What the heck? Why do I do it? Who am I trying to impress??? Where am I going with this running thing....that loves me but at the moment, the feelings are not mutual?! I have to run, because that is what I do now...but could I walk and that would have the same effect??? Nope...I run and that’s that...every other day if possible, if not, it nags me and I have to go....I have this wonderful vision of me springing along the pavements like a grinning gazelle enjoying every single second of a wonderful run....but no, that is not the case at the moment...I’m ok for the first couple of kms then I want to stop, not because of aching legs, breathlessness, fatigue...just because I am concentrating on how far I’ve got...looking at my garmin, rolling my eyes thinking “god, I’ve only done 2.5k, I feel like I’ve been running forever....I need to find my rhythm”.....looking for that rhythm....that rhythm doesn’t come...so I try thinking about my shopping list...or my daughter sat in her GCSEs or my weekend...or my dog...or just flipping anything to take my mind off what I’m doing....why? Why am I not looking at my surroundings and thinking how lucky I am to be out in the open air enjoying just being alive, running along like a gazelle? Instead I feel like I’m dragging my sorry carcass along with a 10 tonne weight behind me...but I love running...I really do...as soon as I put my trainers on, I feel strong...I feel like a runner...I feel fit and healthy and I feel raring to go....
This morning, I took myself down to my fav place, the canal...it was beautiful and sunny, quite a few people walking and enjoying being outside...the little yellow ducklings are now bigger brown ducklings...the sun was glistening on the water, people were still sleeping in the barges moored up at the side of the canal....and here I was, with Laura in my ears because I still, after 2 years of running, still feel like I need some sort of guidance...or maybe it’s just confirmation that I can do these programmes? I put on the stamina podcast, just to prove to myself that I can run for 30 minutes, non stop....last week I put on C25k w9r3 30 minutes just to prove to myself that I can run for 30 mins non stop....and after today, I know that I can....but this is not enough because I didn’t cover 5k...I honestly thought that if I had C25k on or Laura’s stamina podcast I would be sure to cover 5k in 30 minutes, but no....I didn’t...I was so disappointed....surely that’s the whole point of C25k and consolidation?? Well, it might be...but it hasn’t worked for me...but, what has worked for me and this is much more important, is that I am a runner, I can run for 30 minutes, non stop...that’s something I would never have imagined I could do...I was even doubting I could do this 2 weeks ago, you see I’d forgotten, I’d forgotten that 30 minutes of running is possible..I was concentrating too much on distance...my average time for 5k is 38 minutes....but even as I type that, I can’t believe that I can run 5k! So, tonight, I am holding my hand on my heart and I am honestly saying that I am not going to worry about 30mins = 5k....just running, to me, is amazing...I just need to remember this when I’m flailing...slow down, or even have a couple of walk breaks because that, it seems, is ok too....I used to think that was cheating but it’s not, how else can we take our pics of the beautiful surroundings we run in? So, in short, and at the moment I do not feel like I am one who’s words to heed, just please enjoy the summer weather...enjoy just being able to run. What we do is amazing...whether it’s 3k, 5k 8k or 10k...you are not on the couch...you are running...so you are a runner...fasten those laces, pull up those pants, tighten that ponytail (unless your hair’s short or you’re a fella!) and remember (she says!) that any distance, time or pace is important...important to you and your running journey....I love where running has taken me...and I look forward to running into the future xxxx
MC xxxx
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Lol I can relate. I used to run years ago (20yrs ago, wow where did that go) and have tried unsuccessfully a few times to start again with the odd parkrun. Until this NYE when I got up and did parkrun and nearly every week since. Once a week wasn’t enough but I couldn’t let it go so signed up for C25k. Just Graduated 25/05 and although there are definitive improvements and I can run for 30mins (sometimes 37) without stopping, the dialogue in my head is very much about surviving, like “just run to next corner...next hill...next lamp post”. But the great feeling afterwards makes me want to do it again lol 😂
Well done on picking it up again Dottie_D ...I cannot imagine my life without running now, even though sometimes it’s a real struggle to get motivated! Having goals to run to is something that I still do to this day...that and placating the number plate game I made up when I was on C25k...the last three letters of a number plate I make them stand for something like YDG = you’re doing great, that seems to work. The feeling after a run is worth all the effort deffo x
That’s more like it Mummycav, there are many of us who’d still like to get to run sub 30 5k, but we’ve got to treat this as a nice to have, rather than an essential.
