I am still alive, though not so much kicking. My running stopped mid December due to a serious winter down, might even border on winter depression. I tried using my hometrainer / indoor bike, but after 6 days of using it, I also stopped that. I just feel like a withered plant. I have hardly come out of doors in the last weeks. Only to go to the office 1 day a week and that's just going from home by car to the office and sitting in the office. Yesterday I 'really' came outside for the first time in a long time, to go to a shop by foot and I actually felt a bit intimidated by the big outside world. Crazy eh?
Anyhow, I am still planning on getting on the treadmill and learn to get used to it by starting something C25K like on it. But so far either I really didn't feel like it (winter down), I had a painful sciatic nerves, I had hormonal migraine or my excuse at this moment is that I bumped my head rather hard last Friday (the sound could be heard at the other side of the apartment by my mother) and I am having a headache since. The headache is gradually lessening, so maybe I will be able to do something resembling jogging by the end of the week, latest during the weekend.
I do have caught a bit of a scare to go run outside though. I was already not feeling too secure when outside, but with the murder on that female runner in Ireland happening, I started thinking about it all a bit too much. And looking up online about being scared of running outside alone in the hopes of finding tips, I read things that made me think I have been very lucky so far! About 80% of the female runners come across harassment! Ok, it ranges from real harassment and threatening situations to just catcalling and whistling. But I know that if anyone would whistle at me, I'd be scared and wonder if it would remain at whistling or whether the guy would follow me.
And the fact that where I (can) run is always desolate and mostly deserted does not help. And I can't very well do the same 250 meter like 40 times to reach 10K. I was thinking about joining a local athletics team in order to be able to run on their running track. But there is also almost never anyone there and it lies right next to a forest and away from the (also mostly deserted) road. So in my eyes not very helpful in getting me to feel safe either. Plus, I hate running on a track. So that is no option either.
And there are no running groups I can join, purely out of the fact that I run too slow for them (have had them pass me a few times and there is no way I can keep up with them) plus I Jeff my runs and Jeffing is not known in Belgium. Finding someone to run with online is the same. I can try, but I fear that nobody runs as slow as I do and I really can't force myself to speed up as it would just cause me to not run anymore.
So I am a bit in an impasse at the moment. I plan on crawling on the treadmill once my head clears up and I'll see how that evolves. Depending on how the running (on the treadmill) evolves and how I feel, I'll see how to proceed...
Hello, nice to hear from you.Everything you've said I'm sure resonates with many of us to a greater or lesser extent. The winter/pandemic blues is a real thing and I certainly experienced a lot of what you've described.
I just had to remind myself constantly that running is a gift and always improves my mood, so well done for taking small steps to get back to running.
Regarding safety, yes, it's something to be aware of, but when you've been low it's difficult to deal with. I suppose it's about hanging on to the fact that incidents are rare. I know that feeling of finding the world overwhelming after lockdowns though.
Take care of yourself, your baby steps towards running are positive and once you get that buzz from running again and once the world starts to emerge from the pandemic, hopefully you will slowly start feeling more confident.
It is not about a run, so I just guess some people might find it stupid as in not necessary 😆
Hey, nice to hear from you again. There is no such thing as a stupid post. We all get a little bit down at times and that certainly isn't helped by these damp and cold winter weeks. Hopefully as it brightens and the weather picks up you will feel more able to venture out again and inspire us with your running conquests. If I remember correctly you reached or were close to getting to 10 miles which is simply awesome. That is what I am trying to do.
Keep smiling, take those small steps and here's hoping you feel a little bit better soon.
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Yes, I reached 10 miles end November, probably a 1 times though. But I pushed myself too hard mentally to reach it and lost the fun of running a bit then. So I am before a heavy task: start running again and find joy in it again!
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That is the way to do it. No pressure, just enjoy it.
My best runs have been those where I run whatever distance I want, whatever pace I want and whenever I want.
If I want to stop and take photos then I will. My run, my rules. 👍
If you want to smile you could always dress up as a running Christmas 🎄. That was fabulous.
