The monkey cage has saved me!

[Tgilhooly]

I just started week 7 this morning and I am so happy. Firstly it was my first run since starting back at work (I am a teacher) and was really worried that I would not get out of bed in time to run and get ready for work, but I did which is really encouraging for the Autumn term ahead. I also decided to ditch Laura (so sorry Laura, you are still loved), and downloaded The Monkey Cage podcast, and found one that was exactly 25 minutes long. I ran slower than normal and was not sure at times on how to pace myself, but completed the 25 minutes with some energy to give. The science/comedy podcast was very interesting and helped so much in distracting me from my heavy morning legs. I have realised that rather than finding Laura's countdowns as encouraging, I found that they allowed me to mentally begin giving up and by the 1 minute mark, I was ready to drop.

I am so happy for this forum, which gave me the idea of listening to audio podcasts instead of music and am really hopeful that I will still be running long into the dark cold winters and beyond.....

[Plinth Graduate]

Love the monkey cage! Robin is so funny and Brian is hot (in a sexy nerd kind of a way!)

[scotsheather Graduate]

I'm a teacher too and and back to work today and already planning how best to fit in my runs!! I've started using podcasts too and am loving it, the time just flies past. My favourites so far are Josie Long on Radio 4 and Rhod Gilbert - he had me laughing out loud! Haven't tried Monkey Cage so I think I'll give that a go.

[Plinth Graduate]

Oh, and I'm a teacher too - only a year ago quit my job and took up supply. Way less money but I have a life! I even get , gulp, weekends off!

[Tgilhooly]

I would only recommend the monkey cage if you have an interest in science(I am a physics teacher) as it is very nerdy! I have just downloaded a Rhod Gilbert podcast as I do find him very funny! I find teaching the best job in the world and when my job got too stressful, I just moved to a totally different school where there is less pressure and more time to just teach!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

I am a radio 4 junkie but haven't actually tried podcasts as I listen all day, but I am sure there are things I've missed and it could be a distraction from all the unknowns of the approaching first winter of running.