What we mustn’t do is try to achieve it on every run - so maybe save it for parkrun or one run each week. I believe the theory is that 80% of our running should be at an easy pace. It allows you to look around and enjoy your surroundings a bit more.
So why not switch your garmin on but don’t look at it during your run. Switch off the alerts. Play a podcast or music you love and try a see how far I go run in a lovely area. Maybe mix it up by trying JogRunSprint or some hills (or a gentle slope in my case). Or if it gives you a meaningful target , you might redo B210k
Most of all, don’t be so hard on yourself and do keep coming back to post because we are all here to give you a cheer on every run. Coz we’ve missed you Bev lar
Thank you Dexy5 , I can’t believe the response to this post! I def need to shake things up again, maybe I need to do that regularly and thinking about it, I do run the same route often...and also have the same playlist...right, that’s it...things are going to change!!
I’ve missed the forum too... but all I’d have been telling would’ve been tales of woe! I can hear a cheering in the distance when I run, it must be my lovely running friends! Thanks Dexy...x
Thanks for the post Mummycav, and please rest assured, coming from someone who is able to run 5k in 30 minutes or less, running is not about that and I don't feel like I passed C25k in any better way than anyone that can run for 30 minutes, covering whatever distance. C25K is just about running for 5k or 30 minutes three times a week, rather than 5k in 30 minutes. It is about keeping fit and enjoying your surroundings. The only reason I keep running and don't stop for breaks is that I'm on a 10k plan, but I often wish I could stop to take a picture of the surroundings I run in or to investigate something interesting that I pass. As soon as I've achieved 10k in < 60 minutes I'll be doing shorter runs in nice places and taking lots of photos.
I'm happy to hear that your running continues to go well and look forward to seeing where it takes you next
Thanks Mike_Bravo , that makes sense...and yes, I should be thankful that I can actually run for 30 minutes at all! It’s good to have a goal like you have at the moment, wow, not only do you want to run 10k but in less than 60 minutes?! I don’t think I’ve got enough life left to achieve that...but I’m sure you will nail it...and I look forward to seeing all the lovely photos tagged onto your posts!
I get stuck focusing on the watch too much too and i think it can mess with your confidence. So I sometimes start it and hide it under my sleeve then just run to feel and not look until much later, often pleasantly surprised. Our bodies are smarter than our brains sometimes. You are doing awesome. Keep it up MC!
Thanks Decker , you’re so right, they are...and yes, I think I’m worse since I got my flippin garmin but it’s better than my Fitbit for gps...I’m going to hide mine next time! X
I have missed your lovely, funny run reports lately...its so nice to hear that you have come to this conclusion, and found that your happy pace is what works for you.
It sounds like you have a lot going on, being MummyCav to your growing family, it will be nice to just relax and enjoy your run time, because you can, each and every run, just being you. (But knowing you are wearing your Graduate10 badge😊)
Happy running and I'm looking forward to hearing about your adventures and the piccys you take...😊xxx
Thankyou Bluebirdrunner , life is very busy at the moment, well, all the time actually! My running is so important to me because it’s me time...not that I want to be anything else, I absolutely love being a Mum, it’s the most important job in the whole world, but when I’m running it’s just me and the outside...I just want to be good at it! Whatever I’ve done in my life, whatever job I’ve had, I have always given 100%, I dedicate myself to whatever I do and I don’t want to be any different with my running...
