Exhausted and emotionally drained? Run........Juju Week 2/3

After 3 very full and challenging days this week I woke this morning feeling very tired and a bit down. My plan said 6k Run! 😯 Although I did have thoughts of ‘should I really run?’ ‘do I need some rest?’ and for potentially good reason, I found it very difficult to NOT run as other stronger thoughts kicked in “It’s Run Day, we’re running” and “Come on, it’ll be too warm later, now is the best time”

So, fluid intake, wake up the body, lace up and off we went. The first few minutes felt truly terrible, I still can’t believe quite how shocked the body feels when asked to run again, even after months or even years of regular running 🤔.

As usual it was down to the sea but today instead of staying at sea level to complete the distance and then walk back I ran up the slope back from from the promenade. It took some recovery time to settle the breath and the borrowed mantra idea (thanks 🙏) really helped here, ‘long slow runs build up strength and speed, I can do this’)

By the time I was back on top of the ridge (a total climb of 89 metres today ...yikes), I was feeling good and after safely negotiating the downhill section ( no more falls please) tested out my legs to see if there was any juice left in the tank. Amazingly there was, enough to have a kick up to finish line but having checked, I slowed back down to my longer run training pace and had a happy trot in to complete the last run of Week 2 on Juju’s Magic 10k.

So pleased with progress with my discipline and reigning in the hare/ valuing the tortoise. Probably only one or 2 weeks until I hit the 60 minutes running on the distance plan as 6k took me nearly 50 minutes today.

Today’s lessons:

Being tired and emotionally drained are not necessarily reasons not to run. The morning run helped reenergise me and I even managed a swim in the sea with a friend this afternoon, glorious.

Hare and tortoise can enjoy running together 👯

I think I can make it to 10k 😁

Happy running VRB’s 🤗

[Allbarron 60minGraduate]

Of course you can make it to 10k!! That run today sounds awesome. Discipline and determination galore. You're doing really well and I admire your brave swim in the sea! Keep it up jorgeRuns VRBs are running with you!! 👋👋

[Hidden in reply to Allbarron]

Thanks Allbarron, I honestly wouldn’t be doing this without all your support, the swim was very short as it’s soooooo cold and I can easily lose the feeling in my fingers but it’s just so amazing to be able to swim in the sea, especially as the swimming pools have all been closed. 🤗

[Grannyhugs Graduate10]

Lovely photo and fantastic run for you today, especially with that elevation gain- it will make you a stronger runner. It's a really good habit to just run because it's run day, no discussion, no excuse. Well done. Onwards with happy running 🤗

[Hidden in reply to Grannyhugs]

Thanks Grannyhugs, yes I think now the habit is forming it’s going to be easier to just run without all the should I ? shouldn’t I? palaver going around in my head 🤪🙏🤗

[Hidden]

Oh well done Mrs Jorge. My run this morning was a similar experience and I also felt better for having completed it. Well done to you 😊.

When I'm feeling iffy about getting myself out of bed in the morning, Mymojo usually gets her way by reminding me that those currently on the IC would be loving a run at the moment, as I would have done not so long ago.

Beautiful beach and what a glorious day for a swim.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

🤗 thank you and yes, I just replied to yours too, ....that’s a great tip to help in the morning D-d I’ll remember that next time 🤗

[Fionamags Graduate10]

What a great run despite the sluggish start to your day. Up hills as well? Brilliant! You will get to 10k no bither at all I'm sure - and who cares how long it takes?

[Hidden in reply to Fionamags]

So right Fionamags, the more I run the less I care about times, ....but I’ll still be chasing some PB’s no doubt 😄🤗

[Roxdog Graduate10]

Loved this post! Such a wonderful description of your running experience. How lovely to be able to run by the sea. Yes, you will run for60 minutes and you will run 10k.

Isn't it weird how runs can go so well when you're not in the mood, or a bit tired. Probably because they shake off whatever it is which is bothering you.

I wish the first few minutes weren't sometimes so dreadful though! I nearly gave up after 1 minute a few days ago!

Brilliant run, well done you!

[Hidden in reply to Roxdog]

Thanks Roxdog, indeed we never know how it’s going to turn out or what agonies or treasures a run will bring. I remember your post about nearly giving up after a minute and I remembered it today when I could hardly breathe only 2 minutes in so that helped me to keep going too 🙏🤗

[Jamicharla]

Great Post! Really inspiring. It does help to hear the success stories when the mind is planting seeds of doubt! Well done!

[Hidden in reply to Jamicharla]

Hello Jamicharla, thanks, I find that too, so many times I’ve read other posts and thought it’s not just me, so encouraging 🤗

[Mum22boys Graduate10]

Sounds like you had an amazing run. Don't you think the ones you have to talk yourself into often turn out to be really good! I'm slightly envious that you have a hill that big to run up (I can't actually believe I'm saying that!!), it will make you such a stronger runner. Fan photo, can you please send some sun up North... it's rained here for about 4 weeks!!!

