25 mins off-road for W7R1. Loved it. Trying to work out why..

[Jaqs99]

It's a lovely flatish elevated escarpment with great views, but I don't think that's what I loved so much, couldn't lift my eyes from the ground! I thought I was going to hate it because the uneven ground and rocky bits meant that I had even less chance than usual of achieving a nice easy springy rhythm (hey, a girl can dream!). But I actually found that having to watch where I put my feet seemed to make the time go faster and helped me forget about whether I was tired or whether I was going to make it to the end. Maybe it was because I must have had to go slower (even my ancient dog didn't have to do more than trot gently to keep up with me!), but I really loved it while I was doing it, not just when I finished. Has anyone else experienced this? Does it mean I'm a trail runner deep down? haha.

[no-excuse Graduate]

Sounds just like my W8R2, the first time I went 'off road', I absolutely loved it! Its brilliant isn't it! I can't always get there but try to at least once a week. I just find it so energising somehow, in a tiring sort of way. I'm so pleased you sound like you had a great time, hope you get to do it again soon. x

[Jaqs99 Graduate]

Thanks n-e. Ooh that's interesting that it's good for you too, and carries on being good. I'd wondered if it was a one off and may have been a good one on my normal tarmac lane anyway. But it does sound like it's the off road element. Looking forward to giving it another go on Wed. Glad your runs are going well. Great innit! x

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

This weekend I went to do 10k all on the level road, just out of curiosity about how it would affect my times. I gave up after 7k out of sheer boredom. Usually I try to run offroad and I am much happier doing so. Let's face it, it is just more interesting. You should try beaches and coastal paths for excitement. Keep running,keep smiling.

[Theziggy Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank goodness Mo Farah hasn't your attitude lol. I like a mix when running (when I used to do 5K most runs, my run took me round the shores of a lake on paths, footpaths, gravel - great way to see the seasons change!

[Jaqs99 Graduate in reply to Theziggy]

Yes, that would be ideal to get a nice variety in one route. Will get map out. I'm in the Lake District, so not many paths that don't go up mountains ! All the best with your runs.

[Jaqs99 Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Aah. *scratches head... You think it may be the excitement and adrenaline from avoiding tripping with every step, and more so on perilous cliff top paths etc... As well as the invigorating scenery and atmosphere of course. Sounds great. I'm certainly going to try some more of it. Does it get easier to actually look at the scenery instead of your feet though? Happy running ( and no tripping)

[Jaqs99 Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

I just did a quick reply to you but it's appeared further down...

[Jaqs99 Graduate in reply to Jaqs99]

So did this one. I'll stop now....

[Theziggy Graduate in reply to Jaqs99]

Famous last words from me maybe, my knee is very sore after yesterday's run (very boring round a running track) - same sort of pain that heralded a damaged meniscus in my other knee 2 years ago

[Jaqs99 Graduate in reply to Theziggy]

Oh dear. I hope it's not that. Fingers crossed. ( can't blame the rough terrain if it was after a track run... Hmmmm? ) take extra care of yourself with lots of rest and Epsom salts baths. Let us know. X

[Theziggy Graduate in reply to Jaqs99]

The previous time it occurred ws that I began running/jogging in the early part of the year and if the truth were told did a bit too much too soon, nothing mad but just went at it (like I hadn't had a break over the winter). For two days I felt a tightness behind my knee, did hamstring stretches at home, went out again and limped home with a pain in the front of my knee. Was referred to Physio by GP (this referral took time!) and they thought it was wither a nipped meniscus or a tear in the meniscus and started exercises with me. As to why it happened, she thought my quads in that leg weren't strong enough so there was an imbalance between them and the lower leg muscles.

Yet knowing that that happened before I've been doing quad exercises every day. The worst thing is that it has happened on my 'good' knee. I hope to do another 5 K this Saturday (it is the anniversary of ParkRun in Enniskillen being a year old. I only have done one other ParkRun - last Saturday.

Sorry for droning on, but thought I'd give you a bit of background.

Ciao

[Jaqs99 Graduate in reply to Theziggy]

Well done for keeping going despite all that, but maybe get this knee checked out before another big run if poss. Fingers crossed all ok. Ps I don't call that droning on x