I took procrastination to another level this morning. I was almost ready to go and the phone rang, then I decided that it would enhance my day if I talked to a digital assistant, it didn't but eventually it solved my problem, sort of. Then my neighbour text to say she's reached this week's weight loss goal and I said I couldn't get going and if I waited much longer my run would turn into our afternoon walk. She text back, 'Get those shoes on and go!' so I did.
I picked this run because it was 25 minutes, I couldn't tell you what the advice was because I wasn't really listening, I couldn't tell you what music I listened to because I'd picked a random playlist and didn't know most of them.
What I can tell you is I ran a little faster, I looked at the world around me, I saw flowers, trees, pavements, roads and cars and let go of some emotions.
In January 2020 I had an illness that was probably COVID, I went to the doctor's b cause my breathing was difficult, within a few seconds she had an oxygen mask on my face and was calling an ambulance, 24 hours later I was discharged and a couple weeks on I dragged myself back to work and the awfulness of what the pandemic would bring.
Since then I panic when I get puffed out, hence my very slow running, my aim now is to go a little bit faster, breathe a little bit deeper in a controlled way and learn being a bit breathless through running doesn't mean I need to panic.
Run happy or rest well
Written by
SueAppleRun
Graduate10
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Well done you! I'm not surprised you're a bit worried about getting puffed out given what you went through back in 2020 but you're now facing up to the challenge and in a very sensible way. Yay. You're doing amazing you superstar! 🤩 I've not done the best advice ever run yet. I did do the worst advice ever tho so I'm guessing this one will have the opposite advice 😂
Yes I'd the worst advice ever one, and enjoyed it, I have loads of them saved and try to do one I haven't already done, I will have to do this one again though because of not listening, the breathing thing is very strange and considering my life now are stronger than they've been for years I don't know why I panic, but I will beat the panic
That sounds like great progress in your quest for a bit more pace. You are right to be cautious; if you only control your breathing, your fitness will naturally improve run on run, and your legs will get faster all on their own! So one day you will look and say “did I just run that quickly?” I was tempted to try that NRC run this morning, and then thought “nope, I am doing this solo today.” Worked out just fine 🙂
Well done Sola, it sounds like you’re making great progress and enjoying your precious runs. How lovely that you’ve decided to try to up your pace a little. I think you’ll find it fun seeing what you can do. 😀
Have you tried the NRC Stress Free Run? It’s only 25 minutes and I did it this morning. Just the ticket for the time I had. It’s great! 🥰
I love procrastination Sola - I managed to avoid getting out at all this morning! But I did swim so it’s not all bad and the weather looks ok for a run tomorrrow . It sounds to me as though you’re really getting a lot from your runs just now even if you do worry about getting puffed - I’m sure this will ease off the more running you do. I like the idea of the worst and best advice runs so I’ve downloaded them, thank you for the advice!
Thank you, I'm not terribly disciplined and not going out very early, what I'd like to do is low heartrate running but I think I'd be going almost backwards.
I think you are doing really well running wise _I believe that on top of everything else you had Covid just after I did in March ? I am still running irregularly and restricting myself to 3km. Things are getting better but still occasionally a bit breathless. I even had to take a brief rest during a dog walk the other day.- very embarrassing as she is a little old lady well over 14 ( don't know her actual age) and has extremely short legs!!!Keep plodding, you're doing yourself proud!
Thank you, yes I had COVID first week if April and although ok I'm still not fully fit, I've increased running and walking though this week and happy with what I'm doing. You too are doing great
Brilliant you got out! Sometimes I listen to podcasts and get back and have no idea what they said as my mind has wandered thinking about all the stuff I have to do.
But my favourite podcast at the moment is Older and Wider it has me cackling it’s like having a chat with friends.
I thought the best advice ever was your friend's advice to "Get those shoes on and run". It was only when I read the replies that I realised it was an actual NRC run 🤣 I still think your friend's advice was the best ever- I could do with her around when I'm procrastinating 😂
My running club has what they call a “social, chatty run” on Thursdays. No chance, I just can’t talk and run because I’m breathing too heavily! I understand your caution, though, and it’s great that you are able to control your breathing. Speed will come if everything else is aligned, if you want it to but it sounds as though you get enough pleasure from just going at your own pace, enjoying the world around you. You’re doing brilliantly!
Well it's no good trying to argue with the part of your brain that wants to panic, I think you just need to pat it and soothe it until it settles itself down. Not covid related but I used to wake up at night in a complete panic convinced I couldn't breathe, this went on for months after I'd had a general anaesthetic and came to with a sore throat. The wakings gradually subsided and subsequent operations haven't had the same effect. (I reckon that first anaesthetist must have been a bit rough with the tube.)Which is a long winded way of saying, just keep on doing what you're doing, cos what you're doing is brilliant.
A great run...and a whole load of lessons being re-learned...
HUGE well done you for getting that run in. I have just posted a reply to someone , and said... The runs are easy, when they feel easy...but when they don't...
So much in your head and so many thoughts to sort. I empathise with that feeling of panic... is this normal puffed out... or illness, puffed out!
Then... switching the voice in your ears off and simply soaking up everything around you...the sights, sounds, smells, and sensations...capturing and releasing those sensations on turn....
You are doing so well, although it really may not feel like it sometimes... just go with each day and what it brings. x
Thank you so much Floss, it's surprising me how my emotions are ruling my life at the moment, nothing official can happen now until Tuesday so I'm going to enjoy the weekend, th garden is calling so soon I'll be out in the he sun digging. Have a good weekend yourself and I hope the weather is kind your way when her you run or rest x
the garden is just the place to be, either doing lots or nothing at all 👌🙂
This morning I am keeping out of it and going for a run. The tree surgeon is here dealing with a fallen tree 🥲. It fell on my neighbour’s home office man cave thing ☺️ Oops.
Enjoy your running and/or gardening. May you find peace at both 😀👍
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Holiday runs are the best!
The best run yet. By far.
Best advice for keeping up the habit?
Probably my worst run ever :-(
Best Christmas present EVER!