Reading this makes me want to give you a virtual hug 🤗 It sounds like you've had quite a few things working against you and I'm sorry to read this. As Roxdog says this time of year is tough for many, I know I've had to make myself get out for most of my runs since New Year. As to safety remember that there are millions of us who don't contribute to on line reports and I suspect that the vast majority of us haven't been harassed when we've been out. This pandemic is throwing up all sorts of unforseen issues and working from home is one that I think could cause all sorts of problems in the future. Without having reasons for going out like going to work, shopping or running or in my case dog walking it's too easy to become isolated.
But you've made a start and that's always a good thing. I remember you replying to my post about treadmill running saying how you didn't like it, but if you can stick with it and start to feel your running form returning I'm sure it'll give you more confidence to run outside.
Look after yourself and I'll have another go on the treadmill if you will? 😊
Thanks and yes, I do love working from home (no rush and no traffic and being on my own). But it does make me more isolated and less 'wanting to go outside', which is not a good thing. Let's hope nicer weather will push me outside a bit more. And as for the treadmill, first my wanna-be-concussion has to settle down 😜
So sorry that you are feeling down BS. You have had to deal with so many health issues and overcome them in the past to reach your magic 10 miles. That knowledge will help you through this time too. Maybe just setting yourself small small goals, just 10 minutes on your treadmill to start with, will be a gentle start. I really don't like grey, dark, cold days of winter, but setting myself a manageable goal each day, helps me. I run slowly I think, 40" for 5k, which is so much slower than many, but I try to forget that and concentrate on the fact that it's an awful amount more than a non runner does. And you ARE a runner....keep posting, as Roxy said, your post will resonate with so many.
Oh Mormor, you're not slow! I need a few minutes more for 5K and that is outside. On the treadmill I need loads more time even 😜. And yes, the dark, grey days are not helping at all. Yesterday it was sunny (unfortunately I have to sit behind my computer screen the whole day without seeing the sun), but mostly it is grey. And I haaate grey weather. Feels oppressive or something, as if there's a ceiling above me. Anyhow, I'll try to push myself to do something once my head is settled again (the headache is lessening, but my brains did get a good shake).
It was you who told me that running on the treadmill is slower than outside I think. You are so right. I get far too hot quickly if I set it at 8 minutes/k which is roughly my outside speed.. I am new to the treadmill and haven't yet learnt what the equivalent would be when running inside. Any suggestions BS? I think I like walking on it best, on a slight incline, at 3.5mph, listening to a podcast. Yesterday I found myself wondering if I could read at the same time! I shall try that today. Bet I get some funny looks. I usually go round lunchtime when the gym is very quiet!
I honestly haven't figured it out myself either. My treadmill shows km/h and at this moment if I use the treadmill, I put it at 6 km/h which is about 1 km/h less than when I run outside. Outside I do tend to speed up a bit during a run, so maybe I can try that on the treadmill too. But maybe only over time. Maybe I better keep it to 6 km/h to begin with.
Reading while running I would not do, haha. As for reading while walking... I don't know. I even get a little disorientated on the treadmill if I close my eyes for a few seconds. Don't know what looking at a book would give. But if a book wouldn't work, maybe you can try audio books?
The book worked perfectly! It's such a good distraction from, what I find essentially boring, walking fast on a treadmill! I will try it out jogging on the treadmill too
Set the incline to 0. Find a speed that has you walking briskly and that gets you warm after 5-10 minutes. Then, don't change the speed but instead change your action from a brisk walk to a short-stride, pitter-patter jog. Stay with that for 5 mins or so. That should feel very comfortable. Nudge up the speed a tad (maybe 0.1 mph) and reassess how you feel after 5 minutes. Still feeling ok? Nudge up again and reassess. If you find a speed that you're comfortable at for 20-30 minutes then you've done it right.
Rather than trying to work out on paper, or find on the internet, some kind of conversion for your outdoor speed, a better way is go by how you feel. So you find a pace that works for you on the treadmill (and the room conditions) and it's completely independent of what you do outdoors in very different conditions.
When you have worked it out, how you feel physically (your breathing rate) should feel the same whether you're outdoors or in, but the pace might be very different. That doesn't matter. Hope that's clear and helpful.
Tip: nudging up, for example, 0.2 mph is a bigger nudge than 0.2 km/h, and will take more effort . Make sure you know what units your treadmill uses for speed.
