Didn’t want to run run: So - I remember... - Bridge to 10K

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Didn’t want to run run

Jools2020 profile image
Jools2020Graduate10
34 Replies

So - I remember running once to an NRC headspace run, where lost motivation was discussed. If you’re looking for motivation, it’s never really lost, they said. It’s like the blue sky on an overcast day. You know it’s there, you just can’t see it right now. That’s how I felt this morning.

When I got dressed, I thought I’ll put my running gear on. That way, I’m much more likely to go out and run. It worked! I selected a bright blue sun visor to match the blue sky. Everything was charged and I set off, without overthinking it. I put my playlist on. There is one track that never fails to get me in the mood for running. ELO Mr Blue Sky! I hit the play button and before the end of my warmup walk I was clapping and singing, ready for my run. Motivation found! I end my warm up walk at the top of an incline and turn round. The first km therefore is mostly downhill and the only way I can keep a slow pace is to start my watch and walk for a couple of minutes, then gradually glide into a slow run. I really need that first km to be slow.

Past the back of my house and onwards towards Tesco. No, don’t think about the Costa in there! You can walk back again later and grab a coffee and cake as your reward! (I did!)

Bypassing the Tesco car park and on I go. 2nd km. There are a few people about, Mums pushing push chairs, dog walkers, people just out walking, some carrying shopping bags.

It’s pretty much a circular route. Heading back down towards my house, there is a cyclist coming towards me. On the path! I have to step into the nettles to avoid him. We don’t speak, but I give him one of my ‘looks’. He looks shocked, I doubt he will ever recover 🤣

I speed up a little for the 3rd km as is my wont. I carry on until just over 3K and then walk home. Another 3K maintenance run done and dusted. Now to try and get my run frequency up!

Next time I’ll try that NRC ‘Dont want to run run!’ 😊👍

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Jools2020 profile image
Jools2020
Graduate10
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34 Replies
Instructor57 profile image
Instructor57Graduate10

Well done Julia !That first run after a break is often a tricky one to get out of the door for but a nice 3k keeps them legs moving 😁👍

Jools2020 profile image
Jools2020Graduate10 in reply toInstructor57

Thanks, Ian! Really going to try and increase the frequency of my runs 😊

Sandraj39 profile image
Sandraj39Graduate10

Oh, that sounds like a fab run Jools2020 (apart from the unthinking cyclist!🙄) - well done! Sometimes, getting out the door is the hardest part but oh, the reward of a run complete!😇😄And Mr Blue Sky by ELO - not run to that but I reckon it could be one to add to my many eclectic play lists! 🙂

Jools2020 profile image
Jools2020Graduate10 in reply toSandraj39

I tend to play it on my warm up walk! Does the trick every time! 😊

dijep profile image
dijepGraduate10

I absolutely love them idea of matching your sun visor to the colour of the sky.It sounds like an enjoyable run and so good that your motivation wasn't lost at all 😊

I used that trick of putting my running gear on when I got up on Friday and it worked.

Jools2020 profile image
Jools2020Graduate10 in reply todijep

I try not to overthink the motivation thing. Just try and make it easier to get out there! Yes, I have 6 sun visors 🤣

dijep profile image
dijepGraduate10 in reply toJools2020

What make do you buy? I keep meaning to get one for summer running I'm hoping for lots of ☀️😎🤞

Jools2020 profile image
Jools2020Graduate10 in reply todijep

They don’t seem to be branded - I just bought a set of 6 from Amazon. They were really cheap and have a Velcro fastening. I just love them! They shield my eyes from the sun and help with keeping the rain from my glasses - if it’s windy, I just make it fit tighter. Best buy ever! Yes, looking forward to early morning summer runs 🤞☀️🏃‍♀️😎

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate

How on earth do you walk 3k home? I’d keep breaking into a little run, I just can’t help myself, glad you sorted your mojo though

Jools2020 profile image
Jools2020Graduate10 in reply toSueAppleRun

Ha, no, I wasn’t very clear in my description. I was doing a circular run and stopped at 3K - I was about 5 minutes walk from home. 😊

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate in reply toJools2020

Oh lol that’s not so far, well i’m still happy you enjoyed your run

Week7 profile image
Week7Graduate10

Sounds like a satisfying run! I really found both the "Don't want to run" run and the "Just a run" run to be quite therapeutic .

Jools2020 profile image
Jools2020Graduate10 in reply toWeek7

I haven’t used the NRC runs for months. Time to have another look at them, I think! 😊

Yesletsgo profile image
YesletsgoAdministratorGraduate10 in reply toJools2020

I had a break from them too, I'd forgotten how inspiring they can be, so useful.

