Just a 3K Run 😊

[Jools2020]

Again, I almost didn’t run this morning, but I was aware that I’d had 2 rest days after my 8K on Saturday and I felt that I ‘should’ run. Maybe a shorter run, slightly faster? As I made a cuppa, I thought about taking it back to bed. I could run tomorrow. No big deal, surely. My brother had already left for work at 6.15 and my Dad doesn’t get up until 8.30. 😈

Back upstairs I closed my mind and put on my running gear before I could argue with myself any more! This seems to be the only way to get myself out of the door lately 😊. Everything was already charged and ready to go. I checked in the mirror before I left - yes, definitely gorgeous this morning. Shorts and tee, trademark visor, sports glasses and I’m off, starting to feel enthusiastic about a shorter run!

On my warm up walk I suddenly realised I’m feeling happier this morning. I had some encouraging news yesterday. I start running and on fresh legs I’m having trouble with a steady start. It’s very overcast, rain isn’t far away, but the air quality is excellent. It’s just a little chilly, no wind. Great conditions for a shorter run.

I started running after 7.00 am so there are people about - quite a few runners and cyclists. All of them greet me, even the cyclists are becoming familiar! I can hear the haunting whistles of the Red Kites circling above. Some are investigating a garden, I expect food has been left for them. They swoop down to have a closer look and I can clearly see their markings, they really are beautiful birds. Some of them are clearly holding something as they fly up again from the garden and I spot one eating from its talons on the wing.

I start my second km and try to pick up pace a little. Maybe I have negative splits on my mind! I’m annoyed when I have to stop to cross the road; there is a fair bit of traffic. Later on, I have to take to the path to run safely. I much prefer running on the road.

My route brings me alongside the common and into the village high street as I start the 3rd and final km. again I have to stop for traffic, it’s getting really busy now.

I’m on the downhill stretch and pull out a few stops to finish strong, but it is hard work. I know I have a good time for the last km and Garmin gives me a PB, so I’m pleased! Back ‘home’ I have a quick drink of water and half a banana before nipping to the shop, still in my running gear, to get my Dad a paper to read while having his breakfast 😊

Km Splits

8:13, 8:01, 6:22

[Frenc Graduate10 60minGraduate]

Super well done for getting out there - good air quality can’t be beaten! I’m pleased you feel happier today, good news can feel like taking a worry coat off sometimes. All the best! 🏃‍♀️😊

[Jools2020 Graduate10 in reply to Frenc]

Thank you, Frenc! 😊👍

[Peter44 Graduate10]

That's brilliant about your good news, and well done for getting out early, even if everything was saying, go back to bed, and that last km, blimey, you were flying, enjoy the rest of your day! 😊

[Jools2020 Graduate10 in reply to Peter44]

Thank you very much, Peter. Yes, I was flying, albeit downhill! 🏃‍♀️👍😊

[Instructor57 Graduate10]

Haha, you have the same arguments with yourself as I have 🤣Good to see you won !

Pleased you've had some encouraging news and are feeling happier 😁👍

A good 3k following your 8k on Saturday 👍

You certainly finished strong with a 6:22 😁👍

[Jools2020 Graduate10 in reply to Instructor57]

Thanks, Ian. Yes, definitely some positivity creeping back in 😊

The last km was certainly a push, even though it was mostly downhill! 👍

[Beatlesforever Graduate10]

Excellent, you're really breaking through that wall and getting out there and look at those splits! And that's with all those stops for traffic. Lady, you are awesome! 🤩 Great to hear you've had some good news, it really can feel like a weight being lifted off your shoulders 😊 onwards and upwards 🤗🍀

[Jools2020 Graduate10 in reply to Beatlesforever]

Aaw, thank you for your support, Beatles. Really appreciate it. I need to start planning a life! 😊 x

[Stocksy67 Graduate10]

Well done for getting out there 👏👍always good to get a PB well done happy running..😀

[Jools2020 Graduate10 in reply to Stocksy67]

Thank you, Stocksy. A PB never fails to lift the spirits, even if it’s one Strava didn’t agree with 🤣

[GailXrunning]

Worth it for logging a great little 3k + for some close encounter with the red kites. So glad that you’ve had some positive news too.

[Jools2020 Graduate10 in reply to GailXrunning]

Thanks, GailX, I appreciate it! I do take the Kites for granted a little - I lived in the area for over 40 years before moving to Norfolk - but I’m discovering them anew!

[nowster Graduate10]

3km runs? Now where have I heard of someone doing those? 🤣

[Jools2020 Graduate10 in reply to nowster]

Learning from the master 😂

[Raisemeup 60minGraduate]

Nice run Jools, I think it's better to do quite short runs than none at all, especially on the days when we just don't want to.I ran 5k yesterday evening but I think running in Summer months, especially with the current humidity, is harder than winter running!

Wishing you many more, short or long, but enjoyable runs!

Best wishes ☺️

[Jools2020 Graduate10 in reply to Raisemeup]

I agree with you, give me a crisp winter morning!

Sometimes I cut a run short for many reasons; heart rate, tired legs, out of breath, but today I had intended to do a shorter run. Honestly 😂

Thank you 😊

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate10]

Very good that you can get out nice and early for your runs, especially now that the warmer weather is now here, good run for you today Jools2020, tomorrow I hope to run 14K, I also will start that run well before 8am.

[Jools2020 Graduate10 in reply to AlMorr]

Thanks, Al! I’m a natural early bird. If it’s really warm I like to be out before 6 👍

Good luck with your 14K, I’ll look out for your post 👍😊

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate10 in reply to Jools2020]

Update Jools2020, this Wednesday morning I ran just over 16K/ten MILES, I was going to run it next Wednesday but decided to run 10 miles today, my second 10 miles run.

[Jools2020 Graduate10 in reply to AlMorr]

Oooh, well done, Al, 10 miles is such a great distance! You deserve to take it easy now for the rest of the day 👍😊

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate10 in reply to Jools2020]

I will,👍

[Tansycat]

Well done. Your lovely post made me push myself out of the house , I was struggling but you inspired me

[Jools2020 Graduate10 in reply to Tansycat]

I’m so pleased! Getting out of the door doesn’t mean you have to go on a long run, or even push yourself. Sometimes the shorter runs do more for motivation than the longer ones. I listened to a ‘mindful’ NRC guided run, where Andy Puddicombe said ‘if you’re looking for your motivation, it’s still there! Like the sun on a cloudy day.’ 😊👍

[Hidden]

Well done for going out despite those gremlins whispering in your ear! Sounds like a good run too!

[Jools2020 Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks! It was a good run. Love those shorter runs with no pressure 😊. Perhaps I should have called it ‘A successful 3K run!’ 😊

[tmbtrain Graduate10]

Sounds like a lovely run and with red kites for company so nice!

[Jools2020 Graduate10 in reply to tmbtrain]

Thanks! I think I’m already taking the Red Kites for granted, like I did when I lived here years ago! I like to have a coffee outside in the garden when I get up and I don’t think there’s been a single morning when I haven’t heard their whistling or seen them soaring above.

[LottieMW Ambassador]

Well done! Brilliant short run with fabulous splits 🙌🏼

Great to hear you’ve had some good news too!

I love red kites…saw one today over my house!

[Jools2020 Graduate10 in reply to LottieMW]

Thanks, Lottie. They are beautiful birds, we have a lot of them here, close to where they were reintroduced 😊👍

[LottieMW Ambassador in reply to Jools2020]

They have been seen in Cwmbran, but this was the first one I’ve seen here 🥰