That all sounds realistic John, I'll give it a go. I read somewhere that the incline should be at least set at 1% to replicate what running outside feels like. Otherwise apparently, it's like running downhill?!
That 1% is a well worn myth. Ignore it -it's only relevant if you're going very quickly, eg 16km/h and faster.
At 0% incline, unless the treadmill is on a tilted floor :-), it absolutely is NOT like running downhill... I wholeheartedly invite you to compare the 2 activities 😁😎
I've used a treadmill regularly for the past 7 years - for about 30% of my runs, including intervals, and marathon long runs - I've NEVER used the incline. Simply not necessary
Hello there ,I rarely post but I do watch how you all are doing ! I'm a lurker on the sidelines .I was so saddened to hear about the young Irish teacher too, especially as one of my daughter's is a runner and a teacher. She enjoys running in the dark and a little of the beaten track, so to appease her mammy, she runs in safer venues now .As for your time ,my fastest 5km is 46 mins ! Try the treadmill perhaps listening to music you like ,or a podcast or an audio book? I only run in the daylight because I'm visually impaired and have no useable vision in low light. I'm sorry for rambling, but please let us know how you are and NEVER stupid x
Thanks and I have installed a tripod to put my small tablet on to watch things while running. Only have to start 😉. Hope to start again maybe this weekend!
Hey, lovely to hear from you again! Wow you've had a lot on your plate lately. Like everyone else says, small steps. I remember when I was doing my PhD (doctorate), I hardly left the house for months during my write up and I totally understand that feeling of dread at the thought of walking through your front door. It's something that has stayed with me so I have to keep it in check and running has really helped. Perhaps try doing very short runs outside and slowly extending time / distance? A running group sounds like a good idea. I've seen a few running groups around here and they all seem to naturally split into clusters according to pace. If you're worried about pace, are there any beginners groups you could join or even start? You could introduce them to Jeffing! Maybe check with a local gym?And it's not a stupid post 😊 one thing I've learned here is that these forums are the most supportive environment, aren't we lucky? Look after yourself 🤗
Thanks! As for the running groups, I honestly don't know. I don't see THAT many people running, but then again I usually run at a time when most people are still working (thanks to starting my own work earlier than most people). But first things first. I am first going to try to get back into running and try it on the treadmill to start with. Once I feel good enough in my shoes (still have to get used to them - not running doesn't exactly help haha) and feel my fitness level is good enough again, then I can always hear about on the local Facebook group of my town if there is any group or people interested. But first get my brains settled in my head again and then crawl on that treadmill for my baby steps!
Oh Evy, it's not a stupid post. I'm sorry you're having a hard time. I'm not a fan of this time of year either, and lockdowns and working from home have certainly had an impact on the way we feel about going out.
As for safety: over the years I've been catcalled, flashed at, and physically assaulted (unwanted grabbing and forcible kissing) on several occasions, both in public and in the workplace. To date I've had none of these experiences as a runner, though that's not to say that I won't.
In the past I rarely reported anything, because I thought it wasn't serious, or wouldn't be taken seriously. I should have done so, because what happened was wrong. It is simply not right for society to expect women to be scared and change their behaviour, rather than saying that harassment is unacceptable.
Yes, that includes whistling and cat calls, for exactly the reasons you mention. The man responsible may well have no intention of doing anything more than whistling or commenting. He might even think that he's being appreciative, or funny. The problem is that the woman on the receiving end does not know his intentions, and that's where it's unsettling, or worse.
None of this is a criticism of you, Evy, or anyone else who feels the same way about running solo etc. You have to do what's right for you. I do understand why you said that you "think I have been very lucky so far." But how many men on here would ever think of posting that?
You are right, we shouldn't be scared and indeed no men would post something like I did. I guess I will just have to overcome it, but I am easily scared (I guess that has to do partly with my anxiety disorder too). Now for the time being - once I am able - I am going to stick to the treadmill just to get back into things. Once I feel able again, I will think on how to go outside again and not feel scared.
You can't just "overcome it" like that though can you? I wouldn't for a moment minimise how you're feeling. As I said, I actually think that society's attitude conditions women to be scared, and it's incredibly difficult to go against that.
