NRC Recovery Run with Headspace

[Jools2020]

I couldn’t do my Tuesday run this week. Dealing with solicitors and Estate Agents made it all seem too much. This was the first run I had missed since starting the programme at the end of May.

I didn’t know if I would run this morning, either. I made a cuppa and found this mindful run on the NRC app. I’ve done a couple of NRC runs before and found them helpful. I looked out of the window and the early morning looked inviting. Did I have the energy to go out and run?

The Headspace run was for 35 minutes, so without my usual enthusiasm I thought I might as well give it a go. Quick shower and running clothes on.

I walked down to the washes and took a photo, promising myself that I would start taking photos again this week. I haven’t touched my camera since the first lockdown. Yesterday, I was following the Estate Agent round the house as he took photos, making sure I didn’t have to move anything out of the way. When I asked how many stops apart he had the camera set to for his bracketed shots, he gave me a bit of a look, so I thought I’d better leave him alone!

Warm up walk over, I start to run. I start too fast as usual but soon settle into an easy pace. Coach Bennett and Andy Puddicombe explain that a recovery run is more than physical recovery. As I ran, I was able to listen and appreciate what they were saying and feel better for it. They both give you food for thought and leave silent space for you to process what they have said.

After about a kilometre I also started to take notice of my surroundings and felt myself relax. The Whoopers must have gone out early this morning as I didn’t see any, but I saw a Barn Owl hunting along the ditches and a Kestrel hovering as I ran down the Deadend Track. I also saw a hare running across the fields. Later on, I spotted a fox going into a barn.

One of the village residents was walking his two cocker spaniels. He was the only person I saw on my run; maybe the lockdown is keeping people inside.

I knew that a 35 minutes slow and steady run for me would be about 4K. I didn’t push it, apart from the last couple of minutes after I got to 4K. I do feel better after the run and will definitely use it again. 😊

[Tinytears60 Graduate10]

Well done lovely 👏👏💕

Sounds perfect run ... a headspace one after dealing with estate agents etc...

You saw an owl 🦉 how precious... I love all we see on our runs... truly look at life differently

We are lucky to have found C25k x

[Jools2020 Graduate10 in reply to Tinytears60]

We are! 💕

[Hidden]

Awesome! There's a great app called 'Smiling Mind' that is good as well for mindfulness. Another run added to the back catalogue so very well done. The rest of the day you will be chuffed that you took the plunge. I like the pace here too.

[Jools2020 Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you. I do feel calmer and somehow stronger to face the times ahead. I just ran at my natural pace and that is something that you have inspired me to do. I’ll have a look at ‘Smiling Mind’. Isn’t it amazing how running helps? Not just at the time, but afterwards, too 😊

[Hidden in reply to Jools2020]

Absolutely this, and people who maybe don't run won't understand this. Natural pace is great because sometimes it will look and feel quicker and that's because your body and legs are stronger so go with it.

[Hidden in reply to Jools2020]

Another great app and website is 'Action for Happiness' and every month they have a calendar which is brilliant and packed full of tips and tricks 😀

[Jools2020 Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you, I’ll look at that one, too. Can’t have too much help. Already downloaded Smiling Mind 😊

[Hidden in reply to Jools2020]

😊😊😊😊😊

[Birdlady64 Graduate10]

It sounds like that run was the perfect therapy this morning Julia.

I've used the same NRC run, and found it to be helpful and would definitely use it again.

And what magical things to see on a run. We are truly blessed to have running in our lives.

[Jools2020 Graduate10 in reply to Birdlady64]

Thank you, Diane. I do love those headspace runs. We are indeed blessed.

[9weeks2Run Graduate10]

Ah bless you, sorry you are having a lot to deal with at the moment. Don’t forget to remind yourself how wonderful, inspiring and amazing you are ⭐️⭐️⭐️👏👏👏.

Massive well done for getting out there this morning and enjoying your run, so glad you feel better. How wonderful all the beautiful wildlife your saw on your run. Look forward to seeing your beautiful photographs on your posts.

Happy snapping 📸 📷 !!!

Rebecca x

[Jools2020 Graduate10 in reply to 9weeks2Run]

Thank you. Not a great week! It’s a lovely sunny morning and it was good to be out running. I’m so glad I did it. I definitely regained some positivity.

We’re fortunate with the wildlife here.

[9weeks2Run Graduate10 in reply to Jools2020]

Oh bless hopefully next week will be a lot better for you, sending you a virtual hug 🤗.