It is so nice to see another Mummycav post! I found the best thing for my running and expectations was when I started runnning trails. I need to stop and walk, my pace is dreadfully slow (I could likely walk faster) but I stop and take pictures, catch my breath, enjoy my scenery, smell the flowers, look at the bugs. I rarely look at my watch even though I start it at every run and love the adventure. What surprised me was how that continued when I had to get back to road running over winter. Now maybe it was because my watch was buried under 3 layers of clothes 😂 But I still rarely look at my watch even now that I'm running in a lot less layers. I love my watch and my Runkeeper stats, but am no longer a slave to them. Here's to a summer of lovely, relaxing, stop and smell the flowers kind of runs.
Aw, thanks SaskAlliecat , your running posts always sound like an exciting adventure and i feel like I'm out there with you!! Sounds like you've sorted the tech watching...I'm def going to hide mine too!! Heres to the summer, whenever it arrives...happy running Sask xx
This post!! 🥰🥰🥰🥰! Oh Mummycav if I could repost to the world I would! 🤗! You have described how I’ve felt in such detail, it’s unreal. Especially the grappling with the graceful experienced gazelle “requirement”🥴!! You’ve also described the journey to letting go of the expectations! Boy....is that’s a relief 🥳!! As are our VRBs, who help to confirm, “that’s ok”, when I tell them about my amateur little bumble of a run! And you know what Mummycav.....that is ok!! Because We Can Run!! 💃🏽💃🏽💃🏽!
I’m going to put on my gear and have a great run today because you have inspired me so much!! I’m doing my run, my way for me!! 💥 👊🏽! Thank you for being so brilliant!! ❤️
I am so glad that I’m not the only one who feels this way Fabulous450 ...there are so many mental arguments going on in my head when I’m running! Yes u have come so far and achieved so much, I, for one, feel like I’ve been on parts of your journey with you...
I do hope you had a great run Fab, because you are also inspirational to so many, we should run for pleasure and not beat ourselves up if a run feels like a slog, because the fact that we are out there is THE most important thing about running..it’s just so easy to forget that x
Definitely not the only one Mummycav!! 😍😍🤩 In true Fabulous450 obstacle fashion, my run was rained off on Friday, but I did a short run yesterday instead! And all was perfectly ok!! 😉 Thank you for sharing that I’m not the only one too!! ❤️
Good post from you MummyCav, I just completed the 3 Stepping Stones podcasts with Laura, I thought that the 35 minutes Stamina podcast would be 5K but no, it's around 4.5K, by the time the 165 steps came I began to get tired, however, that was only 5 minutes and I completed it, that was the longest run that I have ran this year, I will do a few further 5K runs before "I take the plung." and run a parkrun which I have now registered.
I found an app which you can set the number of paces you wish to run, it's called 'Metrome Beats,' from 1 to 300 beats/steps a minute for us runners, so 150 to 165 steps a minute is around what most runners would set it at, excellent for pacing, just a tick, tick, tick, no music but you can still play music and use the metromone ticking in the background.
You had the same thought as me with the stamina podcast...I was so disappointed with the distance! But I completed it so that made me a bit happier...
The metronome app sounds like a good one to download, I’ll be running today at some point so I’m going to have a look at that, thanks AlMorr ...happy running x
Enjoy your run today MummyCav, regarding that "Metrome Beats app," I tested it out yesterday at 155 beats/steps a minute, ran a 5K, it was the slowest 5K I have ran at 52 minutes, considering my PB is 32.25 from last year, even this morning I walked another 5K using Mapmywalk, my time this morning was 4 seconds
quicker* than yesterdays run, I did not have the beat app with me this morning BECAUSE it won't allow any music 🎶 to be played when I have it on, however, you can still have Mapmyrun on when you are running with the beat app.
*I powerwalked the last 1K.
Lovely post MC. You are a fabulous runner and an inspiration 😊🏃🏾♀️😊
Yes! Well done for all positive mindset! I think most of us can relate to that feeling of dragging oneself along, or watching the watch and feeling despondent because we aren’t fast/far enough. We are lucky, aren’t we? To have bodies that can run, at whatever speed; the freedom and time to get out there; and the mindset to do it. The rest is just stuff.
