So there are many ways in which we can measure success - or failure; good - or bad. I am becoming much better at seeing the fact that I am outside, running, as a success. Regardless of how slow, painful, how many times I walk, or stop - I’m running! Intermittently!
After a couple of weeks of running every other day, a 5-day gap grew. Child, boyfriend, work, stomach, weather, sleep, I think we all know how the should-have-gone-for-a-run days dissolve. My buff sun visor and shockingly technicoloured sunglasses arrived and sat on the kitchen table, along with a very artificial-tasting blue bladder for my pocket.
I pulled on some leggings, not really feeling it. Put on the shoes, not feeling it. Stepped out the door and the not feeling it continued throughout the run, to be honest. I walked several times and sweated so constantly and profusely it was like salt had been sprinkled onto my eyeballs. Despite this, I continued to run, and continued to restart running for 5km.
Time wise - I was 14 seconds away from breaking the 30 minute barrier IF you don’t count the breaks. Haha. I think if I was running downhill with a cool breeze behind me on a good day, I might just run 5k in 30. As it is, I can run about 5 x 1k x 6 minutes with 6 x 30 second breaks (totalling 33 minutes). Which equates to running 5k at a 6’36” pace, not far off my Parkrun PB. So maybe it’s time to start seeing Jeffing as a legitimate technique rather not being strong/good/fit/disciplined/well-paced enough. Although all those things can do with improving!
For now, just getting out there was an excellent effort. I’m off for a weekend camping in Snowdonian rain with hours and hours of driving to get there - all made worthwhile by the company, of course - but running isn’t going to be on the agenda. So today was the day - and it was.
Thanks to E27 my virtual run buddy for reminding me it is 6 months to the day since Week 1 Run 1 - and on Global Running Day! Serendipitous or what?! Happy running all x
CR7 - Jeffing 5:30:30
