Three miles in the sunshine

[MissUnderstanding]

I’ve had a cold this week and have been feeling sorry for myself. The totally ridiculous part of me thinks it’s related to the fact I printed out a new training plan which immediately brought on feeling under the weather. I know that’s rubbish but it’s happened so often that I can’t help but wonder if sometimes the universe is conspiring against me!

Anyway, today I got a message from my bestie telling me in no uncertain terms to stop wallowing and get off the sofa and do something. I did my usual trick to walking in my run kit just in case and sure enough, the activity had my head feeling clearer and I wanted to run. There was a bit of a dilemma about what and where. The next one on my NRC plan was “a rainy run” which just seemed like a bonkers choice on a day like today. I went coachless with a podcast instead. Probably a good choice because it felt like a chilled, no pressure run which was what I wanted. The route options were flatter and sunnier or hilly and shady. Shade won and I decided to follow my favourite trail. There was no real goal other than to have a nice time walking a bit and running a bit. Surprisingly I hit a really comfortable rhythm and three miles just passed without really noticing. That was a bonus because it’s earned me a tick on my training plan! The best bit of the run was spotting foals in the fields. Forgive my photo-you’ll have to believe me that there was a gorgeous on hiding behind his mum in the pic I’ve chosen!

It’s sometimes hard to know if a run will make you feel more energised or more tired. I was really glad I gave this one a go today and I was super pleased to send a very red faced, sweaty selfie to my friend who gave me the kick up the backside I needed!!

[GTFC Graduate10]

That's great MissUnderstanding I like the quote 'Discipline beats motivation' because it's not always sunshine and roses in a run or even before it. Illness, doubt, confidence and a host of things can get us down but you got out there and did it your way. Keep believing and keep being brave 😊👏👏👏

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10 in reply to GTFC]

Thank you!! I love that quote….I’ve got a version of that in my run journal. It’s in my car boot and I’m still in my PJs (!!) so I tried googling the wording. Look at this list of what google suggests….. Consistency (discipline!) beats intensity, talent, motivation, perfection….

How great is that! That’s my philosophy of running right there. Just keep showing up and giving it a go, don’t worry about if not being perfect and good things will happen!

EDIT: I’ve found what I was looking for..,great performers are not consistently great but they’re great at being consistent.

Steve Magness is great on the mental side of running and that’s one of his.

Consistency beats….

[GTFC Graduate10 in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Love this MissUnderstanding I strongly believe in the mental positivity side of things. I'll leave you with another...Turn up, show up, blow up 💥 let's gooooooooo 🤝🙌

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10 in reply to GTFC]

Love love love that!!! You might enjoy “Do Hard Things: Why We Get Resilience Wrong and the Surprising Science of Real Toughness” . One of my favourite books about running and not about running!! I bought the book after listening to this podcast on Runner’s World…

podcasts.apple.com/gb/podca...

Well worth a listen!

Podcast blurb

[GTFC Graduate10 in reply to MissUnderstanding]

I'll definitely investigate this, thank you 😊🙌

[Yesletsgo Administrator Graduate10]

What a beautiful place for a run!

That's a really good idea, going out and telling yourself you only need to walk. If you're all dressed up in your running gear I bet you can't resist picking up the pace. Well done you

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Yesletsgo]

I’m really lucky. We did loads of walking over lockdown (like a lot of the country!!) and found all these paths and bridleways I didn’t know existed. I wasn’t running then but when I started, it was great to have a whole stack of routes available! The only issue is when it’s rainy, you can literally be ankle deep in mud:

Options really help me with the gremlins. I always feel like I’m in control and whatever I end up running (or walking!) it’s a win and not a failure. I thought after running for a couple of years I’d be able to leave that behind but no! Gremlins are funny things and I’ve just got a lot better at dealing with them!!

[Yesletsgo Administrator Graduate10 in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Sounds like you and I are both lucky enough to live in the country where you can just run and run (apart from the mud )

You just keep chasing off those gremlins!!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10]

Well done you..got out...options chosen and it turned out beautifully... Beautiful photo too...xxx

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you! It was such a lovely time out. I was getting a bit of cabin fever fork having sat on the sofa for too long and it really was a beautiful day. That bridleway is my favourite around here and this time of year, there are usually four or five foals which makes it extra lovely. ❤️

[Wavy-chick28 Graduate10]

we all need a friend like that sometimes 😂

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Wavy-chick28]

My husband! he often says, "... oh , it's only drizzling, get yourself out there". Usually said, whilst he is sitting in bed, sipping his morning cuppa, !! Hmmm! But I do go

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

🤣 I love this!! Motivational coaches come in all guises!!!

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Wavy-chick28]

You are so right!!! She’s amazing in very many ways. Not a runner but a wonderful cheerleader. ❤️

[drl212 Graduate10]

Good friend - I hope they enjoyed the selfie! What a gorgeous sky!!

I’m developing a philosophy of going out with a specific run in mind but letting it turn into whatever it wants to.

Often, it’s what I set out to do, but like your run today, what starts one way can finish in a totally new and wonderful way!!

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10 in reply to drl212]

We all need a friend like that!

I like starting runs with options for time, distance and route which helps me feel lin control. That’s harder with a training plan on the go at the moment but there’s always room to do my own thing!