Great Post Princess Bev! I often liken C25K to learning to drive, we follow the programme and stick to the rules, but once we have passed our test we don't always necessarily follow all the rules 😉, we have the freedom to drive where we want, how we want etc. Embrace that freedom, go for a tootle along the canal path one day, do a few circuits in a F1 car the next. Above all enjoy the fact that you are a runner, doing what seemed impossible just a short time ago x
Thank you. You made me smile. You are a runner and I can only imagine what it might feel like to run 5K in 38 minutes. So feel proud. Your amazing. 🏃🏻♀️😊👏
Ooh Bev, that's a wonderful post and lovely to see you too. I think we all get this feeling, plus I think running is a bit of a drug too. I haven't had the urge for it lately though lol, not ran since Red January. I want to get back into it, but I don't know what it is, I just haven't got the inclination as such, despite, strangely thinking about it every day, haha. How does that work out, eh? 🤔🙄
Your posts and others here always, always MOTIVATE me though, so please keep posting.
I think somehow though we overcome these moments ie those that you're describing. One thing I do know is that since I stopped my max V02 reading has slipped, so I know I need to get back out there. I do lots of walking, which is good, but it doesn't have quite the same mental health effect or fitness level as running.
Keep going Bev, do your best every day, as you do, these doubts and snags will soon go, you've come on so magnificently we'll. Go Bev! 👍❤️😘 xx
Aww, thanks Rosiepug oh yes, you're definately right and with Bev's, your support and everyone else that knows me, I know I can do it with everyone's support behind me x 👍
Lovely to hear from you quirkybee , I’ve missed you on strava and on here...I wondered what you were up to...you were always around, especially when I first started and inspired me so much to get out and run...and thanks to you I have more running tops than I have going out tops!! Maybe just start at the very beginning...ooo, I sound like Julie Andrews! I think you just need a gentle start...no pressure. I know how busy your life is so running has had to take a back seat...but do you remember when I posted, ages ago, about a song, and the first line is “one foot in front of the other babe?” It’s called ‘just keep moving’ and I play it on most of my runs....it reminds me of you, every single time...that’s what you need to do, one foot in front of the other...take it nice and slow, run/walk at first until you build up to where you were. You used to get so much out of running and that’s what this post is about, remembering that running is for pleasure...let me know when you’re going to start and I will get my kit on and run along with you....your happy, smiling face on your posts never failed to make me smile xxxxx
Aww, thanks Bev, you little diamond runner, I will remember that and put it into practice. I need a peaceful mind in order to get out there and then I will have a free mind when I'm running, as you say, that's what I achieved from running.
I'm gonna just keep moving and move my way to getting back out there. God help me though, I'll need a stamina injection 🤣🤣 plus, I need to further my venture into running tops, I've been slacking for 6 months, I need to get back out there.
Thanks for your lovely words Bev, you're always a joy when it comes to reading your posts too, full of enthusiasm, and injecting confidence into us all ❤️😍👍 xxx
Nice post, Bev. I've found that looking at the Garmin too often has a negative effect. Now I plan a route and just run it, ocassionally looking only when the km notifications come up so I can check my pace.
And you are brilliant at that MikeJones68 ...your runs on strava are amazing and inspiring. It is very easy to be dictated to by stats...always wanting more but not quite getting it...it can be so disheartening so I’m going to try hiding my garmin...I’ve already decided on a new route today so hopefully my run will be a successful one!