[Hidden in reply to Mum22boys]

Yes, I think perhaps it’s the low expectations and then just getting it done is hugely satisfying when we so easily might not have bothered....ha ha wishing for hills to run up, what will we be wishing for next, Ill try and blow some sunshine up your way 😎🤗

[59er Graduate10]

Slowing back down to your longer run training pace? Oh my goodness! You sound like a real runner! And so you are! Well done for fighting the demons who were telling you you were too tired and compromising with that hare. You must feel invigorated too with that glorious scenery!

[Hidden in reply to 59er]

I’ve read so many people say they can’t believe what they have become/can achieve...and yes here I am too on my way to joining the happy geek running club ... who would have thought ... you’re right, I’m so lucky to have the sea close by and I am just drawn to it every time I go fir a run 🤗

[Buddy34 Graduate10]

When your determination shines through. Great run and a swim. You'll make it to 10k no problem.

Love the photo 😊💪💪

[Hidden in reply to Buddy34]

thanks Buddy 🤗

[Sandraj39 Graduate10]

Great post - well done for pulling on your shoes and channeling your inner tortoise!🐢 Sometimes we think we are physically tired when we are just mentally tired. I often return from work shattered but usually manage to get out there for my run - often surprising myself at how much better I feel after it! The wonders of running eh? Good luck on your journey to 10k! 🙂

[Hidden in reply to Sandraj39]

Thanks Sandraj39, just been reading your profile, fantastic how much you have done since starting C to 5k . I notice you’ve been doing lots of hill work recently, I guess it’s something folks do when training for longer distances. 🤔

I’d really like to aim for a HM by next birthday, Spring 2021, hopefully they may be happening again by then, I guess you’re maybe have missing some of your normal races. Who knows maybe I could even run a marathon one day, I wish I’d done more when I was a lot younger but focusing now on going forward despite my ageing legs. 🤗

[Sandraj39 Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Yes, I have had a few booked races which were cancelled - am expecting the Great South Run to be cancelled any day now too! 😕 My spring HM was cancelled and is rescheduled for next May🤞- however I may train up for my own solo one in the autumn!

My main reason for doing more hills is to improve my speed actually. I am also learning the value of the long slow run too. Sometimes it is good to slow down - not just to go further but to also to speed up! 🤔 ? Apparently it is a fairly common mistake for us to push ourselves too hard in all our runs.... food for thought! 🙂

[Hidden in reply to Sandraj39]

Thanks Sandra, I’ve been reading about the importance of running slower too, very interesting, fingers crossed for your HM next Spring 🤗

[Raspberrypink Graduate10]

Lovely picture and great run. 60 minutes is just round the corner 👍🏼

[Hidden in reply to Raspberrypink]

Thanks Raspberrypink, I’ve just seen you’ve run 10 miles, wow, fantastic achievement, on to that HM now 😀🤗

[Raspberrypink Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you very much

[Cantstopmenow Graduate10]

What a lovely post and gorgeous photo. You're building strength and endurance and enjoying your running. You'll soon be at 60 minutes them 10k. Happy running. 😊

[Hidden in reply to Cantstopmenow]

Thanks very much 🤗

[Silverfox1943 Graduate10 60minGraduate]

I did the 8 week plan first, ran the shorter distances (but not in the time), and the longer times (but not the distance) if you know what I mean. Couldn't run the distances in the times cos I have my own slow ish pace. 2 weeks after running 60 mins did the 10k comfortably.

Be careful of the hills though, dont lose too much energy on your first attempts. Save them for your consolidation.😎

[Hidden in reply to Silverfox1943]

Hello Silverfox1943 I do know what you mean, I’ve looked at the times and realise they don’t match with the distances for the pace I’m at but I’m sticking to the distances first, even though I know it’ll mean running much longer times. I thought I might then start again and do the times and see if I can achieve the distances in the time, should mean in 16 weeks ( not calendar weeks, probably more like 20) I might make 10k in an hour 😀 but I won’t hold myself to it as I’m in this for the long haul now and to enjoy 😊

It’s very hard to avoid hills completely around here but I’ll take care, thanks 😊

[Silverfox1943 Graduate10 60minGraduate in reply to Hidden]

Dont know if I'll do 5k under 30 mins but I'm past caring. I doubt if I'll get faster.

My avg is about 6mins per km on short runs, just under 7mins per km on 5k runs and 8mins per km on the 60min or 10k. Even on that distance it went up to 9 and 10 mins per km, my rest /easing off period. So did 10km in 1hr 21mins.

[Hidden in reply to Silverfox1943]

Very good paces Silverfox, looks like you’re doing fantastic 🤗

[skysue16 Graduate10]

Great post and beautiful beach! Well done indeed for getting out there, sometimes it is so hard to get going. I was late getting out this morning and it was very humid 🥵, so definitely a tortoise 🐢😁.

[Hidden in reply to skysue16]

Thanks skysue16 , I did notice the sun was up at 6am this morning and was rather relieved I ran yesterday, 🐢’s are cool 😎