I did a big run to and from work last week, and as I was plodding along the roads on the way back I did some thinking; I was tired, my shorts were ripped, I was grimacing, and I looked a bit disheveled. This isn't comfortable for me, as I am more confidant if I know I don't look this way. However, I focused on staying in the moment, and ignoring the cars and cyclists, and worrying about what they might be thinking about me.
I found myself saying over and over 'I own my run' its for me, no one else. This kind of became a thing, and as my thoughts started drifting to different things it popped up again and again:
On the small road that winds down through the woods that has no pavements, each time a car or cyclist passed me, I said to myself 'I own my run '.... I own this space I am taking my place on the road, meaning they have to go round me, and its OK, I am owning my run, and my place here.
When my legs no longer wanted to move, I said to myself, 'I own my run' I will slow it down, have some water, keep going, I know I can do this.
When my mind wandered to difficulties at work, tricky situations and things I needed to resolve, I said to myself, 'I own my run' , I will use this time to work through some of these things and find a way through. This mindset helped to enable me to see how I could get through, and some solutions popped up too.
Owning my run is now my new mantra and mindset. I am going to explore this feeling more as my new running plans unfold, and I overcome the barriers.
I encourage you to have a go, and own your run, its yours
This is my bunny Shaka, owning her bunny-ness.....
Juju
xxx
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ju-ju-
Graduate10
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"Owning my run" that is your new mantra and mindset, a lot of runner's on C25K and B210K should remember that for themselves as well, there are many runners, especially new ones admit they only run under the cover of darkness to avoid being seen, after reading your post they should run at more normal times, nice photo of your bunny Shaka
Yes, I think as a new runner, I know its really hard to be OK with being seen, Its something about confidance and owning your place as a runner... and I love my bunny, thanks so much
What a wonderful post and sentiment ju-ju- ☺️. Your mantra sounds like the runner's equivalent of mindfulness's "present moment". I think they go well together and I shall try them out tomorrow morning and "own my run" too, just for me. Thank you for sharing x
Fabulous ju-Ju- this reminded me of my recent return to cycling - I was at school last time I cycled, decided to cycle to work once the clocks changed (I am a fair weather cyclist - although running, I’d go in all weathers 😂)
I was a bit nervous on the roads, and not all drivers are tolerant of cyclists....so it took a little while to build my confidence....... but kept saying to myself, ‘I am allowed to be here’, which really helped.
Plus every so often we do feel delicate for whatever reason, and I totally agree we must be kind to ourselves and remind ourselves, I’m being me, I’m doing this my way and it’s just fine.
Thank you 🤗 (in the best socially distanced manner 😊)
Its so true isnt it? Once we can accept that we have every right to be there, it makes it so much better. I see alot of cyclists on the commute run, and they are always lovely and even apologise for being in my way. I think I must have exuded that ownership!! Being kind to ourselves is also key, and its great that mental health awareness week is highlighting this. Sending a socially distanced hug back
What a brilliant positive post ju- ju. Sometimes we do need to remind ourselves not to worry what others think. I used to worry about how red faced and sweaty I was and wondered if others noticed when I was out for a run . Then something silly like the first time wearing shorts on a run , again will people notice , will people stare at me. I know it all sounds stupid but these things did cross my mind.
In the end having a positive attitude really helps. Sometimes it just takes a while or a post like yours to help. 😊👍
Thanks for posting this Ju Ju. I found it really useful and am looking forward to trying it. I often have moments in my run when I'm just thinking how hard it is or how tired I am or how I'm not very fast and don't look like a real runner. I will try this next time! 👍😊
What a lovely mindful mantra. I'm glad you've found a way to run in the moment rather than fighting against outside forces like other peoples thoughts. Most of the time others we meet, especially fleetingly like passing traffic, are so tied up in their own thoughts and worries that they barely register our existence. It's not that they dont care about us, just that we are low down I their list of priorities. What a gorgeous bunny - looks like it has totally got life sussed. Happy running 🤗
Thankyou, and its so true. I remember when I started running I went in the dark where no one can see me. I have since learnt that no one is the slightest bit interested in me, but it doesn't stop the occasional worries.... That bunny has totally got it sussed. I always feed them when I get back from my run, and they are so excitable! I noticed this morning she has dug a huge hole which bunnies love doing!