This is me!! Cue for a song?! So glad you posted again with the revelation that you are just HUMAN! I'm a terrible Garmin watcher and an expert at berating my performance and inability to run 5k in 30 mins. But you got out there and ran! Well done! Your positive attitude is infectious. I am grateful I can run, no matter how long or short, good or bad the runs actually are. Happy runnings to you MC. 😊🏃♀️❤️
Haha....yes, greatest showman! Hmmm,, I seems that there’s more than me that feels this way! When I see runners while I’m out, they don’t seem to be having mental battles while they’re running along, they just seem to be running, just simply running...but who knows? You’re right, we are all human and this is just how it is...be grateful, be thankful that we can run, smell the flowers, enjoy the outdoors and share our experiences with people who ‘get it’...happy running to you too Slinkymalinki x
Thanks Irishprincess , I can’t believe so many of us feel exactly the same...it’s quite a lonely place to be when you think everybody’s running is going from strength to strength and you need all your strength to fight the battle that is going on in your head! It’s like trying to drive but leaving the handbrake on! I am going to get into the habit of ignoring my garmin...setting something for each km I’ve run and just leave it at that...I’m out there running and that’s all that matters right?
Thanks Wizziewood ...nope, I am no where near 5k at 30 minutes and I will be surprised if that ever does come...my fastest 5k is 32 mins but I honestly think there must’ve been some sort of tech blip because I haven’t been anywhere near that since! 2 years on from the start of my journey and I’m still, unbelievably hooked so surely that is all that matters...you’re right, I’m still out there doing my thing and that, I’m itself, is a wonder! X
Baby steps, Mummycav, baby steps - you didn't go from couch to 30 mins in one bound, and you won't go from 38 mins for 5k to 30 mins "just like that" either. 37'30" is good, 37' great, 35' a target for the end of July maybe - but only if you're enjoying it. I obsess over my stats, I'm forever doing sums in my head as I run - and as a result I don't even see the ducklings, so I think you're way ahead of me .
Aw thanks UpTheStanley ...I do enjoy the scenery, definitely, but just lately the ducks are losing against stats! You’re right too, Rome wasn’t built in a day and running didn’t happen overnight. I can run 5k for goodness sake...infact I can run further than 5k, I can run 10k but I’ve been obsessing with the time, but now that I know im not the only one who’s runs often feel like a battle I will hopefully start enjoying them again...
So glad you posted this, it is exactly how I feel.I have to make myself go out, and do not enjoy it but enjoy the achievement at the end of it. I always feel that I am no good at this running lark as I have been at it for 2 years and still can’t do 5k in 30 minutes. Of course I know that is not the point if it, but when you see all these posts of people going on to do half marathons, marathons even it does make you feel like you should be doing more. I have to tell myself it is ok to be happy with the 5k runs, I have done a few 10k’s but don’t enjoy that either. I am always competing with myself to get faster instead of slowing down and enjoying being out there. As you say we should be enjoying the scenery and life around us. Thanks to your post I am going to give myself a good telling to and run for the enjoyment of it in future. Thanks Mummycav x
Thankyou...I’m so glad I’m not alone Oldmo , it’s a lonely place when you think it’s only you who’s dragging yourself around don’t you? I think that’s what we all should do, give ourselves a talking to, get our trainers on and just go with the flow...but, even if our issues seem trivial, there is always someone on here ready to give offer their advice, opinion or just nod and agree and that’s what we all need xx
Wow. I read this thinking that you had read my mind. Then I read the responses and was astounded how many of us quite often feel the same.
I'm struggling to get out at the moment (have a young pup who doesn't like being left alone for too long), so am feeling like I'm a bit of a failure for not doing enough.
But we're NOT failures at all. We do what we can, and it should be fun!
I was surprised too Tartancat , it just goes to show that, as Slinkymalinki pointed out, we are all human, we’re not machines and sometimes, like with most things in life, we have times when all’s not just how we like it...but if we keep going, keep getting out there and remember to enjoy it and have ‘no pressure’ runs more often we will remind ourselves the benefits of what a good run can do? We’ve def got this x
Hi! That’s just how I’ve been feeling too! I started jeffing my runs over the last few months which I do quite like but then suddenly realised I was no longer able to run continuously for 30 mins! I probably could but mentally wasn’t able! I’ve just started doing C25K all over again and I’m really looking forward to it! (My husband says he doesn’t see the point and it’s like learning to drive again when I can already drive!!! but I don’t agree!!! ) I stop all the time to take pics etc! From now on I’m going to try and look at my watch less and just enjoy the beautiful scenery!! 😀🏃♀️
Oh good, well, you know what I mean...it’s not good but you’re not the only one as you can see from the responses...
