I set myself the target of running for 60 minutes by the end of June in Oldfloss's June Quest. Unfortunately, yesterday was complete madness at work and I just didn't have the energy and time for it. So I thought I'd tackle it today - what the heck, in the general scheme of things its just a day late, right?
Off I trotted full of determination. That lasted for 20 minutes when a stitch set in - my first ever since starting C25K. Remembering others who had bravely ran on through (Limberlou perhaps?) I thought I'd rise above it and carry on. But it then turned into just feeling generally horrible and I caught myself thinking "What the hell are you doing woman? This is meant to be enjoyable!" So I gritted my teeth and decided I'd make it to 30 minutes then call it quits.
So I'm a bit cheesed off for not managing the big one today. But I've also started wondering if perhaps I've been too target driven? So once I've got the 60 minutes done (not letting that one go when I'm so close...) then I'm just going to potter about without any particular targets and just run how I feel at the time. Hopefully that will recapture the fun of it that has been ebbing slightly of late.
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Fionamags
Graduate10
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There's definitely a balancing act between getting where you want to go and running as you wish, when you wish and how you wish. I think once you get to the big 60 you'll have other things crop up that you'll be interested in. Then 'running how you feel at the time' opens up so much freedom. If you feel good then go for it and if not you can settle where you are. Keep going and getting out as you have been. That's everything!!
Thanks - that's good advice. Staying within comfort levels won't necessarily improve my fitness and whatever I do next I'd like to get fitter. So a balance is a good way of thinking about it.
Hello again Fionamags,
I love your question to yourself there Fm, great that you were able to spot what was needed in the moment. I don’t find it always easy to know if it’s a moment I need to push through or a signal to slow down or stop but I’m hoping as we go along we’ll get better at knowing the difference. You may well be right about targets and losing the fun and enjoyment, targets are good to have but we don’t need them pushing us around 😘 Take it easy and maybe enjoy getting those 60 minutes under your belt 🤗
Don't be too down hearted if you kept going through a stitch for 30 minutes we'll done you I say. Also I think it's good to know when enough is enough as you say it's meant to be fun.
After graduation I saw everyone putting plans in place, I kept thinking I had one as well but in reality I just tried to keep running regularly. I had some lovely runs with no plans or real targets just making it up as I ran. But now I feel like having a go at those C25k +podcasts.
So proud of you.. stopping when you know you should and listening to your body
Chill out now.. run, because you can...potter along and take a few, see where you get to runs as and when and I think you may suddenly, quite unexpectedly surprise yourself
Thanks so much Oldfloss. Honestly this forum is pure gold - what a lovely bunch of supportive folk! Your comments gave me such a boost. I shall sally forth and see what happens in a couple of days. I might even do some of that strength training you nudged me towards!!!
I felt the same at the end of c25k. Striving hard, achieving, then just exhausted. It took 7-8 weeks of just running to let my level of fitness catch up and work back to 5k. I ran 10k last week. Could barely make 4K today. I agree with you. We need to go for awhile without target. Rest, relax, fun run.
Well done for making it to 30 minutes is my view! The way forward is definitely to run when it feels good.. (or at least good enough). Be kind to yourself..😊
Great work trying after a difficult day at work yesterday. You are so right, targets are all very well but sometimes you need to let go and just remember the joy of running. Happy running 🤗
Well done you for keeping going through that stitch, and I think you did the right thing to call it a day then if you really weren’t enjoying it.
It’s a funny thing targets, I think I run a bit better knowing and aiming for a certain goal or objective. Having said that it must be great to just run free and enjoy it.
Whatever you decide, wish you happy running 🏃♀️ 🏃♂️👍
It’s nice to take the pressure off. I ran tech, app and music free for a few weeks straight after graduation and I loved the peace and quiet, which was particularly heightened by the start of lockdown. I think we all need to run like that now and again. Take some time to explore different routes, music, podcasts, no music and times of day. A change can be as good as a rest. 🤗
That’s the pure beauty of running FM. We’re all individuals and each and every one of our runs is individual too. It’s what makes our sport fun. Each run is a surprise, sometimes good and sometimes not so good.
Our bodies are so very important and you were super smart listening to yours and calling it quits at 30 minutes. I’m not sure I’d have done that, I’m too stubborn! Really good for you. 😀
Well done for running 30 minutes and well done for listening to your body. You were wise to, my daughter didn’t listen to her body when running a half marathon and ended up with a stress fracture of the hip at 30 which was difficult to diagnose and stopped her running for over 12 months. It’s disappointing when we want to do more than we can. I look forward to your post in a few days/weeks telling us you did it xx
Thanks! I am definitely going to do it and keep on running. I think i was just too stressed with work and I was at a bit of a low ebb when I wrote the post. But a day later and after all these lovely supportive messages I feel ready to tackle it again! On annual leave next week for 3 weeks so I'll leave till then - lots of time for more running adventures!!!
When I’ve found myself making too many comparisons on a route and finding myself ‘lacking’ I tend to find a new route! This often leads to me surprising myself and a confidence boost. I like for the sake of it running and mindful running. That’s what’s good for my heart and well being, that the kind approach - whilst doing this the odd target gives way, which is always a sneaky bonus 😀. You’re doing great, 60 mins will yield, today, tomorrow? That bit doesn’t matter x
Although I agree with you in setting ourselves a goal, having just graduated I am of a mindset that for the first few weeks after graduation. I will run the same course which I ran my week 9 runs which I know the distance is just above 4.7K and although not the 5k we strive for, it takes me 30mins at the moment to complete. I aim to run this at the same pace but if I'm feeling the joy and feel I can push that bit further then to quicken up a little and also carry on further than usual and see where that takes me? I believe we need to enjoy our running and the time and distance will improve as we gain more fitness. Carry on with your great attitude and also with the help of this great forum you will achieve your goal. 😊🏃♂️🏃♀️
Thanks to all of you for your lovely messages of support. As I said to MoliJ just now, I think the fact that I'm frantically desk clearing to finish work tomorrow just had me too stressed and knackered and it really affected me. But I have 3 weeks annual leave and I shall tackle that 60 minute run followed by some new running adventures.
I know I said no targets - but who am I kidding? I want to try and crack 40 minutes for 5k so I'm going to keep on with the not Park Run.
Once again, thanks so much lovely running people - this is definitely not over and out!
Sorry to read about your stresses Fionamags albeit a bit late. 😟However, I know you'll bounce back from this. 🤗 There's no competition or need to get to 60 mins. It's just our own need to be achieving and to perfect our pace, distance etc. Take a breath, regroup and see how you go. Whatever you decide to run enjoy your time off work😉
Just seen your post Fionamags. Please don't give yourself a hard time. You obviously like targets and that's great, but it can also lead to disappointments. The one and only time I ran for 60 minutes was when I got lost, so maybe go exploring and just see what happens? Good luck, you're doing so well, please don't be disappointed. Maybe take a little break from the targets for a few days?
Thanks for your kind words. I'm over it - was a blip that was linked to working too hard I think. I work in a university as well so you will know exactly what I mean when I mention desk clearing madness at the end of semester!
I did a little 10 miler on the bike today to get myself moving and tomorrow will do another short run. I will be in a rural cottage (our retirement project) for the next few weeks so I'm saving my big run for lovely rural running. So from Monday I'll have lots of lovely new routes to explore!
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