Hi ju-ju. I totally agree with you. Love this post. I was having doubts about running along my favourite path between back gardens of nearby houses and the railway line. It’s a lovely 1 km path, very shady and a segment on my Strava map which I’ve steadily been improving my speed along. I was worried as it’s quite narrow and favoured by dog walkers too and I was aware of others thinking I shouldn’t go down there. After a couple of weeks of running up to the path and turning back I finally decided to go down the path as I’ve seen so many dog walkers and families still using it. I thought to myself “I have as much right to be here as anyone else ” and it’s my run (like you say, own it) so I’m using the path again and it’s like coming back to visit an old friend! If I come across anyone else I just make a point of moving over just like they do and it’s been fine. 😊🏃🏻♀️
Hooray, I am so please, and thats so true. Its so good when we can overcome these worries, as there is invariably a solution, or a way through....
I was in the woods on Sunday and a group of about 8 walkers approached me ( I dont think they all lived together....) and I moved to one side, and they didn't!!! They kept going in 2's and blanked me. I just felt sad as they clearly haven't got the hang of the new way of life, and I hope they dont get unwell as a result of their carelessness....
Love this. Having a mantra can really help during a run and I'll try this myself. Thank you so much for sharing.
When I started C25K I would only run in the very early morning because I was embarrassed to be seen, I honestly think that lasted about 3 weeks and now, some 6 months or so later, I just don't care. I think as a runner you are mostly invisible and if people notice you at all its only with a vague sense of admiration because you are out there actually doing it. I was heavily overweight when I started which is probably why I felt embarrassed but when I see overweight people running now I have nothing but admiration for them because I know where it can lead. Anyway I digress, can't for the life of me think why you would be worried about what people think
And personally I don't just own my runs, I ROCK my runs
I loved every moment of my first 3k run after a ten day break. I’m going to embrace the own your own run mindset so I’m not focusing on not training for a 10k but being thankful to be back running whatever the distance.
What an inspiration ju- ju!! Not just for your running but your selfless motivation of others. As a newbie you make me reflect on my approach to running. Never a sporty child, at the start of C25K I never believed I could do it and now even though I thought I was confident I apologise for my slow pace and try to justify it. I compare myself to others and think I'm not as good. I felt a mantra was a bit "new agey" but I like this one. 💪I'm going to adopt it and stop apologising!! I'm going to OWN IT👍👍
Brilliant, I love that. Like you, I never ever ran in my life, and when I did cross country at school I HATED it, always at the back limping along moaning and chatting up the boys! I think there is a lot of expectation out there to always improve, get PB's etc etc, and a while back I refocused my goal to be someone that runs every day when I am in my 80's, and speed is not a part of that. Its really helped me, and I always come back to my goal when I start the creeping doubts about needing to be faster etc... I love the sound of your new- agey mantra that sounds funky!!
Thankyou, shes quite a character. When we got her a few years ago, she was one of two left, and I think they were desperate to get rid of her. She did this wierd collapse when she went over to sleep, and they said they had constant complaints, as she looked like she had collapsed and died. We loved that, and were rather smitten with her naughtiness!
I absolutely love this post and can relate to it in so many ways.....those feelings of self doubt which are complete nonsense! Most of my C25K training was done on my treadmill for fear of being seen. What a waste eh?! I finally plucked up the courage to run outside on week 9 and now I love my outside runs! I still battle with the demons that occupy my head but reading this post has made me realise that I’m not alone and I will take on your expertise advice and say “I own my own run”
Super, huge well done for overcoming that fear, its really hard isn't it? However owning that space, and your run gives you that confidence. I am so pleased you have found this useful
Can I own a second run? Am I allowed to it with the current restrictions? Can I rent a run out if own more than one? 🤣
I’ve been owning my current running plan... I’m heading for 10k at the end of October (long runs will get to 11 miles) but when it says “speed” or “tempo” on the days run I’m refusing to budge, every run is at my pace as it’s better for my head right now. I’m sure these sessions will kick my butt once things are back to normal. I’m hopeful that there will be 10k events on the day I’ve chosen, but no way I’m booking onto one yet as they’re likely to be cancelled.
I think when we are doing some critical thinking on a run we find we’re elsewhere, and don’t think about the run itself. You “come-to” and find you’ve covered loads of ground while you were “away” I love it when that happens 🙂
I agree about owning the run. It’s ours - good or bad 🙂
Great post Ju. Great run mantra too. On my long runs I occasionally register hard looks from others but like you, I’ve concluded that most are wrapped in their own thoughts and concerns. That bunny has got it right!
I have something similar. Many years ago I practiced martial arts and my instructor told me to soften my ankles.. At the time I didn’t think it was possible to soften your ankles and it set my mind off contemplating this and my ankles. What this did was to help me remove my head from everything else I was attempting to do and just do it.
Now when I am running my mantra is feet, ankles, knees, hips and shoulders to to try to release any unnecessary tension. It helps keep my head in the run and to just run.
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