I’ve never tried jeffing, I’m not entirely sure I know exactly what it is?! I think that you’ve def made a good choice by starting C25k again...some of the runs at the beginning I’m sure will be easy for you Sarakc but it will confirm to you that you are a runner and a good one at that xxx
OMG Mummycav LOVE LOVE LOVE this post! This is how I feel... when I run... sadly that hasn't been for a bit - hurt my sciatic nerve (or whatever it is) in my left leg & so thought I'd rest it for a bit... but several months on it is still hurting... so I'm thinking about just redoing C25K from start again (need to start slowly again) & see if it just stays the same (or hopefully not) gets any worse... xxx
oh no SuzyKK that’s so frustrating for you....I take it you’ve been to a physio etc?? If you do start C25k again I am SURE you will find it easier the 2nd time around and like I said to Sarakc it will just confirm to you that you are a runner and what you learnt the first time around is still in there bursting to get out...please, please be careful, I would hate to see you on the IC for months on end & I know that would drive you mad but, like you say, if you take it slowly and listen to your body, you will be back out enjoying the outdoors...keep us posted on how things are going for you...I’ve got everything crossed for you xxx
Hey Mummycav, I just want to say 'ditto' to everything you wrote. So beautifully and eloquently put, with fabulous humour too. Thank you for writing your thoughts to us, guess it resonates with so many of us. (Wish I had a ponytail!) Happy running.
Hi Gran4z , it certainly looks like there’s a lot of runners out there that go through the same thing doesn’t it?? I hope by reading the replies it has put peoples minds at rest when they think they’re the only ones? Haha..tighten whatever you have Gran xxxx
Think this beautifully sums up the weird fascination that is running for a lot of us!
Nearly 2 years in I've still not run 5k in 30 minutes but I still feel fit and strong pulling on the trainers and I genuinely love running.
I have a picture in my head of what I look like running - which is occasionally dashed if I catch sight of myself reflected in a window. This maybe why I prefer country running 😂
It is weird isn’t it? See, you’ve made me feel better DebJogsOn because you are in the same boat as me haven’t done 5k in 30 mins but feel strong and fit but for me that all goes to pot after about 2k and it’s worse if I catch my reflection in a window!! I need to chill, enjoy my runs and stop pressuring myself over stats! Thank you x
Great post. I can totally relate to this. I’ve been running a few years now and have still never done 5k in 30 mins but that’s ok. I’m still doing what I love. At my pace! Xx
Oh MC just a perfect post 😊. I went through exactly that too and stopped tracking my runs. I had a few routes which I knew. Looked at kitchen clock when I started and just went out carefree happy mindspace feel good running time. No fret or stress involved. Worked for me. Enjoy those runs.... they are fabulous moments of time. I haven’t run for nearly 5 weeks and can’t see me back until sept so go run for me too.... 😊
That sounds like a great idea...just looking at the kitchen clock and off you go?! Love it! Are you on the IC? I will def take you out with me next time xx
Make sure it’s sunny when you take me as I don’t like running in the rain 😂. And yes will be on the Clumsy couch ( must look where I am going couch) (open your bloody eyes couch ) for some months yet 😟
I know by your badge you’ve done longer (congrats) but maybe you’d like to join my OTA club. I run 5kOTA or 30minOTA (or there abouts). To be fair there’s not a great difference but 30OTA gives me an excuse to stop earlier if I’m not feeling it!! Decided the longer runs aren’t for me.
I absolutely love this idea Sybilw ....OTA sounds like a whole new distance...count me in!! Anyone else?? Doesn’t matter that longer runs aren’t for you, you enjoy the ota ones and that’s all that matters x
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