Gremlins with me all the way

[limberlou]

Intending to run early this morning I overslept till 9.00 of course. Got up and dressed, went down for my banana and glass of water. I’d charged my headphones and watch last night intending to do a long run today and I’d slipped a sachet of gel in my belt thinking it might help but as I went outside and felt the gentle misty rain starting I was quickly revising that in my head.

I’d put the week 1 B210k podcast (51 mins) on thinking I’d see how I went and I was already thinking 6k instead of 10k as I started my warm up walk. As it was later than usual there were more pedestrians to dodge and I could feel myself getting annoyed. As they are still working on the Swing Bridge ( god knows what they are doing they could have built a whole NEW one by now!!!) I had to put up with more pedestrian walkway than usual but I soon turned off towards the Mill Road entrance to the Tarka Trail and calmed down slightly.

As I run this route so often I can roughly see where the kilometre markers are in my head as I go along and I was already thinking “ 2k out and back? 4K is a nice little run........ maybe 2 1/2 out and back ? Maybe just 3 out and back?.........”. This carried on right up to 4 k so I had my gel then to see if that helped. Looking back at my splits 4K to 6k were my fastest bits so maybe it did but anyway I pushed on to 5 and then there was a track I really like running to so I carried on to 5 1/2 and the turned round again for the return journey.

Even then I was “ I could just do 8 and walk the rest....” I have no idea what was up with me but then I just got annoyed with myself and thought “ look!,, it’s a waste pushing yourself all the way to here to walk back . Just get on with it!!....” and I did.

Was it a struggle? YES IT WAS!!!!

Did I hate nearly every minute of it ? YES I DID.

And will I be out there again on Friday? YES I FLIPPING WILL!!

Last year I could not wait to get out there and run and I am determined to get back to that point again. I don’t think it’s been helped by illness and injury one after the other and I have also put on weight. Strangely more so since I started running regularly again. About a Stone and I am very conscious that it is all on my belly. I feel self conscious going out running now where I never did when I started.

I’m trying to eat more healthily, small portions, drinking lots of water etc but it’s just creeping on more and more. Very depressing. I’ve had my thyroid checked too so it’s not that. ☹️ and I walk. Lot when I’m not running so I’m stumped.

Never mind I’ll perk up again I’m sure. And I DID run 10k so %*&@#%£ to the gremlins!

And I was also greeted by an excited Roma ( kitten) when I arrived home. She’d brought me in her first frog!! How could I complain? Bless her!! Had to find an margarine tub to scoop it up and put it back in the pond. I’m sure I’ll see him again ....

[over61andstilltrying Graduate10]

Hi limberlou,

You ran 10k! Well done to you! 🍾🥂🏅🏃‍♀️🤸‍♂️🏃‍♀️🤸‍♂️🏃‍♀️🤸‍♂️👏🏻👍🌟 💥⚡️🎉😊 And you really were not loving it, congratulations on your making it and I so know how you feel.

See my post if you are interested

healthunlocked.com/bridgeto...

On the weight loss theme you may me interested in this

healthunlocked.com/nhsweigh...

someone sent me a link to this when I first posted on the weight loss forum also here on HealthUnlocked. That post has led me to lots of reading and after seeing my weight increase it is now down 9lbs. My husband and I have both gone Low Carbohydrate High Fat, my husband with the aim of hopefully reducing inflammation and me to lose weight around my middle.

10k is ace! Congratulations and well done again to you! 🎉

[limberlou Graduate10 in reply to over61andstilltrying]

Thankyou and I’ll take a look at that

[over61andstilltrying Graduate10 in reply to limberlou]

That was fast! I was literally editing my reply as I sent you the same link twice in error! I didn't think you would be able to read my reply while I was typing! I hope that you have two different links. Happy reading!

[over61andstilltrying Graduate10 in reply to limberlou]

This was the BBC documentary that knocked me for six!!

dailymotion.com/video/x6loaie

I believe that is not currently available via i-player. I hope that this link works😊

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10]

Well done LL, 10k is 10k no matter how you slice is - and you kicked those gremlins upside the head too!

Is there a chance of you getting a photo of Roma to show us? I could look at kittens all day. 🐈 ❤️ 🐈

[limberlou Graduate10 in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Well I still call her a kitten although she is 11 months old now and Luna is 1 year old. But Luna is a big floofy girl 5.1kg with big paws, with tufts of hair between them and also very hairy ears ( we think she has Maine Coon in her ancestry) and Roma was very ill when we first got them and spent 3 days not eating but eliminating violently at both ends and spending 4 days and nights at our vets in a drop in the end - which I think has stunted her growth- she is only 3.2kg and has been that now since Feb so I don’t think she’s going to get much bigger now. She is very vocal though- keeps up a constant commentary on life and follows me everywhere.

My next run I promise I will post pics of my pride. Mimi- my big tabby girl, Loki my dopey Snow Bengal/ Birman boy and the two black babies.

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to limberlou]

Oh poor little thing - she’s obviously a fighter. ❤️ It would be fantastic to see your pride - I love cats! 🐈🐈🐈🐈

[backintime Graduate10]

hi,

well done on that run, you and procrastination ran it together I know that so well!

may I ask what podcasts you are using?

[limberlou Graduate10 in reply to backintime]

I just reuse the C25k week 9 one and then the ones from B210k. I mix them up depending on how long I intend running for. Sometimes I run one after the other. The music isn’t necessarily my choice but it’s the right beat to run to and I just sort of glaze over and run in time to it.

