My second run with this group and a bigger turnout tonight after last week’s rain. Oh, but it is a faff to have to drive somewhere to run and make sure I’ve got everything with me that I need - drink, sun visor, towel, mobile, watch, sports glasses!
This run can only loosely be called Jeffing, I think! There was another newcomer tonight who asked the same question I did about what ratio we would be using. It’s much more casual than that - and this time I walked much less during the first half of the run. We seem to run faster at the start (which is what you would expect for Jeffing) and I’m not used to that, it makes the Toxic Ten worse, but what I get from these runs is far more important! Somewhere different to run and company. Lara, who is the run leader, is very encouraging and makes sure that no-one is left behind. Part of the route is through the woods and it was just perfect. Definitely could see myself getting into trail running, who would have thought it! 😊
It was a warm tonight but I think I’m getting used to the warmer temperatures of running in the evening. It’s so good to be running with others, although for the last third of the run I was pushing myself a bit and couldn’t talk much 🤣
I will probably do a few more sessions with this lovely group. It’s all helping with my overall fitness, but my plan is to eventually join one of the continuous running groups when I think I’ll be able to keep up with them!
This week we covered 4K in about 35 minutes so slightly faster than last week. Happy with that 😊
Written by
Jools2020
Graduate10
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Definitely have group AND trail envy! How lovely to have that - even a short drive away. The groups here are paid for and seem more serious, so I'm giving them a miss for the moment.
Probably about 10 minutes of the run was skirting the woods, but it was enough to make me want more! Most running clubs charge a subscription, not sure why this one doesn’t. Some of the runners are definitely serious runners - the group leaders are currently on a Peak Challenge in the Lake District - and others have attended Endure24 (they wear the t-shirt) which is a 24 hour running event. But the general mood is light and of having fun. One of the group leaders has suggested I sign up for a 10K event in September, which I’ll probably do. As long as I can run for 90 minutes I know I can do it! I’m about 4 weeks away from that as I’m increasing every week.
I think it's £2 a run at the local clubs, which is fine ... BUT - it means running when they run, and I normally run in the morning. Also, and a much bigger deal, it means committing to run at a certain time in advance. With long Covid I can't do that - when I work evenings I plan my day around it and conserve energy specially. I don't have the capacity to conserve energy for a 5k evening run.
I've run for 25 minutes this morning when I maybe shouldn't have done, but apart from things I MUST do, I can cut my cloth according to what's left in the tank for the rest of the day.
Slowly stamina is coming back, but I'm not sure if it will ever be what it was. Running is helping me a great deal, but unless I happen across someone and get chatting on a morning run, running buddies will be something I envy from a distance for the moment!
it’s a dilemma for sure. I find running in the evenings hard (I’m just a bit of a routine freak!) - but for you, evenings are much more difficult right now. Hopefully you will start to sleep better which will help.
All you can do is exactly what you are doing. You’ve already achieved more than you thought possible and your stamina is improving. It’s a fine balance to push but not overdo it.
Hopefully something will turn up and you’ll find a running buddy.
Looks like you had a good time Jools which is what it's all about. I have a couple of friends I met at a zumba class several years ago so could be a great way to meet new people as well as enjoying a run. Win win!
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week3run1 ✅. 3 x 17 mins with 1 min walks. 
How did your parkrun or (not)parkrun go?