The treadmill sounds like a great solution for you to get back into things. I admire you for that. Hang on in there - you can do this! And be kind to yourself too. 😀
Oh no! It sounds like you have had quite a bit on your plate! Gosh, I’m sending you loads of warm wishes! You are my inspiration, and I love reading your regular running posts! I’ve not reached 10miles, and got stuck at (or rather have proudly achieved) 10km.
But during these times and this season, so much can get us down!
So take care of your head. I had an undiagnosed concussion from a bicycle fall in my younger days. And I should have probably gotten it checked out! So if your headache continues, you might want to check it out!
Also migraines. During the start of my menopause I had terrible migraines until I read a women’s co-created menopause list of tips. I started integrating 1 small tin of oily fish at least two or three times a week, and voila … the migraines are gone. And when they start to reappear, I realise often I had not had oily fish for a week or so and snuffling one down at next meal, all my migraines disappear.
Now this might not work for everyone, but it worked for me even though I was taking cod-liver pills daily . So I’m thinking this tip should be much more well known.
Obviously if you are vegetarian, it might need to be a different omega solution, but it seems we just are not getting enough omega 3s in our diet and I wonder if that can sometimes cause headaches.
I will look forward to reading your posts once you’ve started with your treadmill!
Take good care of yourself! Be kind to yourself, with patience for your mind and body. We often are too hard on ourselves in this fast world. And jeffing or (as I do) running super-super slow is a great antidote to that!
I am indeed a veggy (or rather a vegetarian, obviously I am not a typing cucumber...), though I do take a daily supplement of fish oil. Maybe I can try doubling the supplement during THAT period and see what it gives.
I will keep an eye or something on the headache. It is diminishing though, so I hope all is ok. The spot still feels a bit tender, washing and combing my hair can cause small autch noises to be heard, haha.
Like many here I wish I could do something more concrete than words on a screen.
To a greater or lesser extent things happen to all of us. I got heckled and laughed at by a bunch of teenage lads the other day. Thankfully I was far enough past them when it happened that I couldn't hear exactly what they were saying. That's pretty minor and I didn't personally feel threatened by it, but had I been a lone female runner that could have been really scary.
Thanks and yes I guess we all have our issues. Some bigger than others but not less important. Sorry to read you had that experience, hope it won't happen again. I do wonder if they can run the distances you do. My guess is a big fat no 😉
Sorry you are finding it tough at the moment. It’s not at all a stupid post. Think back to when running has made you happy, and what it was that you liked. Was it the buzz from running, or was it something about your surroundings? Is there somewhere outside you can reach for a run that is busier than your usual places, so you don’t feel so exposed? Can you find a way of getting there in daylight hours? Perhaps if you had a trial with a local running group, you would find people running at your pace? It’s definitely a pity parkrun hasn’t reached Belgium!
If none of this works and you can only run indoors, please do try to find another way of getting out of the house and also connecting with others. It sounds like that’s the most important nut to crack. Good luck and hope you feel brighter soon.
Actually there is 1 parkrun soon, the first ever. But it is a bit away from me, don't know if I can get there in time on a weekend. And it is quite expensive to participate to just come there and run. But I will keep an eye on it, maybe it will become less expensive if they organize it more often.
I think Coddfish really said something important there - getting out of the house and having social contact is really, really important. It sounds like you got a bit depressed, which happens to a lot of people in the winter months. I think other folks' advice of taking small steps - maybe telling yourself to go for a 10 minute run outside or go for a walk every day might help to raise your mood and help break down the anxiety about safety.But whatever you do, let us know how you are getting on. You have a huge family here that are right behind you. Great big hugs from me too.
Thanks and I do feel the love here, it actually helps. I know I have to get outside more often, I will try. Today I had my office day and chatting with colleagues has upped my mood too a bit. The problem is that I am alone and walking outside on my own is so... well not fun 😆. But I know you're all behind me, so I will do my best to improve again!
