The runs that matter

[Chicken1966]

Let me tell you about my run today, or rather my morning so far.

So this morning was not a good morning. I woke before my alarm, set for my run. My head started with the protests, “it’s only a short run” “do it tomorrow instead” “you don’t normally run on Saturday, you’re only doing it because you over slept on Monday, because of your inability to work your phone alarm”. Loads more excuses too, the dog will want his breakfast, you need breakfast.

Then the truth, you shouldn’t have had three beers and a curry last night it doesn’t help when you are running the next morning.

I got up dressed in my running gear, downstairs 2 minutes of procrastination making a fuss of the dog who was pleased to see me, he always is a mealtimes.

Give him his breakfast and half of my banana that I always have before a run. I need to drink water, more procrastination, but valid, i drink some water.

Set my app up and look for my keys. I realise i have left them in a trouser pocket in the bedroom, not wanting to disturb my wife, I decide to take the keys for the back of the house and set about writing her a note in case she hears me coming in the back door and it gives her a shock. Thoughtful I know, but really more procrastination.

So I am out through the front door having warmed up longer that usual.. you guessed it.

And set my app running, music blares out of my phone. I have left my head phones in doors and have no keys for the front of the house. Swearing under my breath I shut the phone up and reset the app... twice because of my middle age inability to work my phone.

I set off running, my left knee moans which is normal but today its more annoying. Then the tight right achilles joins in, also normal but today its complaining seems louder than usual. My legs feel heavy and tired my thighs join in the complaints, this is new. I have completed 300 meters of my 4 k run and the thought to turn back and go home crosses my mind and lingers. Then the lungs start shouting at me too.

The reason for this long rambling post?

Well I didn’t stop and go home, I persevered, I ran the 4 k in an average time for me nothing earth shattering. I didn’t feel good, it was humid and I had obviously tired legs, probably from the long run and an hour of tennis on Thursday more than the beer and curry. But I dug in and completed the run.

These are the runs that matter, these are the runs that set you mind. The hardest muscle to train is the brain muscle. Todays run was the victory that will get me to 10k more so than the long runs that make me feel good when I have achieved a new distance or time.

So If you find yourself procrastinating and your brain muscle isn’t willing push through it, that’ll be the run you needed to develop just that bit more.

[Hidden]

Exactly so. If we keep going and keep consistent then more often than not we'll get to where we want to go. Your 10k will happen, I've no doubt at all.

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10]

And that means you are a true runner Chicken1966! Fantastic winning the battle with all those numerous gremlins. 👊

[Buddy34 Graduate10]

And that's the determination you need to get out the door and push through on a run. Well done 😊👍

[limberlou Graduate10]

Sounds just like my run yesterday but I kept going. Partly because I know how much I sweat when I stop and I thought let’s make the sweatiness worthwhile 🤣🤣

You are right though.these ARE the runs that mater because anyone can go and run and nice easy run where your breath is easy and your legs skip along happily with no aches and pains...it takes guts and grit to run when everything is against you including your own body 👍💪💪🏃🏼👏👏👏

[Grannyhugs Graduate10]

Wow a whole battle was fought before you even left the house then a whole new one as you ran your 4K, I’m exhausted just reading this🤣 so glad you conquered those demons and won, another run ticked off ready for your next progression. Happy running 🤗

[Couchphoenix Graduate10]

Great post, I fully agree 👍 I had a really crappy run yesterday, tight calf muscles, pain in my knee, which was new and unwelcome, not much energy as hadn’t slept well....but I pushed myself to complete 5k, got home knackered and drenched in sweat, time wasn’t great run wasn’t pretty but most importantly it got done, the tough runs show our mental strength, which is equally as important as our physical strength....🏃‍♂️

[Sandraj39 Graduate10]

This is a wonderful post - and absolutely spot on! Training the mind is so important in running - and pushing through those runs where nothing seems to go right and it just doesn't come together definately makes us stronger mentally. Well done on putting the miles in and being out there! Enjoy your rest days. 🙂

[Oldgirlruns Graduate10]

You are so right Chicken - and I need to remind myself of that when I find myself in the same situation! Enjoy your trip to 10k!