Running for more purpose

[SueAppleRun]

Day 3, and as I sit in bed listening to music I wonder why I bother, I imagine myself pulling on leggings and top, wonder if I'm ready for shorts and decide not. Then my imagination shoves on a pair of odd socks, laces my trainers and get out the door. I find I'm still sitting there and wonder if I can just send my imagination off for a run on its own. Nope, that doesn't work so I get myself ready and pick a run. Pick some music. Grab a tissue (I'm getting better at this)

Walk down the road to Paul Simon singing in my ears. Set off Garmin and decide to be sensible and do a whole 5 minute warm up walk, I don't usually time it, I hadn't realised how long 5 minutes is, I suspect my usual untimed warm up walk is about 1.5 minutes. But then my sister used to get up drink a glass of water, run out the door and run 10k unless she was training, she ran many marathons in her 40's and 50's

Not sure where I'm going, this is 20 minutes and by the way it's raining, I hadn't noticed that. Along the road, right and left turns, run round a crescent, up the end of a close and back the other side. I enjoyed this run, some of the gardens look a bit bedraggled, mine included. Most have a few fading daffodils and some bright shiny tulips, I didn't stop for photos, I just ran on and felt stronger. Maybe this really is going to make a difference. I find myself smiling, the rain drizzles down, cooling on my face. Breathing deep and calm, legs quite happy.

Run done! And guess what, I'm about 5 minutes from home so I get a cool down walk as well .

I'm quite pleased with my time, I'll never win any races but that's not my ambition, I'm just pleased that I can run and looking forward to getting back to longer distances

No photo today so here's one from yesterday

Run happy or rest well

[Instructor57 Graduate10]

So nice to see you getting back into it Sola 🙂👍

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate in reply to Instructor57]

It's so good to be able, thanks Ian, how are you?

[Instructor57 Graduate10 in reply to SueAppleRun]

My back is slowly improving, not there yet so don't want to push it !

Slowly slowly 🙂

[RunBrianRun Graduate10]

Hey Sola, it was lovely to read this. I’m so glad you managed to get out and have such a lovely run. 😊😃

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate in reply to RunBrianRun]

Thanks Brian, I keep going out, it gives a bit of structure to my day and I really enjoy it, 😄

[RunBrianRun Graduate10 in reply to SueAppleRun]

Fantastic, and it’s lovely to read about your running and how you are. 👍

[59er Graduate10]

Oh, if only our imaginations could get us out the door and round the run - I'd be a great runner by now 😂 You did well to get yourself together and get out there. It's nice, at times, to run in the rain - not many people around and it gives you a different perspective. What are these runs you're doing? A 20 minute run sounds good to me. Sounds good that your legs are getting stronger too - I was thinking that perhaps I should start the C25K AGAIN. The weather's warm here so I need to pick my time - maybe not today - kettlebell workout for me today indoors. Perhaps tomorrow or Sunday when there's not many people around? 🤔

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate in reply to 59er]

I'm doing Nike Run Club Runs, there are training plans on there, I started the getting started plan but then got to first speed run and didn't want to so stopped that, I pick my runs by how long I want to be out so, Wednesday was 30 minutes Thursday was 30 minutes and today decided to be sensible and choose a 20 minute run, they are guided runs and you can play your own playlist or even radio and the music fades when they talk to you, I'm thinking of a rest from running over the weekend and a 5k next week. Have fun and good luck with your runs, oh it's an app by the way if you haven't already got it

[59er Graduate10 in reply to SueAppleRun]

I'll need to get myself fully organised with music and timings etc., before I give these a go. I can't stand last minute faffing before my run 🤣 You know Sola, reading your commentaries makes me want to get out there! Thanks 🙂

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate in reply to 59er]

Let us know when you do,

[GTFC Graduate10]

Love this Sola. I realised that over the years running has remained a constant. In times of sadness and melancholy, it's always been there for me. Each run you do will unfold as you go and you'll create a trail behind you of hope. Keep going, keep out there and keep making that trail 👣 🙂

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate in reply to GTFC]

Those are lovely words, thank you 😊

[Cmoi Graduate10]

I find I'm still sitting there and wonder if I can just send my imagination off for a run on its own.

Oh Sola, this is genius, you made me literally laugh out loud. Imo every Garmin should have an "Imaginary runs" setting.

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate in reply to Cmoi]

That would be great wouldn't it, my mind's a bit weird at the moment, but I get these sneaky little thoughts drift in of what I need to do and the rest of me follows along, I'm planning not to run tomorrow but we'll see what happens when I wake up, it's good to have something to do

[Doris8 Graduate10]

Lovely post Sola . It’s good to get routine in your life, especially too after you’re retired , which I am getting used to without the work. London marathon at weekend so will be good to watch.

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate in reply to Doris8]

Yes it sure will be good to watch, it's weird being retired, but a lot less stressful

[Doris8 Graduate10]

Totally agree.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10]

Just grand.... I know five minute warm up points on most of my running routes,,, but sometimes I warm up longer..

I feel you are getting into a great pattern of running, keeping it simple and not pushing too hard. Soaking it up, letting things go and just enjoying the runs... I think that sounds just right !

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Doing my best

[Birdlady64 Graduate10]

My imagination has been doing most of the running recently. I really need to get my act together and accompany it!Well done Sola!

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate in reply to Birdlady64]

🤣 I keep getting out and may just be benefitting

[BGood]

Well done getting passed the front door is the hardest part of any run! However every Saturday I am up for Park Run! Today was really special as my son in law was running to ( he’s like your sister way faster than me). My daughter and 2yrs Grandson came for a play in the park while Daddy runs! His Mum pointed out look there’s Grandma while we were waiting to start he came running across the grass and hug my legs I nearly cried 😂

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate in reply to BGood]

That's very special

[Cowladyrunning Graduate10]

You're so good at motivating yourself and what a lovely reward- a great run. Glad you enjoyed it and didn't leave it to your imagination!

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate in reply to Cowladyrunning]

I was tempted

[Cowladyrunning Graduate10 in reply to SueAppleRun]

But you didn't 💪

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate in reply to Cowladyrunning]

No, I've taken the weekend off running, so tomorrow I'm looking forward to already