[backintime Graduate10]

Where can I find the b210k ones ? (sorry for all the questions)

[limberlou Graduate10 in reply to backintime]

That’s weird I thought I’d answered you but can’t see the answer.

I found the Bridge to 10k App by searching in Apps on my iPhone

[backintime Graduate10 in reply to limberlou]

Ok thanks

[skysue16 Graduate10]

Your post made me smile

Well done for persevering with that run, you did very well fighting off those pesky gremlins!

[MuddledGardener Graduate10]

Wow! Just wow! 🙌🙌🙌

[Dexy5 Graduate10]

You ran 10k when you weren’t enjoying it - well done limberlou

🏃‍♀️👏🏻👏🏻

[Deals1 Graduate10]

Well done 1ok is 10k and even harder if Yr mind not in it

[Fishypieface Graduate10]

An epic read and run, well bl@@dy done you!! I know how you feel about the weight thing, I never seem to lose anything in spite of eating naff all and exercising every day. I’m also peri-menopausal so that really helps!! I did find low carb helped for a while. I basically ate butternut squash instead of potatoes and cut out bread... oh and red wine 😥☹️. I’ve changed my focus to getting fit rather than losing weight. My body definitely looks better for it. Hope you find what works for you.

[limberlou Graduate10 in reply to Fishypieface]

Yeah I find it harder as I drink skimmed milk, Don’t take sugar, don’t drink alcohol, eat chicken and quorn, loads of veg, wholewheat bread and pasta, drink lots of water and exercise too. Can’t see what it should be going ON!!

But I have watched the links that Over61andtrying sent me above and found them interesting so I’m going to give that a try .

[Fishypieface Graduate10 in reply to limberlou]

You sound like a beacon for healthy living!!! That's doubly annoying then.... I feel your pain.....hope you find out the secret.... let me know if you do!

[nif100]

Hi limberlou….ahhh the gremlins aren't they a nightmare. Mine tend to hang around on certain days waiting outside on the gate to see if I am going out or not. I would give anything to have a "gremlin" run at the moment, I am still resting after a sciatica flare so have been on rest at the moment. I was originally 5 months ago recommended to lose weight being on the NHS "pre" diabetic group. I am just on the cusp of normal/pre but it was a wake up call. My weight had crept on gradually over the past years. I knew I was getting big but resigned myself to it and just bought the next size clothes (not the right thing to do). So with that hanging over me I decided to throw everything at it and see what I could do. I started C25K and got through pretty unscathed. I also joined slimming world and combined with the two have lost 2 1/2 stone to date. I have just 4lbs to go to my target. I have my bloods done next month so I am hoping fingers crossed I am back to being a normal bod. So back to the gremlins...don't let them win (I know you wont) enjoy them as it means at least you are out there doing your thing and try slimming world. Eating so much never hungry, and it works. My gremlins are still out there waiting for me, but I will be out there and cannot wait to hear them moaning.....happy running!!

[limberlou Graduate10]

Yeah I have done slimming world about 4 times now and reached goal twice ( also WW) . I was 10 st when I first went with my friend to keep her company. Got to 9 1/2st and goal, a year later I was 10 1/2. Back I went, got to goal, a year later I was 11....... and repeat. Now I am 12st and was only ever 11st 5 when I was 9 months pregnant.

I wish I’d never started

[StormyMonday Graduate10]

Keep going. The gremlins will pass. About a fortnight ago every run I did was just so hard, even the 5ks. I was thinking ‘what is wrong with you?’ Why is this so tough? Now I’m just starting to realise my pace and distance is improving. Runs are more enjoyable, never easy, but I’m starting to get stronger on hills. I’m running up then and at a faster pace. A fortnight ago I was struggling just to keep going. Push through this and you will reap the rewards and get back to loving it again. Runners are out there in all shapes and sizes, don’t be deterred by self-consciousness. Most people just see a runner, plain and simple, and most are full of nothing but admiration. No body will judge you for improving your health. You’ve got this 👍💪

[limberlou Graduate10]

Thanks

I watched a really good programme from the link sent by Over61andtrying above and I feel more positive today and ready to put some changes in place

[Hidden]

Well done that was fantastic. I very nearly did my first 10k last Sunday my phone died at 8 . Something then I thought I can keep going my watch will pick it up then I pressed the button too many times and it stopped timing me 😡nooo at 9.64 but so proud of myself anyway 😊

[limberlou Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Oh well done ( I’m sure it was a 10k anyway) and I’m sure you will do many more. I try to do at least 2 a month but the rest varies. I woke up today with a headache ( no idea why as I’ve drink plenty of water over the last couple of days) and decided to leave my run for this morning. I might go this evening instead - if not tomorrow morning. No birds or frogs this morning thankfully although I did get a frog Wednesday evening and another yesterday morning. Aren’t cats wonderful? 🤢

I’ve decided to do some Pilates and strength moves today instead with my online Pilates teacher Rachael.

[Hidden in reply to limberlou]

Just been out for 5k said to my partner oh only did 5k but when I stop and think of the enormity of it I think that’s over 3 miles . My time is getting better 38 mins down from 42 too . Didn’t come home to a cat that brings in frogs just one that leaves my rugs half way up the wall 😂

Keep up the good work 👍