I've been reflecting on running, trying to work out what's going well and how to improve what's not going so well. Consistency is the key, and we all know comparison is the thief of joy.....so why oh why do I get fed up that I'm not improving my pace?
I went out Friday and ran 5k, I jeffed a lot of it and pushed myself the running parts but was still no faster than usual, I was tired and achey after, didn't sleep well and missed parkrun ☹️ Saturday morning, then spent the rest of Saturday feeling low.
My daughter text in the evening asking if I fancied a walk, my immediate response was no! But after a minutes thought I realised it was a good idea. We took the dog to the beach where we clomped about in wellies and splashed in the sea. Very happy dog
Slept quite well last night which makes a difference and decided to go out, slow down, stop chasing speed, run for 25 minutes and come home again, so that's pretty much what I did, I ran round local roads, I breathed the fresh air and felt the sun on my back. I had coach B telling me to run easy, an 80's playlist in my ears (not sure why but I knew most of the songs) , best run for awhile, not too fast, not too far, think I'll do a few of these this week.
Photo from last night on the beach.
Run happy or rest well.
Written by
SueAppleRun
Graduate10
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What a beautiful photograph! Sounds like you're putting pressure on yourself and not enjoying the results. Why are you chasing a faster pace I wonder? It's a shame that you missed Park Run yesterday too as you sound like you really enjoy them. I used to try and run farther or faster and it rarely happened and like you I'd say I'm just going to run and enjoy. Perhaps if you try that a few times you will reach your goal - satisfaction 😉
Sometimes I get fed up because I am slow, and sometimes I just want to run further, I enjoy 5k but if I push myself to run faster I just have to take walk breaks and then I'm a bit knackered after, so for now I'll run at a pace I can keep running and take Fridays off, I knew when I ran Friday I might not make parkrun Saturday, what I didn't know was that I wouldn't sleep, but hey that's gone and today a gentle run that I enjoyed went well.
I’ve seldom aimed for a better pace as I know I’m pretty limited in that regard.
But it did help to have different goals, such as longer runs, further distances, running a new route, doing some drills. finishing a plan, and one I haven’t yet accomplished: do a Parkrun.
I wonder if it might help to just see if one can simply decide to leave pace be? There are so many other things to run for?
Wishing you many happy runs, peaceful sleeps and content post-run feelings!
Thank you, I know I am running stronger than I was, but by pushing pace I have to take walk breaks and I'd rather not so I'm making myself run slower so I can continue to run, re finding my happy pace
Another wonderful photo - you do have some lovely skies where you are. 😍 I understand the pace thing! I never go out to do a faster run, but then looking back at the stats am always a bit annoyed I if am slower than usual!! But... to be told by Runkeeper I have just done my 188th fastest run is bit disappointing 🤣🤣!!
Lovely photo and great post again. A rest day Friday might work. It’s worth a try, would Jeffing not work ? I am the same on my walking, can’t seem to get quicker and when I do I start hurting in the ribs and on back so I’m stuck at pace I’m doing. A lot slower than what I was doing but still enjoy it.
I jeffed it in Friday and ran really fast for the run parts but was worn out after, I think for now I'd like to get back to continuous running for longer
🍏So pleased you slowed it down & enjoyed it today! I have quite enjoyed the intervals because the increased pace is for seconds.. I definitely want to run further but I am not too bothered about faster.. It’s far more important to go out & enjoy our runs than to push & be disappointed with the stats. I do glance at mine but am not too bothered by them.. 🤗
Today’s run sounds wonderful! I really do understand the ‘gremlins’ that put doubts in our heads. So pleased that you got out, relaxed and enjoyed it all 😁
Sorry you missed the PR but... you had a lovely time with daughter too... Pace... well, you know my views ont hat but if it is aggravating you, my advice would be, just get some lovly longer relaxed runs in. The more you do, the more it all evolves... and that does include pace.
Consistency is important of course, but then so are rest days! How frequently are you running? I think the walk on the beach sounded like a good option personally! 🙂
Prior to being on the injury couch (😕) I was feeling the same about my pace. At the moment I just want to be able to run again - whatever the pace! Hopefully be back out there in the next couple of days.🤞🙂
Wonderful picture there ! I always sleep better after some sea air, as does my husband. It is all the negative ions (sounds weird but they are great for our bodies) . Well done for not pushing yourself too hard and taking the pressure off! I run slowly and actually feel so much better for it! Competition is fine for athletes, but as far as I am concerned, if I run for around 30 minutes-job done! I would like to run for longer but I guess it will happen eventually.
I hear what you're saying SueAppleRun. I've been getting a bit downhearted recently as I don't seem to be improving. In fact I think I'm getting slower! Last week seemed to be a mainly walking week with just one run on Thursday. I volunteered at Park Run on Saturday and got soaked! Since then have just felt really tired and lacking energy. Hoping to go out tomorrow and do what you did ie 30 minutes easy run without worrying about the time. I shall think of you 😊
I'm hoping to go out again tomorrow too, I went today, 5 mins walk, 20 mins run, slower than ever but I ran it all, I'll think of you when I go in the morning
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