Sorry your feeling down and miserable And it’s not a stupid post. It doesn’t t help this time of year January blues dismal weather and darkness and you were saying in a previous post about too dark in morning before work and at night when you get home to run. Covid and lockdown hasn’t helped working from home especially if you were used to going to the office most of the week. When you do go out again for a run have you thought about an alarm you can carry , I’ve got one and it makes some noise , you would hear it far away very piercing. , or take your car to somewhere so you could run in a safer place away from trees etc , plenty of lighten streets or park. What about a running buddy for company? Your not slow , you were getting personal best in times and running 10 km and going further. C25k is a good start just to get your confidence back , baby steps at first . You will be back and will look forward to hearing your posts again . Take care 😊
Thanks and I do plan on getting back into running. First on the treadmill I think and maybe I will try to hear around if there is anyone who is a snail like me who wouldn't mind going for a run once in a while. But first things first, getting back into the game.
Definitely not a stupid post and I totally agree with all the helpful comments. Lockdown has been extremely hard on a lot of people and the reason I started running. Well done you for reaching out and documenting how you feel that in itself is a massive strength Xx be kind to yourself!
Not a stupid post and i was reading it whilst feeling sorry for myself.Fortunately I have not got a headache just a black eye and a sore forehead with a bump. I cant put my foot flat on the floor yet either but after reading your post I feel very fortunate.
I so enjoyed reading your posts and I wholeheartedly agree with what all on this wonderful group have said.
If you think you are slow you should see my times 9.14 mins for 1k 95 mins for 10k and I've only managed it 3 times.
I'm sure when your headache goes and the days get lighter you will feel more optimistic, until then just do little jogs on the treadmill.
Thanks and oh my a black eye and injured foot? Hope you'll be better soon! My headache due to foolishly standing up beneath an open cupboarddoor is nothing compared to that! And only 3 times 10K? Many don't reach 10K ever! You are doing fantastic!
Hi there - I don't think the post is stupid - it is sad in the sense that I feel for you and would love the magic the problems away. As I cant unfortunately do that here's a couple of words that may/may not help -:
1. I'm a guy and though not suffering the same as you my thing is dogs - apart from hating them anyway I did have a scary experience with one once as a kid on an isolated road which has left me with an excessive fear of the things which, in my area are everywhere and more often let off the lead by irresponsible owners. So to combat this I go out in the day, in places where there are more likely to be a slow but regular appearance of people and other than that stay alert - you just have to bite the bullet.
2. Not to belittle the attacks but, they are extremely few and far between - news in the main is reporting of uncommon events - if things happen on a regular basis everybody is aware of them/familiar with them and as such they are 'un-newsworthy' - in short though there was the murder you mentioned think how many people go out running every day in the UK and Belgium for that matter and do not get murdered or otherwise - the likelihood is less than winning the lottery yet we don't leave the house for a run pumped up at the thought of what we will do when we find the winning ticket on our run!
3. Getting out etc - I work at a PC everyday and get that too - in fact thats a reason for running, outside of that just get in the car you mentioned and go to the shops/shopping mall or the library or somewhere where there are enough people to make you not feel threatened but not so many that it is overwhelming to you... perhaps i.e.. not knowing whats going on in your head obviously. Re dark - get that too and hate it - every year when the clocks go back I want them to go the other way - compete madness to me and I have a downer on that day each year but if its a real issue maybe try a daylight bulb/light - my mum had one/my brother has one and they say they work well.
4. Route - you say your area is remote so I get that so why not use the car you mention and drive somewhere better for the run - somewhere where there are the right number of people as noted above and hopefully a good view/route too.
5. Speed etc - OK so I am not slow as such (but not fast either) but have been out for 6 months pre/post op and starting again is soooo bad - runs are slower, shorter and full of stops ... but it will pass I think and in reality who cares anyway - it isnt the be all and end all of everything. The problem is we are all are own worst enemies on this one - just do as much as you can, when you can, try and push yourself a bit each time but dont beat yourself up if you dont meet the hollywood image of times/dedication and smiley faced running experiences - running ideally should be fun and health enducing but to some people its like cleaning your teeth - good for you but a bit of a chore! - treat it how you want to but dont let stats rule your approach.
6. The note - as above its not stupid - the stupid thing is a world that makes people feel threatened to freely do the things they want to do - cant fix that but at least with this and the other notes you know you are not alone!
Thanks for your reaction! I myself don't hate dogs (I love all animals though not so much the creepy ones), but I must admit that I do always am a tad nervous when having to pass one during a run. I can imagine you hate them if you had such an experience!
