A bad night, a morning run and how running brings a little magic into our lives! ✨🙂

[Sandraj39]

I know many of us get these little blips - especially at the moment. 😕 I didn't sleep well last night and really wasn't feeling the love for my morning run when I woke up this morning, which is a shame because I have been loving them recently. I forced myself out of bed, my head full of excuses as to why I shouldn't run, why I should have an extra rest day...(you know the way it goes!)

Anyway, after breakfast I gave myself a bit of talking to, pulled on my running kit and headed off to my local Parkrun course, which has become my new favourite place to run due to the ease with which you can socially distance from others!😷

I eased myself into the run slowly (still not feeling it!) and was soon passed by another two runners who looked a lot more comfortable than I felt. They disappeared off in to the distance - leaving me trailing in the slipstream! 😯 There also seemed to be a couple of other runners out on the course (not together) who seemed to be running their own informal, social very-distanced Parkrun! I just wanted solitude today - a quiet, 'lonely goat' type of run! I puffed on, focused on my music (thank you Jessie J 🎶) and settled into my own rhythm.

And this is where the magic ✨happens, of course! This is why we why run 💕 - away from the bad news, the worries and stresses, just for ourselves, by ourselves and ultimately, only against ourselves! My nemesis hill is still tough but does not faze me now. 💪The other runners disappeared and I was left pretty much on my own out there on the hillside, surrounded only by fields. I found my own little 'happy place' again. 🙂🌈 I always do!

I brought that sense of calm back with me after the run, along with the 3 secs (yes, they matter!) I had inadvertently knocked off my previous PB on that route! I feel grounded again.

Happy running to everyone who can, this weekend. Hope you feel the magic too! ✨✨🙂

[linda9389 Graduate10]

And just like that, it's a new day, full of new possibilities. Yes, we are strong and we are also much more resilient than we give ourselves credit for. Sleep well tonight 😘

[Sandraj39 Graduate10 in reply to linda9389]

So true, Linda 😘x

[Love2run1969]

So happy for you...I feel the joy and so well written....inspiring... if I felt like I didn't want to go for my run today I do now😊🏃‍♀️🍁

[Sandraj39 Graduate10 in reply to Love2run1969]

Enjoy!🙂✨

[Beachcomber66 Graduate10]

I love a story with a happy ending Sandra. I did a short comeback 3k yesterday, picked up the pace a little bit, and felt great...so little but it means so much! A PB for you too; happy days. Now it is just a question of getting the apres run right. For me; time I made some more chocolate brownie. I would share it with you if I could 🙂

[Sandraj39 Graduate10 in reply to Beachcomber66]

..oh, and I do love a chocolate brownie! Perhaps I should make some myself!😉🙂

[Grannyhugs Graduate10]

Brilliant effort, so glad you pushed yourself to go out and hey, 3 sec is brilliant. Bask in the glory now. Happy running🤗

[Sandraj39 Graduate10 in reply to Grannyhugs]

I still never fail to love the way running can lift us up!🙂

[Grannyhugs Graduate10 in reply to Sandraj39]

We are so lucky to have discovered this easy fix, it's just a case of remembering about it and getting out the door🤣

[Sandraj39 Graduate10 in reply to Grannyhugs]

...sometimes that can still be the tricky bit!🤣

[Irishprincess Graduate10]

Perfect. A sleepless night can play havoc with our running, I always feel like death if I don’t sleep well so I think you did really well. Well done on the PB too 🏃‍♀️🙂 xxx

[Sandraj39 Graduate10 in reply to Irishprincess]

I SO very nearly didn't run IP! I really should know better than that by now! 🤣

[Irishprincess Graduate10 in reply to Sandraj39]

Lack of sleep is my only reason not to run sometimes 😴

[over61andstilltrying Graduate10]

Well done to you! Lovely! I am astounded that you started as you did and still achieved a PB!!! Wow! A happy and very satisfying result indeed. 😊🏃‍♀️🎉🌸

[Sandraj39 Graduate10 in reply to over61andstilltrying]

Thank you. I have run faster 5ks but not on this course!

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate10]

That sounds like a perfect run Sandraj39 ..just what the doctor ordered!! It’s posts like this that make me get my kit on and stop making excuses!! I’ve got a 10k run to do either today or tomorrow, it’s too warm right now so it’s going to have to be after tea or first thing tomorrow...can you hear the excuses??? I’m not looking forward to it but I know I will have to do it or I’ll be cross with myself because I know that I will feel just like you do when I get back from it and it’s the best feeling in the world!!! Thanks Sandra for the inspiration x

[Sandraj39 Graduate10 in reply to Mummycav]

Good luck Mummycav - hope that 10k goes well! 😀

[SaskAlliecat Graduate10]

It is amazing how that feeling of calmness can come midrun despite those evil little gremlins trying to sabotage you getting out of the house. Way to not listen, follow your routine and find that happy place once again.

[Sandraj39 Graduate10 in reply to SaskAlliecat]

Thanks SaskAlliecat! 😀

[skysue16 Graduate10]

So glad you found your happy place 😊

[Dexy5 Graduate10]

So glad that your run went well in the end Sandraj39 . Sometimes it’s just a matter of getting out there to turn the day around.

We’ve been blessed with good weather since lockdown. I bet that will change once I get my running shoes back on. 🤣

[Sandraj39 Graduate10 in reply to Dexy5]

It's looking cooler here in Surrey from Monday - which I actually prefer for running! It has been beautiful though! 🌞🙂

[johnm12 Graduate10]

Ah.. Feel the Magic! Love it.

[misswobble Graduate10]

I did Took a while but i got into it 😃🏃‍♀️

[Vicbond]

This is my reason why! So well written, captured those feelings of wanting to procrastinate then the magic that happens when you crack on. Screenshotting this to remind me when I resist getting out! Thank you x