Jools2020 profile image
Jools2020Graduate10 in reply toYesletsgo

I don’t know why I stopped listening to them! Next run, I’ll definitely try one.

Birdlady64 profile image
Birdlady64Graduate10

Oh you can't beat a nice dose of ELO. I listened to them on my run on Saturday for the first time in ages.I hate inconsiderate cyclists like that. Hopefully your "Paddington" stare freaked them out sufficiently. It's much worse when they approach from behind as you never hear them coming.

Well done on that run though Julia 👏 It's difficult when you're struggling for motivation but you did it 😁👌👍

Jools2020 profile image
Jools2020Graduate10 in reply toBirdlady64

Thanks, Diane. I’ll keep trying! 😊👍

nowster profile image
nowsterGraduate10

ELO ELO ELO, what's all this then? 😆

Really glad to see you're still keeping at it.

At the moment motivation is not my problem. The spirit is willing. The legs are still capable. The well of energy isn't as deep as it was two weeks ago and takes longer to top back up.

Jools2020 profile image
Jools2020Graduate10 in reply tonowster

Odd about the well of energy - did you have Covid? I remember reading that your partner did.

nowster profile image
nowsterGraduate10 in reply toJools2020

She generously gave me it! I was out of action for a week, getting over it properly last Friday. My first run after recovering was a (not) parkrun on Saturday.

Jools2020 profile image
Jools2020Graduate10 in reply tonowster

Oh darn! Sharing is caring (as I often tell my grandchildren 😊. Covid often leaves you fatigued so that would explain your energy levels. I know you are too sensible to push yourself too hard while you are in the recovery phase 🤔

nowster profile image
nowsterGraduate10 in reply toJools2020

I'm using the watch's stress graph as a guide. It's pretty good for showing up when I'm recovering quickly and when I'm not.

I need to do the runs to maintain muscle tone etc., but I also know I currently need the rest day(s) in between.

Now I've got to this stage it's essential that I maintain my current level of fitness, otherwise I may leave the way open for EDS problems to kick in if I regress.

Jools2020 profile image
Jools2020Graduate10 in reply tonowster

It sounds tricky to get the balance right.

Meanmommab profile image
MeanmommabGraduate10

Good for you with your 'blue sky' thinking!😁The 'Don't want to run' run is well worth a try. I seem to have lost motivation since Christmas but since doing that run I seem to be finding it, bit by bit.🏃‍♀️

Jools2020 profile image
Jools2020Graduate10 in reply toMeanmommab

I don’t analyse the motivation part too much as I’m trying to look forward. I’m optimistic I can get to where I was before, it might just take a while! Good luck with finding yours. It’s there above the clouds 😊

GailXrunning profile image
GailXrunning

Well done, J. NRC runs do a good job of making us aware of how many ‘wins’ it takes just to get running… só celebrating from (even before?) the get-go. Not nice being forced into the nettles, though. Hope your kit spared you from stings.

Jools2020 profile image
Jools2020Graduate10 in reply toGailXrunning

Yes I was more annoyed than damaged! Thanks 😊

Runninggirl59 profile image
Runninggirl5960minGraduate

Sounds like a decent 3k sometimes it doesn't matter on the distance it's the getting out that matters. 😀 I have a baseball cap for the rain but it doesn't work in the wind. I had to turn it round the last time and you can imagine what that must have looked like! 😀

Jools2020 profile image
Jools2020Graduate10 in reply toRunninggirl59

Exactly! I never worry about the distance . I can always change my plans on the fly if I want to. Since I moved, I’ve just done a couple of 3K recovery runs and I’ll keep with that for now. It gets me out there. Baseball caps just don’t fit me. I like that you can adjust the strap with sun visors! If it’s windy enough to blow my sun visor off, I turn back pretty smart-ish 🤣

Runninggirl59 profile image
Runninggirl5960minGraduate in reply toJools2020

Yes, I don't care much for strong wind either. My favourite route is out and back so can get taken by surprise when I turn round!

Jools2020 profile image
Jools2020Graduate10 in reply toRunninggirl59

Keep on running and get a bus back 🤣

Runninggirl59 profile image
Runninggirl5960minGraduate

🤣👍

Reggiegirl profile image
Reggiegirl

Me Blue Sky is the first track on my running list! I’m with you that it’s Fab to get started with.

Jools2020 profile image
Jools2020Graduate10 in reply toReggiegirl

Yes, it has to be first or it doesn’t work 😂. Sometimes I play it for my warm up walk, then again when I start running!

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