I'm sure many of you will be relieved this Ministreak of mine is over so as not to have to scroll by my inane posts on a daily basis - but I have to admit to feeling a bit sad myself and not only because the end of the streak also heralds my return to to work tomorrow.
Over the last two weeks I've really learned a lot about my running habits and as a result will be a better runner in the future. These are some lessons learned:
I really run better if I have a goal/challenge to work for - being someone who really doesn't want to race means I'll have to give this some thought.
A 2.5k run gives me the same up and ready to start the day buzz as a 5k - so not having time to put in a 5k is not an excuse not to go out.
Even on the days I least felt like running, (and when I'd normally put it off because I'm tired, have a cold, the weather's not great etc) I enjoyed it once I was out there.
Not always having a distance in mind before you set off is ok - running what you feel is pretty satisfying.
My body can always cope with more than I think it can. In other words I create the limitations in my head.
All that said today's run did feel like hard work. During this streak I've done a lot of park tracks and tarmac running so today thought I might mark it's end with a trail run - woodland, fields, tussocky grass and sheep etc. It wasn't a bad plan and I thought I'd see how I was feeling at 5k before committing to do much more. The problem was at 5k I felt fine but by 7k was absolutely knackered - I blame the sheep they'd made their field so muddy it was like running in wellies! - and at that point I could only stop and call for a lift home or run the remaining 3k. I dug deep people and got it done as that seemed the most fitting end to this little challenge of mine! It wasn't fast nor particularly pretty but it was 10k!
I am now enjoying a really good cup of coffee and will soon be treating myself to a lovely long soak in the bath...when I might just plan what those running goals will be for 2019 😊.
Happy running everyone and as I can never say often enough thanks for all the support and inspiration you all share on here.
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DebJogsOn
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Thank you - I've thoroughly enjoyed myself and feel great.
Very sad to be going back to work tomorrow as I know how quickly I'll get swallowed up by the demands there - it also makes my visits to the forum much less regular but have made a new year's resolution to check in weekly even if I have nothing to report myself as it really does inspire me.
Well done on your runnning streak👍 - great aceivement and not something I have ever tried! I found your reflections really interesting, especially the fact that even a short run can give you that boost, as my runs are not usually ever shorter than 5k. Food for thought there. I have been unable to run for a few weeks following flu lurgy and chest infection but am now much better and like you, starting to think about my goals for 2019 (Goal 1 - just to get back out there!). Thanks for sharing your journey.🙂
After my experience I'm definitely going to throw in an occasional shorter run sometimes on consecutive days if time allows I'll then feel less guilty if I have to miss a few days when life gets in the way.
I'm still not sure what goals to aim for ... am wondering if this is the year I might crack a 30 minute 5k - but will have to work hard at that!
Yaaaay
Well done Deb and what a stylish way to finish
2.5 from me today (and it was wobbly all the way- but hey done!). I hope to run tomorrow but after that I think life will be in the way.
I think you should be really proud of yourself, how about setting some future challenges in terms of specific training plans or setting distance goals?
Don't forget to give yourself a big pat on the back and maybe a reward.....
Thanks Helen...hmm someone else mentioned a reward, but really all that time for running felt like a treat in itself. However perhaps I'll feel less guilty when I update my shoes 😉.
I hope you enjoy a run tomorrow (enough for the both of us as I definitely won't get time on the first day back) and that we both still manage to enjoy some good running when we're back in the thick of it. Still not sure about goals (Maybe a 30 minute 5k...).
Well done Deb on your running streak! It's been great to follow you on it and see how you have done.
It's really interesting to me that you work best when you have a challenge but don't like races. I am like this too, and thought I maybe the only one, as I don't even particularly like park run. I have decided to do try for distance challenges, and have signed up for a virtual run for Marie Curie Cancer fund in April, running 28 km in the month, and will join a virtual London Marathon one in April, where you run 26 miles over the month, but haven't decided which virtual run site to do it at yet.
As you find a 2.5 k as good as a 5k, does this mean that (in theory!) you could get out more and do shorter runs? I haven't done a shorter run for ages, but it may be worth giving it a go based on what you have said.
A great big well done to you, and hopefully this will be a short and sweet term!
Yes I do think I'll get out more for shorter runs. I'll definitely not worry about running on the occasional consecutive day now if this fits better around work in a given week.
I really don't like thought of races and haven't done a park run. I took up running as a means of taking back some 'me' time and though it sounds anti-social I love running alone with my own thoughts or listening to whatever it is I want to.
I'm thinking maybe about trying finally to run 5k in 30 minutes and perhaps setting a challenging target for kilometres cover over the year- but need to have a think about this.
Congrats on completing your mini streak! Today's run may' end been a challenge, but you didn't it and finished in style. Whoohoo! I'm also back to work tomorrow. I could easily enjoy another week off 😢. Oh well, back to the grindstone, I guess, when running really serves a purpose.
Thank you! I good days I actually really enjoy my job - but it does rather get in the way of running 😂. Not sure I'm looking forward to running in the datk again.
Great post Debs. Good luck for the start of term tomorrow. I hope the little people are on good form tomorrow, or do you have an INSET day to ease you gently in?
Thank you so much. We have INSET tomorrow - but I actually prefer it when the children are back - they are always the ones that make you feel all the trials and tribulations are worthwhile! Still will at least I can get up a tiny bit later than usual!
I’ve not been on much of the last couple of weeks, Deb, so have managed to miss your challenge completely until the end! Well done on finishing your streak in style (and mud!) 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻😃❤️
Hope you work out some good running goals for this year. xx
Thank you - I miss things on here all the time so like to make up when I'm on holiday - back tomorrow so expect my contributions and running will be a bit more sporadic again. It was definitely fun while it lasted. Still working on the goals...
Hi! I replied to your post yesterday but we had internet problems & it obviously got lost in cyberspace! Anyway, well done on your running streak and final 10k - a real boost before you start back.
Hope your term starts well & with lighter days to come you can sneak out for some short runs. 🙂
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Parkrun #9 Complete 
10K BOOM!!! 💥 
