 in reply to Gerilicious]

I would rather be outside running but just have a block about darkness 🙄

[Sadie-runs Graduate10]

Hi Clare

Dark running? It all depends where you live. I feel that my neighbourhood is pretty safe and I run through a well lit town centre. It’s not my fave kind of run, but then I do get a lovely daylight run through woods and parkland on the weekend.

Try not to let intrusive thoughts get to you before a run. So much of running is in the head, and it helps to start out positive, or at least open-minded. Whenever I start to have negative thoughts before a run, I just tell myself “no debate, I am not having this conversation!” And just do it.

Treadmill runs might be the answer for you in terms of getting runs in during the winter months. Try not to be hard on yourself if you don’t manage three a week, but equally, if you really want to keep it up, don’t let the gremlins feed you nonsense!

Take care 😘

[ClareO65 in reply to Sadie-runs]

Good advice re not allowing the talking in your head to start. This was how I have been up to now but it all went wrong this week. Never mind. Ran today (rubbish run) so it’s a start ☺️

[Sadie-runs Graduate10 in reply to ClareO65]

I had a week of horrendously rubbish runs not so long ago. I just wasn’t getting any pleasure out of it, and one bad run seemed to influence the outcome of the next, as I was just worrying about whether that would be rubbish too. I just took a different approach for a short while. Shorter runs, at a much much slower pace. I also discovered the Nike Run Club app and did some of the Headspace guided runs to distract me. Worked a treat. Now, our issues might be different, so not sure if the above would work for you? Just go out, no pressure in terms of distance or speed, just go out with the idea of keeping the running habit going, but with no objective in mind. xxx

[ClareO65 in reply to Sadie-runs]

Good idea. Will have a look at that app. I went through a phase of knocking out PBs regularly and think I started putting pressure on myself. I loved the long slow runs when I trained for the half so need to go out with that pace in mind. As slow as I can go. Mind you I was not far off that this morning 😂

[Shakywakey Graduate10]

Hope your run went well and that you feel better for getting out there. 😁.I love running in the evening and in the dark. It’s a great stress reliever after a long day at work 🤛

[ClareO65 in reply to Shakywakey]

Was a bloody awful run 😂 but I got out there. Everything felt wrong! But onward and upward...

[Sqkr]

I adore running in the dark. I'm a night owl in general anyway, but night runs are my favourite, with the foxes and bats (though the latter are mostly sleeping now). There are less people, the air is cool, the lights sparkle and it feels otherworldly and wonderful. I think treadmill running would kill my running hobby pretty quickly 😂 We are all so different, but embracing the magic of dark runs is something I would encourage of anyone!

[ClareO65 in reply to Sqkr]

Definitely not a night owl (or a lark apparently 😂) I find the only way to cope with treadmill running is to do some kind of interval work. Or hop off and get on the bike in between.