[Long post 🤷🏼♀️] Tuesday, 3.8km, 31 mins; Friday, 5.2, 43; Sunday, 5, 41 - all starting 8.20-8.40; all with M (although essentially running solo); all in M’s preferred venue (where we did most of c25k, and with the expected characters); last two with M ending ahead of me (so times and distances are mine); all with me doing run-walk intervals determined by my ability to breath both in and out through my nose (with comfort); all enjoyable runs where I’m learning; all with M doing his own thing.
One aim for new year is to give the full nasal breathing method sustained attention. I planned to do this for a few months, but am already seeing changes just by giving it time and focus. This means stepping back from other targets (eg distance, pace), as well as delaying my initial post-c25k intention, which was start of the magic plan. Surprisingly, the run-walk is only slowing me by a little: today, by just 30 seconds on what I consider to be my ‘settled running pace’, and by less on an average pace across the whole run. This week, I’ve shortened my run intervals, or rather, I’m transitioning from run to walk more often, but also transitioning back to run more - as always, based on the moment when any stress starts to appear in my breathing. It’s also a bit of a navigation of ‘handkerchief moments’, especially with the colder air. Keeping the overall vibe relaxed, I’ve softened my thinking so as not to be ‘forced’ in my approach towards the method itself. So, if I feel I have to exhale sharply through the mouth, then that’s ok; it doesn’t mean I’m doing anything wrong. I’m learning to see those moments of ‘deviation’ as deliberate choices, and better understand their purpose. I’m getting guidance and feedback here, which takes me to my other new year focus.
I count myself very fortunate: I’m privileged to have been able to treat myself (for my c25k graduation and my birthday and Xmas) to some coached running workshops (obviously, online). This is an indication of how much I’ve been bitten by this running bug. And I’m just loving these workshops, which are all nicely in tune with my interests in yoga, mindful running and meditation. We’re reflecting on our own unique running styles and motivations for running. We range from a total newbie, just starting out on c25k, through to runners with decades of experience (one has 40 years!), a serious road racer and another coach! But there’s no sense of hierarchy. Everyone is so humble and generous; such a nice group. And we are *all* learning. I’ll be sad when the workshops end. We’ve been practising various mobilisations of the spine, balances and breathing. We’re videoing ourselves running 😂. And we’ve done our cadence checks.
I’d already seen my cadence recorded on Runkeeper, but this proves to be totally useless (even the run-progress graph is completely out). Apparently, this is a problem with most devices. We’re back to basics, counting steps with a 30 seconds timer. I really got into this experiment, so my sessions are now generally ending with a series of 30-second intervals where my ‘aim’ is to check cadence, but I’m actually trying this out with various paces. It’s not proper interval speed work, and I wouldn’t say I’m sprinting (not even by my own standards), but it’s adding a bit of variety and added fun. Anyway, I can now confidently conclude that my cadence is in range 178-180 steps per minute. And this conclusion means that I’ll now need a new ruse!🙄
We’re still to discuss the video exercise, but I can already say that it’s a bit of an eye opener to see yourself running. We are approaching this exercise non-judgementally 👍, but there’s no escaping the immediate ‘OMG’. 🙈😂 I had to get M to be my cameraman, which, as he also wanted to be my director and judge, nearly ended in divorce.
Runkeeper’s 5k plan, Week 5 Done!!! Into the last week 🏃🏼♀️🏃🏿🏃🏽♂️🏃🏼♀️🏃🏿
Three runs in one