I should indeed try to get out some more. I have always felt a bit 'wrong' between people, but now I have really isolated myself. Was at the office today (corona regulations are max 1 day at work per week) and it did do me good. We were with 3 and had some fun and loads of talking. So it might have helped to make me feel a bit more 'wanting' to go outside. Though going out on my own feels a bit bleh. But, time will tell!
And I will run again, maybe not as much or far or whatever as some might expect or want me to. But I will run again. If my head feels good enough this weekend, I might give my treadmill a little spin 😉
👍 sounds like you are well on the way! : ) - as for me its not really the dogs but the owners really /irresponsible people in general but hey ho we do what we can
So sorry BS you are finding things so tricky at the moment. I wonder if simply going outside somewhere nice for a walk, not running, however short would help? A few people I know bus or drive to a park or seaside and sit or walk to get that air in their lungs. Of course, getting out of the front door may be the biggest hurdle.... well done for walking to the shops, it WILL get easier. Any friends you could walk with? What about one of those SAD lights to improve your winter mood? Baby steps 🚶♀️
I went to the office today (had to but hey 😉). I will try to kick my butt outside again, if weather permits. It just feels so hard to change clothes, dress up (as in non-indoor clothes) and pull on those shoes. But I will try. As for a daylight lamp, I actually bought one yeaaars ago. Just am too lazy to use it 😶
Evy, Hidden ,This is sooo not a stupid post. In fact, it is one of the bravest posts that I have read, as you so eloquently express all that is going on in your head - you are having a rubbish time, and I can only add to the many virtual hugs that are winging their way across the channel to you right now.
Your experience is your own, but I so empathise with many of the sentiments. Try, if you can, to be kind to yourself and this moment will pass. Why not give yourself permission to not run for a while (you achieved so much last year), but just to sit, and plan, and do what you enjoy. January can be such a difficult month, in so many ways. I deal with it by treating it as a 're-set' month - time to step off the psychological treadmill and reassess goals..maybe plan a little, but not action too much. Do what you enjoy. In my case, that means knitting myself hi-viz running mitts and buff 😆, gently re-introducing some long neglected strengthening exercises, going out for short, fun runs and planning, lots and lots of planning.
So please don't beat yourself up. Sometimes voicing the fact that you are actively taking a short break can help to remove the guilt. This stage will pass, and as many others on this forum have said, baby steps, but only when you are ready.
*blush* thanks, I don't think of myself as brave for spilling my thoughts. But maybe others feel the same without daring to voice it and can feel strengthened by the fact they are not the only ones.
I am knitting too by the way, a blanket. 10 year project I fear. I am planning a little bit, plan to do a Start to Run thing on my treadmill and hope to get back into running that way. And who knows, maybe some activity will get the grey sky in my head to clear up ☺
All the support here certainly has made my heart warm 💗
Woo, a 10 year blanket, that takes stamina! I bet you don't beat yourself up when you take a little break from your knitting? Your little running hiatus is but a tiny bump in the road! You've got this 💪👏Oh and here's a little virtual🌞 to keep you going until the real one comes back 🌱☀️
I'm just kidding with the 10 years. But I started the blanket in crochet. Stuck 3 cakes of yarn in it already, but I am a bit fed up with crochet. I went on to knitting hats and a sweater and now want to knit that blanket. So I started with another cake of that blanket and started from 0 in knitting. 300 stitches (I think it is about 130 / 135 cm width), first a 10 cm border in moss stitch, after which I will do 10 cm on each side in moss stitch with regular tricot stitch between them. I am now still working on the border, I am about 7 cm in I think. If I like the sight of the blanket once I am a good part in, I will rip the crocheted blanket and make it fully in knitting. Only problem is: I knit VERY slow and only in the evenings. Plus often a cat will claim my lap, because of which I can't knit. So I imagine this blanket will take a LONG time...