Glad you are feeling more positive.

Take care

[Beatlesforever Graduate10]

Very well done Jools! 👏👏👏 Dealing with estate agents, selling & moving house can be such a stressful experience. I've come to really appreciate those NRC guided runs, they can really help when you're not 100%, so glad this one worked for you! Plus the added bonus of seeing a kestrel, a fox and an owl!🦉 That's an extra special run, what a treat ☺️ 🤗

[Jools2020 Graduate10 in reply to Beatlesforever]

Thank you 🙏

I certainly look through the guided runs if I’m struggling. 😊

[metamorphfreebird Graduate10]

Well done I am happy for you and glad that you are feeling better! That sounds like a wholesome start to the day

[Jools2020 Graduate10 in reply to metamorphfreebird]

Thank you, it was 😊

[MccHa Graduate10]

Glad you enjoyed your NRC run 🏃‍♀️ 👏👏👏 I need to give NRC a go 🤞🤞🤞

[Jools2020 Graduate10 in reply to MccHa]

Thank you MccHa, you should give it a go! 😀

[JayJay_ Graduate10]

Sorry to hear that things are challenging at the moment .... but so glad that you got out and ran and that it helped Well done Jools x

[Jools2020 Graduate10 in reply to JayJay_]

Thanks JayJay. It really helped.

[Slothgoesrunning Graduate10]

Great run for you 👍🏻 after reading about yours and others headspace runs I thought I’d give it a go - took a while to warm to it but once completed I will definitely do it again.

[Jools2020 Graduate10 in reply to Slothgoesrunning]

They are so good! Ended up feeling much more positive and it had lasted all day 😊

[Instructor57 Graduate10]

Pleased you managed to get out again Jools , especially with everything else going on !

Well done 😁👍

[Jools2020 Graduate10 in reply to Instructor57]

I’m surprised I did! Perhaps I’m made of sterner stuff than I thought 😄

[Instructor57 Graduate10 in reply to Jools2020]

I think during tough times, autopilot kicks in sometimes 👍

[Jools2020 Graduate10 in reply to Instructor57]

Yes, you’re right 😬

[Hidden]

Your run sounds lovely Jools. Good for both mind and body. I wish I could access NRC but my iPhone is too old to download the new version and I can’t get the old versions either. Shame, as this sounds like I run I would have enjoyed. 😊

[Jools2020 Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

It was good for body and soul 😀 and I knew I shouldn’t miss another run. It’s a pity you don’t have access to the app, but you can achieve something similar with your win thoughts 😀

[Vinchie13]

Great run Jools. I saw a squirrel on my last run.

What is the NRC app with headspace sounds interesting.

Keep smiling 😁😃

[Jools2020 Graduate10 in reply to Vinchie13]

It’s one of the guided runs from the app Nike Run Club. Gives you things to think about during your run. The ones I’ve done so far have been excellent.

[Vinchie13 in reply to Jools2020]

Thanks Jools I’ve found them on Nike run club didn’t see them before. I’m I bit slow on technology. Definitely going to try some my help distract my self from thinking how ‘much longer do I have to go syndrome ‘

My last run was interval training so shall do a recovery run on my planned Saturday run weather depending.

Take care

[Jools2020 Graduate10 in reply to Vinchie13]

Yes, do try them, I hope you find them enjoyable! 👍

[Frizzbomb67 Graduate10]

Glad you had a good run and a bit of stress relief. After another crazy busy week at work I’m off for exactly the same run myself 🏃‍♀️

[Jools2020 Graduate10 in reply to Frizzbomb67]

Excellent, hope you have a good one! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️👍

[johnt46 Graduate10]

Lovely read Jools, I too will have to look at NRC Headspace runs🤗 I like the photos you put up, and I too hadn’t touched my Camera since the beginning of first lockdown, until a short stay in Cromer last month, which I still haven’t downloaded 😱. Seem to have lost my mojo there!

( I liked your comment about the estate agent😂🤣) Taken a few with my phone, on the runs, but that’s it. A couple of Sunrises came out well🤗 Lovely to see nature, I often see the odd fox, or deer and count myself lucky, as I’m sure you do, to be able to run in beautiful countryside. Keep Smiling Jools and keep those images coming !🤗😁😃

[Jools2020 Graduate10 in reply to johnt46]

Thank you! I do love my photography, definitely time to get out our cameras again 😊