Christmas Ministreak 8/16

[DebJogsOn]

When I started this holiday running streak I'm not quite sure what I expected- other than 16 glorious opportunities to run in the daylight and have the equivalent amount of time alone in my own head - both of which I'd really missed in the crazy run up to Christmas at work.

I suppose I thought I'd see how it went but was expecting that runs on alternate days would have to be pretty short and that I might have to cut down on the length of all runs if my knees started complaining.

What I never thought would happen is that half way through the streak I'd run 10k and finish it with my legs feeling more flexible and fresh than ever before - no stiffening up during the drive home and hobbling into the hot shower once I get there.

Setting out for one of my favourite routes around the local reservoir I'd hoped to get a long run in but was prepared to listen to what my body was saying as I'm more determined to complete the streak than get in long distances - however, despite being a bit blowy, the conditions were lovely and what do you know one a quarter episodes of my current favourite podcast (This American Life) and one and 3/4 figures of eight of the reservoir and I've done 10k in record time (obviously for me - it's all relative right! 😂).

Another draw of the reservoir (along with lovely views, no dogs, flat mudless pathways and the sound of lapping water) is that or has a cafe! Hot chocolate never tasted so good! 😋

Happy weekend running everyone 😊

[Equi-geek Graduate10]

Great run! I used to work at the water treatment works - so know it very well and it can be rather breezy 😁👍

[DebJogsOn in reply to Equi-geek]

Yes - but I like the breeze and if it holds you up in one direction it helps you along in the other.

I found it as a venue as it's between home and work so in the spring/summer I can stop off there for a run on the way home. 😊

[Dexy5 Graduate10]

Looks very peaceful Deb. And a great run from you.

[DebJogsOn in reply to Dexy5]

It looks peaceful but there's loads of distractions - wind surfers, kids learning to sail, loads of cheery anglers and lots of bird life. I do love running there (and it's very flat 😂).

[Dexy5 Graduate10 in reply to DebJogsOn]

That’s a very good reason!

[Runninginsingapore]

Sounds amazing! Well done on your 10k too. I’m still waiting for the day when I’m not stiff!!

[DebJogsOn in reply to Runninginsingapore]

I usually seize up in the time it takes me to drive home if I've driven out some where - but not today. Will wait and see what tomorrow brings...

[Sadie-runs Graduate10]

Oh what a lovely run, Deb! And a 10k to boot! 👏👏👏 Well done! It is so interesting to see how well your body is responding to this streak. Am planning a nice long one tomorrow, and cannot wait after my four days off with pesky cold. My little legs are begging me to take them out for a run. 😁 xxx

[DebJogsOn in reply to Sadie-runs]

I remember being amazed at what my body could suddenly take on doing C25K and it feels a bit like that again - after a bit of a sluggish run yesterday I couldn't have imagined completing 10k today and had chosen the reservoir as because however far you run you're never too far away from the car!

I also feel so much better than I usually do at this time of year.

There's no way I could keep it up when I'm at work - but might try it again at Easter.

Will see how the next week goes - I might be speaking too soon.

[Hidden]

Yo! Fabulous; you should be proud. I hope you have a nice recovery run planned for tomorrow 😊🏃🏾‍♀️

I did 5k and could have carried on but had visitors for a late lunch and some other family jobs, so was really pushed for time. Tomorrow will be the same with a walk and meal with friends as well as some work to do by 31st (why didn’t I finish that report before Christmas?) so maybe 2.5k only. Just reminding myself that this is not supposed to add to stress!

I’ll see you tomorrow🏃🏾‍♀️

[DebJogsOn in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Helen. Glad to hear you were out there too. I have a busy day tomorrow and expect to feel tired so am planning a jog around the block (around 2.5k).

I've also started thinking about work today and though I had resolved not to even look at what needs doing until after New Year think I'll start on a to do list at least on New Year's Eve. There is never enough time to do all the work but at least having a list will help me to feel more in control (and a bit less guilty!).

The running definitely shouldn't add to the stress - if it does we're doing it wrong 😂!

Happy running tomorrow but enjoy the meal and walk with friends too.

[sunshinefish Graduate10]

Lovely run Debs, looks a great place to run around. Interesting that you aren't feeling tired but rather rejeuvenated as time goes on!

[DebJogsOn in reply to sunshinefish]

Yes it's interesting. I expected to feel the distance more today but felt really good. BUT will withold judgement about how rejuvenate I feel until the end of the streak 😂

[sunshinefish Graduate10 in reply to DebJogsOn]

Good idea. Today could just be an amazing day! Although I suspect you will come out feeling better than you thought you would!

[Razouski]

What a fabulous post and a great time too. Well done you. You're going to have to bottle this feeling for when term starts again.

[DebJogsOn in reply to Razouski]

If only I could! It does mean I'm relaxing during the holidays though which will help when I go back.

[SaskAlliecat Graduate10]

Interesting to hear how your body is responding to the streak. I've avoided them for a number of reasons, one of which being concerned about injury, but yours and Hidden 's experiences are tempting me to give it a bit of a go the next time I get a bit of a break (summertime, likely). You're doing so great!

[DebJogsOn in reply to SaskAlliecat]

I'm being really careful to listen to what my body is telling me and started out with the resolution to stop as soon as I felt as if I was doing myself any damage. I think as Hidden has said other than the determination to get out there you have to be flexible in terms of what you'll do each day depending on how you feel.

For me it's really just a bit of fun for the holidays and the opportunity to catch up on some me time (that doesn't involve sitting around and over indulging😂) but it is interesting to see how my body is coping and so far so good.

[Hidden in reply to DebJogsOn]

It's a huge learning curve, mostly in terms of how influenced we are by our minds with running. This month I've run through a stomach bug and occasional bouts of lack of sleep, and in each case I've felt better for running. If I hadn't been doing the challenge, i would have been convinced it was better for me to stay at home, and I've set out this month several times thinking no way was I going to be able to run at all and ended up doing a nice 6/7km

[Hidden in reply to SaskAlliecat]

Allie, I think we've all been running long enough to stop worrying so much about injury. Of course be cautious, but we have built stamina and legs. I have the legacy of a fractured femur and a knee split to the bone then further damaged by falling off a ladder a few years ago, but I haven't had a single running related injury in 15 months (touch wood). If you're worried, i would say stick to a steady lope, keep your pace down, as I suspect part of why I don't damage myself is that I'm a slow runner. And take each day as it comes x

[SaskAlliecat Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Great advice Flick.