Having planned my runs and routes for the week ahead, the weather forecast has turned everything on its head ☀️ 🥵, but the beauty of The Magic Plan is that it's okay when that happens. As Roxdog and Fabulous450 already do so well spontaneously, I am perhaps beginning to learn to go with the flow a little too.
I looked at the forecast for the next few days before I went to bed last night; this morning was supposed to be 13 degrees at 6am and Sunday morning is forecast to be hotter, so that decided it; the runs were switched about and I ran my 55 minutes this morning and will do the 30 minutes on Sunday.
My long run today was along the length of the cycle track that I ran part of last week. The route follows an old railway line, starting in the middle of the South Downs and heading out towards the coast. Well, by the time my husband and I had dropped one car off at the end of the cycle track and driven the other car to the start, it was just after 7am and already 17 degrees and climbing. My husband did his run and I did mine, meaning I went at my own pace and he ran away from me 😉. He is working on a different running plan which includes intervals, but he was always ahead of me, although I could often see him in the distance.
I took Hidden 's advice and carved my run up into three sections. What a great suggestion that was, it really worked.....
The first 20 minutes I settled my pace and breathing, got myself into a rhythm and all was going well until.... I had a faff with my playlist on Spotify and I lost the 4G signal (I should really download it properly). Still running, I juggled with my phone, until I realised it was the signal that was the problem, so I just forgot about it and ran on without music until the signal kicked in again after about 15 minutes. I quite liked the quiet.
For the next 20 minutes I enjoyed seeing the change in the landscape, as the Downs were left behind and the track opened out from its green and leafy tunnel into the sunshine. It edged its way through the gradually flattening fields, then eased into a village and out again. Finally, towards the edge of the town, it became an oasis of shade, with just a few dapples of sunshine breaking through - a welcome break from the strengthening sun.
My final 15 minutes, as GTFC suggested, were just for me. I put the stresses of last week to one side and just thought about all the reasons why I started and continue to run. I didn't clock watch once, and when my 55 minutes were up I felt I could have gone for that 60, but I didn't. Instead, as I stopped my watch, I saw a gorgeous crop of blackberries conveniently growing in the hedgerow so I stopped to take a photo and sample a few; they were delicious. I rounded off with my 5 minute cool down walk as I enjoyed another handful of blackberries and joined my husband (no blackberries left...... 😋), who was waiting for me at the car.
Enjoy your runs this weekend everyone, keep safe in the heat and do try and sample some blackberries! 😊🏃♀️🌷
The blackberries were so lovely that I’m going to look out for more during my next run. I think I’m in danger of becoming a running hedgerow grazer. 😋🤣
That sounds like a fabulous run DellyD. Love your description of it and it just sounds like you've really cracked it. You are absolutely flying as well!!!
That sounds a lovely run and you managed the logistics of running away too!
Not watching your time can reap rewards! I love the description of the second and third segments and might try to divide my runs up like that. I also find that I settle in after about 15-20 minutes so it makes sense.
We are all learning from each other on this forum, isn't it great!
We were in the Sussex Downs camping last week- I think that's where you are? There were lots of blackberries!
Wish I had an old railway line to run along too.
Take care - it's hot out there - 24 degrees here when I went out at about 6.45!
That can be natural so start to think of it on some days as a minimum. Go say for 6k so when you get to 3 you can think 'I'm halfway there' and gradually make it 7, then 8 etc. You really will get there. Relax and be kind to yourself 😊
What a lovely post and a great 25mins run. Well done. Finishing with blackberries sounds lovely - you're well ahead with your seasons compared to us. Great speed for your long run. 60 mins is so close. Happy running 🤗
Thank you Grannyhugs. You still have the lovely long and light summers evenings though...... oh, and the midgies, though perhaps the heat has forced them into hiding?
Lovely post with a great description of your run it's sounds great, I bet those blackberries were amazing. But oh it's so hot 🔥 I'm planning to run tomorrow and the coolest partof the day is 17 degrees at 5am!
I found a huge wild pear tree this morning covered in fruit but obviously not ripe yet ☹️
Sounds like a great run for you today and in a fab location. Running in the heat isn't easy though. I need to look up what Hidden said about splitting the run up... sounds interesting...
I love this forum for all the shared ideas so freely given. Happy running and keep safe in this heat ☺️
I really love this!! Well done you 😁 you did so well and the last part was just for you because you deserve to finish it and finish strong. All the signs are there and to feel able to push on at the end is great. So many positives for you. I'm really pleased for you 😊
in reply to
Thank you so much for encouraging me to think like that about my run. It help divide up the run into timed sections, but also allowed me a different kind of headspace for each part of the run and that was so helpful. Thank you ☺️
Yes, I was thinking that the blackberries were a bit early too, but there's plenty of them so hopefully they will hang around for when I run that route again in a fortnight for my 60 minutes. I shall take a bag with me next time so I can bring some home.
We have a pear tree at work it’s out the back where the smokers go so i have missed the blossom and watching the pears grow this year but went out the other day to check my ladders (don’t ask i haven’t a clue) and it’s laden with pears so will be checking my ladders more regularly
That sounds like a perfect run, you were totally in control and nailed it, brilliant. I'm going to have a read of GTFC's advice too, it sounds like it could be a breakthrough. And a brilliant run made even better with some black berries, yum 😋
Keep going, that 60 minute badge is so close now you must be able to reach out and touch it. Happy running 🥳🎉🎊🏃♀️🏃♀️
Hi DD Thank you. Yes crept over a little while ago, not been on here for a while but have been catching up with posts the last week or so. Still been running just had a mental block about posting on here but got over it now 😁
What a fabulous run for you. I’m going to try GTFC’s suggestion as I sometimes get bored on the longer runs. I have also decided to run my route in reverse so I should meet up with some blackberries towards the end of my run. 🙏🙏🙏😂😂. Happy running everyone and take care in this heat!!! 🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️
Many of my runs are loops, so I should also try running them the other way round. I just realised as I type that my routes are all anti-clockwise! I wonder what they says about me?
Sounds like a great run. I love a good bramble - I even got a few rasps in Scotland last week. I’m on hazelnut watch now too. Look very promising but I need to be patient as they’re not full yet.
Ooh, Scottish raspberries are a bit special. I am thinking of starting a "scrumpy running" club as there's a few us with our eyes on the fruit in the hedgerows!
It took me a while to get to 5k during my consolidation runs after graduation. It will come. Make that 30 minute graduation run your first goal and the rest will follow. 😊
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