Philosophy magic 8k

[Juliet202]

So after last Sunday’s 10 mile (Yey !) run-walk, I have to admit to a few worrying twinges in the old ankles, and while I wouldn’t say I was on the IC, I certainly took it easy this week. Didn’t go out at all until Thursday when I decided to walk my training run (2.5 km only !) and again on Saturday (4.2 km this time) but was determined to get out there properly this morning and so glad I did - not a twinge, at least, not ‘out of the ordinary’ ones ! Had put on a podcast, interview with the author of a book I’ve been meaning to read, but... you know how it is ! And I seemed to have entered a podcast time warp because when my run had finished I was amazed to see I’d done 8km (stopping for a 30 second walk break 5 times in the process). Then walked another 1k. I was ready to stop running - mindful of injury - but it certainly didn’t feel as bad as this time last week when coach Bennett announced we were ‘already’ at the ‘half way point’ on the 10 miles - my thoughts were ‘oh my, can it really only be half way’ ?!).

So my conclusion is, listen to deep philosophical podcasts while running and get transported miraculously around the route. There is one part of the route I have absolutely no recollection of. Nope. Sitting here now and trying to remember it. Ah yes, remember having to run in the frozen muddy bit to avoid dog walkers - glad it was frozen !

Just had a glimpse at next week’s training plan - another 10 miles next Sunday! Gulp. This is what Garmin is serving me despite my ‘magic half mile’ stats steadily getting worse as I ‘progress’ on the plan. I blame it on Christmas 🎂

Coach Jeff must have noticed my slow speeds on my ‘2 runs’ this week because he delivered me a video on coping with low motivation 🤣 - apparently walking is a good running strategy. Yep - anything goes. You are the master of your own running ship. But all these ‘positive mantras’ - nah, I say philosophy - engage the mind so the body doesn’t notice what it’s doing ! He’s good though. Didn’t tell me off. 😉

[Grannyhugs Graduate10]

Great run, glad your niggles have all gone. Happy running 🤗

[Hidden]

😀 I like your philosophy Juliet and it works, yay, 8k without noticing, who would have thought when we set out on Couchto5k ? I do know what you mean, love losing myself in music or a podcast when out on a longer run. I’m nowhere near the 10 miles though, seem to have got stuck at 7! but it’s been a good running week so maybe next week I can stretch it out to 8. I’m impressed you’re sticking with Jeff, I think I got scared 😦 and deleted the plans, I am doing my own thing, I think I may be sorry 🤣.

[Juliet202 Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

I find music doesn’t have the same effect - ie sometimes I pick up funny lyrics which are ‘appropriate’ to my running context which make me laugh or there have been a couple of times where the emotional crescendo of the music has given me a little turbo boost, but once I went out and forgot to put music on and didn’t notice till half way round - so focused I was on breathing and limbs ! With the podcast I was mostly unaware, at least so it seemed. I think 10 miles was a bit much - bit worried about having to repeat it next week but let’s see. The run walk method certainly helps take the fear and exhaustion out of it - and why would I want to put myself through that ?!! I haven’t totally stuck to Jeff, but it’s comforting as I get to longer distances to think that it’s a bona fide plan and I should be able to do it.

[Hidden in reply to Juliet202]

I’m sure your plan will work Juliet, I tend to run walk anyway, if my heart rate goes up too much I just walk! I tried some intervals today, set off with a plan to do 4 x 800 and quickly reassessed and did 4 x 400, your are so right who wants to be exhausted 😴... my calf muscles didn’t like it, fine at the time seized up mid stretching afterwards 😱 🤣🤗

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate]

Nice not to get told off and lovely to listen and run on auto

[GailXrunning]

Great write up. Love the musings. You are making amazing progress too.