I love your description of your crochet - knit blanket - I reckon if you replaced all those words with run - running you have a pretty good description of the ups and downs of this running journey we are on 😁.......I sounds like you are on a frogging stage right now 🐸🐸🐸
Hi BlackScorpian, you have taken the first step by posting on the forum. 👍I think most people probably have doubts and times of being down about their running- the highs and the lows of it. Firstly let me say I am always amazed at how many people say on this forum how slow they are and I look at their times and think ‘wow, that’s good’. I think we all imagine that everybody else is really fast and super fit, but I think many of us struggle with our runs and self believe from time to time. Reading all the nasty stuff on the internet doesn’t help, but the reason these things make the news is that they are extremely rare. Lockdown has made us more insular and wary of the world outside, I think.Have you thought of advertising for running buddies to go out with you? That way you could set up a slower more social running group- I bet there are others near you who think they are too slow to join a running group and would welcome the chance to go running in a group of similar people. I really enjoy running with my running group, although they are mostly younger and faster than me, it is a very social group and they wait for the stragglers. Something like that might suit you. Running with others certainly makes you get out the house, when you don’t feel like it. Even just one running buddy will do that as you won’t want to let them down and will motivate each other.
Good luck. You will pick yourself up and get back into it. Keep posting on the forum and let us know how you are getting on. Meanwhile virtual hugs 🤗 to you.
Thanks and I will think about a running group. But first I have to get off my ass and get moving again - on the treadmill for the time being. Once I feel more secure in my running again, I might look around for someone to run with. Thanks!
I have used the nrc app, and it’s “get started” running plan to get back to running after a few weeks break, within each week there is a 5 min run, 7 min run and a 10 min run, the coach says they all count as runs and much more, you could listen to them even if you don’t go out to run them, and hopefully feel a bit more motivated to do a short run which COUNTS , go easy on yourself
So much kindly and thoughtful advice from others. Simple and do-able steps, whatever those are and whatever they need to be for you right now.A big hug in solidarity, Evy. It’s a tough period for you. I really hope you’ll feel your way back soon , rekindling your inner flame and best form.
I’m really slow in reading your post BS, so sorry for missing it. You’ve really had a rough time lately haven’t you and banging your head so hard must have been horrible. But I hope you’re starting to feel a bit better with the encouragement of all the lovely people here on the forum and I’m sure you’ll know when you’re ready to start running again - there’s no rush is there? I don’t think it’s stupid to post when you haven’t run - you’re a runner and you belong here! And I look forward to being able to read your lovely posts again and follow you as you get back to running those 10kms again! We’re here for you so keep in touch!
I've just tbought about something else! The few times I tried to run with friends it was horrible. They went way slower than usual to run with me but I still ended up going too fast and having to stop and walk. You'd think that would give me a 5k PB- but actually ended up being way slower! It was probably horrible for both of us. The second run I tried with a friend we did the warm up walk together and we agreed to go at our own pace and then we met up and had a coffee at the end. That was great! Could that work for you?
Just to say, I was doing all right until this week, then all the bad news, the sadness of another woman being killed, I've not been out of the house for two days. Just watching catch up tv, I watched the final episodes of Around the World in 80 days on I-player, and found myself crying an hour before the end, just a well of sadness. Maybe it's the time of year, but a constant stream of bad news doesn't help us.
I always find that making the effort to get outside in the fresh air, preferably in the morning, whether for a walk or a short run, makes a huge difference to my mood. Also, I don't socialise much, spend quite a lot of time on my own, but sometimes meeting up with a friend or going for a group walk makes a big difference. Just connecting with other people, even those you don't know that well, helps.
Sorry you're going through such a rough time. I'm sure you will get back to it step by step. I also run in very desolate places and although the animal part of my brain is often on edge, I use the reasoning part of my brain to tell myself that these terrible events are rare and random. Also if someone is going to go out looking for a woman to attack are they really going to go to the middle of nowhere in the dark and cold where there is NO-ONE around? That said, I'm also finding it hard to get back out there in the dark lonely places after an injury break. I think it's easier to gradually end up in the dark as the nights draw in.
I also don't fancy a running club but I do find that a walking date with a friend or family member gets me outdoors when my motivation is low.
Thanks. I fear my animal brain is very strong and my reasoning part is a bit dehydrated, haha. But we'll see what time says. And yes, spring is very welcome! 😀
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The Great Outdoors 
First run of the year
I might look homeless when I run...but at least I'm toasty warm ❄️
Decision made😳😳😳
