I ran 6k yesterday but it’s been a weird day and I was in need of a stress buster this afternoon. I’d done enough of week 3 so I moved on to week 4. As a change, I decided to do all the runs in order, until I saw that day 1 was “30 minute finish lines”. I really like those ones but I’ve got to be in the mood for it. Next up was “Fear Less 5k” which sounded much more appealing.
Compared with yesterday, I got a lot more things right. I was dressed perfectly (which NEVER happens!). The weather was perfect. Cold but beautifully bright and the first crocuses of the year were blooming. I’d had a sensible lunch at a sensible time. I started with a mile walk for a garmin badge I’m trying to earn which even gave me a much better chance to warm up than usual.
This really was a good run. It’s one where Coach B has a dictionary and is not afraid to use it, but it was all chat about things that resonated with me. The difference between fear and excitement being blurry. Confidence being our own belief in our abilities rather than just the ability to do it. Fear being an opportunity to show bravery. It really was just what I wanted today.
The actual run was just a joy. One of the things I identified as a fear of mine is being too slow. Too slow for who I don’t know. Nobody will know my pace unless I tell them because I’m not on strava for exactly that reason. There have been times where I’ve overcome this worry but it does sneak back. Today I really embraced the “I do not care how fast I’m running” and it was great. So great I’ll tell you that my first mile took 12’42 and I’m proud of that. The whole run covered 5k in almost exactly the same time I ran 6k yesterday but it felt wonderful, Two of those runs in two days!!
It’s been a while since. I’ve thought of 5k as an easy distance to run and today it really did feel easy. It’s amazing how a bit of consistency suddenly pays off. Bring on 8k later this week!
Anyone else tried this run yet? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
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MissUnderstanding
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fantastic MissUnderstanding …I love runs like this and two in a row is just perfect…you’ve inspired me to get up early ,in the morning and go cover 5k…I took a pic of a crocus today too, in my garden…there it was, full of hope x
Awesome work MissU. I haven’t encountered the fearless run; maybe it is not listed on the HM Plan, although it sounds as though it could/should be!
I was a fearful C25k runner; fearful that at my then age of 66 I was stupidly taking on something my body would find impossible to deliver. Every ache and pain and tightness of muscle seemed likely to spell the end the trail. I was also fearful of ridicule from neighbours/ passers-by looking at this old chap struggling to run.
By the end of C25k, and following the purchase of a running watch and discovery of the magic plan, everything changed. All of that fear went when I hit 10k. I realised that I could run, and the only competition I faced was myself. Oh, there were and are risks to be managed; running too fast, not building up distance in a structured way, proper warm up (I did the knees up and butt kick things at the end of my warm up walk today) not stretching off while muscles still warm, not rolling out lumps in calves regularly etc. but none of those involve fear. It is just a question of learning how to manage those risks, and finding a good physio as a safety net(I was lucky with my choice).
I still chase Pbs sometimes. HM is my current pb target; but that is only about me trying to run one “clean” HM; my other three all had attendant issues which affected performance. Now, maybe I will manage it, maybe not. But fear? Not now. I am not confident that I will crack my HM record; but I do know what I have to do to give myself a chance. The rest is partly a matter of luck, and partly my current genetic potential. I will be pleased if I manage a pb, but not destroyed if I don’t get there. It is just a project involving giving my best shot at achieving an objective at the end. We will see what happens. But fear, for all of us, should do a runner!
Wow-that’s one of the best rambles I’ve been on for ages…absolutely worth every word. You’ve got such a great story to tell.
I’ve had injuries too and the mental side of coming back is so hard. I can totally relate to thinking every niggle is the end of running forever. Runners are so dramatic! So glad you’ve had such good support from your physio. That was a game changer for me too.
Good luck with chasing those PBs. I’m trying to knock my 10k down a bit too but it’s a fun quest that won’t condemn me if I don’t get there. You are such a great role model for all our newbies. Thanks for sharing ❤️❤️
I also struggle that I am ‘too slow’ sometimes MissUnderstanding . Not sure why, because I’m proud that at 58 I am still out there doing this! I am, like you also trying to enjoy my runs more by including more easy pace running - and yes, it does feel good! 👍🙂
It’s so common isn’t it! It’s a challenge to keep easy pace running truly easy. That takes more courage from me than hammering myself down a lane doing intervals! Good luck to you finding the chilled pace-it’s wonderful when it happens! ❤️❤️
Thank you! Here’s hoping your run is a good one too! That 6k run was a really nice one. I think I’d forgotten how lovely it is to get in a rhythm and just keep going. The longer runs are so great for that.
it didn’t go great today. It was a route I think I’ve only ever done once before. Legs felt like lead. Toxic 10 seemed to drag on. Last stretch was uphill too, that didn’t help. I did complete it tho. I missed CB he wasn’t too vocal today, the day that I needed him!
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week3run1 ✅. 3 x 17 mins with 1 min walks. 
How did your parkrun or (not)parkrun go?
