Lost the Plot

I sit here with a constant stream of sweat dripping behind my ears, off my forehead and end of my nose. My long sleeve polo is dripping wet as I search for the lost plot.

Why did I just do that?

I only left the house for a walk as I've been sitting inside for several hours.

As I left the house it was blustery but warm. It was like spring, just wonderful. It would surely be a great day for running say the gremlins as I walk along the park paths in jeans, coat, scarf and old Asics shoes.

You have programmed tomorrows NRC intervals into your Garmin haven't you, you have never tried to see if self programming works have you? the Gremlins continued. And that was it .........

Off I went, up the hill past a multitude of dog walkers chatting away, past a startled window cleaner and an elderly couple who maybe thought I was up to mischief.

I had to run intervals at 5k pace which I programmed into Garmin and the watch visuals were perfect. I carried on wanting the 7 minute interval to hurry to a close. By now I am melting. Sweat is literally pouring onto my glasses, my top and jeans are becoming uncomfortable and why the heck did I put a scarf on to go out for a walk?

Blimey, that's 2k now buzzed Garmin and then I realised....... I hadn't put the recovery periods into my watch as in the scheduled run tomorrow I would be using the NRC app and guided run !!!

I think I need to shower and then search for the lost plot or seek support! 🤣

The pleasure of sunshine and being outdoors simply took over. Fantastic.

[Roxdog Graduate10]

Haha! Actually that impromptu run sounds great! I just went out for a walk! 🤣

[Hidden in reply to Roxdog]

It was lovely with the sun out. Memories of spring. Bring it on 😀

[Roxdog Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

I haven't been out today! So jealous! No run for me until Thursday! 😱

[Hidden]

I am jealous of that sun... ☀️

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Not very often we get it Evy but today it is very welcome indeed. Its just great popping out when its not grey and the sun is shining. I'm sure it will soon be out for you too🤞🙏👍

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate]

Oh that’s great! I’ve run in jeans and asics before and it’s soon not the best thing to do

[Hidden in reply to SueAppleRun]

It sure isn't Sola. It was the curse of the gremlins ....... but in reverse 😁

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate in reply to Hidden]

Yes, it’s strange what running makes us do

[Hidden in reply to SueAppleRun]

😀😀😀😀😁

[GailXrunning]

😱 in jeans and scarf and… ??!!! 😂 Tomorrow’s ‘proper’ version will surely feel super-easy after that.

[Hidden in reply to GailXrunning]

Im really hoping so Gail, although my legs are feeling really tight at the mo' 😨

[GailXrunning in reply to Hidden]

😬Oh, no! See how you feel after a good night’s sleep. You can always restrategise and run the following day? That might be the smart thing to do.

[Hidden in reply to GailXrunning]

Hmm! I don't generally do smart even though I pretend I do whilst listening to Coach B.

Tomorrow it will be - so hoping for a good one 🙏

[GailXrunning in reply to Hidden]

Best wishes! Whatever you decide to do.

+Remember: you’re an athlete; you’re becoming a better version of yourself; and you’re getting smarter (it’s relative). 😉

[Hidden in reply to GailXrunning]

😆😆😆

I am now officially a better version of myself having completed the Triple 7 intervals 😁

I must admit, I missed Coach B today and it was harder than I thought it would be following yesterday's "antics" but, it is done. I am a superstar 🤣🤣

[Yesletsgo Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

I've done the Triple 7s before and really liked both the workout and the coach, not quite such a chatterbox as CB if I remember...I'm planning to do this workout on Friday

[Hidden in reply to Yesletsgo]

Oooh good luck with the Triple 7s again Oldbadknees. I found it quite tough if I'm honest and even walked for a few seconds during the recoveries.

I was pleased when I finished though as it was the fastest 5k I've ran post covid. Only 2 minutes off my PB but pleasing just the same 👍

I was also pleased I travelled to a nice parkrun track rather than doing it on undulating pavements and roads

Wolverhampton Parkrun

[Yesletsgo Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Yes, it's tough, but it's good-tough. I seem to remember the coach explains why you're feeling so stretched and why it's good for you 😂

[GailXrunning in reply to Hidden]

🙌 You so are! 🙌 🌟And it will get easier. Or rather, more manageably tough (if you know what I mean).

I did a speed session today too: one of those ‘pyramid’ ones (10k pace, 5k pace, mile pace, best-pace-possible-without-losing-form, each step with a smaller time window, and then all of it again but in reverse). Amazed at just how far I’ve come since I nearly wrecked at the outset of the plan. I was able to manage the steps and sustain each interval. And it’s not just the pace control that’s improved, all of my many ‘paces’ (for I now have many paces… ‘twas once a mystery to me!) have become much faster. How did that happen?😆

Mind you, I just noticed that the next speed run on the plan is billed as a hard-effort tempo run (omg!) for 12k… yes, you read that right: for 12k!😬😨😵‍💫 Is someone at NRC having me on? I’ve got a week to worry about it.

[Hidden in reply to GailXrunning]

WHAT !!!!!! That has terrified me already 😳

I know what you mean about improving though. I too have found gears and how to move between them and also feel as though my form is being sustained for longer periods. Obviously the best form comes during the last interval 😉

[GailXrunning in reply to Hidden]

Naturally!😉

[GailXrunning in reply to Hidden]

Phew! Just found this gem from CB in the tips for the week: “It takes strength to know when a certain workout is going to be too much and adjust accordingly, so be proud when you do it.” Feeling so much better already. I’ll sleep tonight.

[Hidden in reply to GailXrunning]

I like that. Also, running smarter isn't always running faster or harder.