Glad I got out there today

[limberlou]

Well this is my second attempt at writing this as the first one vanished as I went to add a pic ( really annoying). I have been struggling to go and run this year.. last year I could hardly wait for alternate days so I could run again and this year I can procrastinate as an Olympic sport. I have tried putting all my running kit ready beside the bed but I wake at 7 every morning and then lie there making excuses.... it’s too hot already..my legs ache....I’m not hydrated enough... and then I am annoyed with myself all day for not running. I’ve tried going in the evenings and I can’t handle the pollen then and stupidly I ran at lunchtime last week...NEVER AGAIN! BUT this morning I did it!! Straight out of bed, quick swig of water and into my running gear and off I went.

I admired the rainbow silhouetted against the lovely black clouds as I did my warm up walk and tried to convinced myself I’d be home before it rained (I wasn’t) , told myself it wasn’t chilly, it would just be nice to run in, and carried on. I wasn’t intending to run any great distance just a nice easy run and back home in 30-40 mins. I have a tendency to take off like a rocket and then struggle later in the run so I purposely held myself back and ran at a leisurely pace for my first K, then settled into a nice comfortable pace.

I had originally intended to do my 5k usual loop but when I got where I usually cross there was a steady stream of cars coming round the corner so I turned right and followed the pavement round, and then crossed and ended up running most of it the opposite way round to normal. So instead of plodding along Pottington Road, UP Chaddiford Lane ( which is a long slow slope alll the way) and then across and DOWN Abbey Road, which is shorter but steeper, I ended up running up the steeper bit while I was still fresh, and then across and really enjoyed running the long slope down Chaddiford Lane.

As I went along Pottington Road the rain really started coming down heavily so I decided against running the cut-through and extending to the full 5k,and just carried on back towards home. So it was a 3.7k rather than a 5k run but 3 new segment PRs which was good and my Garmin watch tells me I have 2 new Records too. Fastest 1k and fastest mile which I am quite pleased about too.

So I am now on a bit of a high and determined to get my running mojo back again. Another little run like this on Thursday and I am determined to do a ParkRun on Saturday. I keep saying this but I mean it this time. I’ve had my band for a year now and still haven’t done a ParkRun.

[Dexy5 Graduate10]

Well done limberlou, I love that part of the country having stayed in a cottage there a few summers back.

Parkrun is an ideal way to get your mojo back again. In fact, anything like me and your Saturdays will never be the same. 😁

[limberlou Graduate10 in reply to Dexy5]

Thanks yeah it’s lovely here.. wouldn’t want to live anywhere else 😁

[over61andstilltrying Graduate10]

Ah wow! Wonderful well done to you! Sounds very positive 🎉😊🏃‍♀️ I hope that you find the pattern that suits you and then of course, stick to it. 😊💐

[limberlou Graduate10 in reply to over61andstilltrying]

It’s funny last year I was “C25k...5ks regularly...accidental 7.5k...10k no problem “ and loving it but this year ..☹️😪 it just doesn’t feel the same. I’ve made it to 10k again but now I’m struggling with 4 or 5 so I’m going to concentrate on just going out there and running and enjoying it and not worrying about how far or how fast.

[over61andstilltrying Graduate10 in reply to limberlou]

My running feels no where like it did. I suffered a hamstring injury on Feb 6th when all was going so well. Really enjoying my sight seeing runs and pleased with my pace on different length runs. The injury happened when I was running at easy conversational pace, had warmed up, stretched and I was over 4km from home. I think it really knocked my confidence in my body. I had begun to feel so comfortable. I still have no idea why it happened. There was I running along, so gently and ping!

I have now, well last Friday, reached 8.62km but really not sure about it all. Is this the most effective way to maintain fitness? Also I seem to have come back from injury as a completely different runner, much slower and with a much lower enjoyment factor. Ah well!

My policy has been run Monday, Wednesday, Friday before breakfast, no argument. Almost before I have woken up so too sleepy to complain! However as I set off on Friday I thought shall I turn round, go home and return to bed! This didn't used to happen!

Happy running to you! 🏃‍♀️😊

[limberlou Graduate10 in reply to over61andstilltrying]

Aww well perhaps we ought to encourage each other. I’ve has loads of injuries too since last June ( none running related) and I think that’s what has hampered my running enjoyment. Last year I felt invincible and more fit than I’d ever felt in my life and then things kept going wrong and I lost that feeling.

I WILL get it back and so will you!!! I refuse to retire and fade into a little old lady. Come on where is our cantankerous silver gene??

[over61andstilltrying Graduate10 in reply to limberlou]

Hi again limberlou, I can happily assure you that little old lady feelings are no where to be seen! But, oh! I turned the alarm off today and didn't run!!! I do have a plan for an evening run instead and am intending to run my first 10k since 28/12/18 on Friday. Crumbs 5 months! Well it is in black and white now!

Happy running to you! 😊🏃‍♀️💐

[over61andstilltrying Graduate10 in reply to limberlou]

You'l be pleased to know that I have just arrived back from my evening 30 minute run. So I have kept to the first part of my intention. Any signs of your running mojo returning?

[limberlou Graduate10 in reply to over61andstilltrying]

Well if I can ward off the cold I think my daughter has given me I’ll be out there tomorrow morning early. Il post if I do.

[over61andstilltrying Graduate10 in reply to limberlou]

Oh! Sorry to hear you have a cold. That's not helpful for encouraging mojo to return Get well soon! Some flowers for you 🌸🌺🌼.

[limberlou Graduate10 in reply to over61andstilltrying]

I did run and posted... tried to tag you but I think the tag failed

[JonathanP Graduate10]

Well done limberlou! We'll be waiting for your first parkrun post on Saturday!😋

[Slinkymalinki Graduate10]

Hi. Glad you found the determination to go out & have rediscovered your love of running. I know exactly how you feel. This year I've had set backs too with health, a toe injury, stress and life getting in the way. My running seems to come in fits and starts and I can get cross with myself for being demotivated. I think we all have these blips but taking the pressure off by just getting out for a run/walk of any length is the key. It's good to have the support of others on this forum too. Hope you continue to slot in some runs. Let the lovely area you live in inspire you! 🙂