Gremlins.

[1903]

Week 4 run 1 done! 10 outings with Laura boosting my confidence and now my first post (I've loved reading lots of posts). Even though I'm pleased that I've got this far the 'but running is so boring' head gremlin is fuelling up and I hate running on hard surfaces.

The gremlin was there for the first 5 minute run and was hard to keep back. I'm quite happy to walk for 4 hours or even longer- this is the first time I've tried running for many many years. So, I've promised myself new running gear if I make it to week 6 and I've already treated myself to new headphones and a phone holder. But I may need more self bribing.

I started week 1 and 2 on my small lawn because I was too embarrassed to venture out and...I hate running on paths. Even though I live in a village, it's hard to use green areas. I tried the village park and it aided the 'it's boring' gremlin's case but the worst thing is dogs who thought I wanted to play. Having to go back on myself and zigzag to avoid them probably made me look a bit odd.

Can I get over the hatred of hard surfaces and delete that gremlin?

[rammsteinqueen Graduate]

At least you are getting out and not on a treadmill - now THAT is boring. So really you have the choice of paths or grass? I too live in a village and venture out early morning along the village path that links up to the next village. I see so many things early morning - different birds, hares, rabbits - even a stoat once I look for the wildlife - it helps with my run. My advice is just change your run routes a bit otherwise you will get bored if you're doing the same ones. The surface will always be grass or paths... unless you want to try some fell running but even then it's pretty much the same with some big rocks thrown in for good measure all the best.

[McFitty Graduate]

I find hard surfaces really tough on the old joints so I have stuck to grass 100% so far. My next run is going to take in a bit of both but not too much tarmac. Is there somewhere you can run where you build up the hard surface running gradually? And well done on getting to week 4 by the way. I was always too busy trying to just keep going to get bored and also managed to complete the entire 9 weeks (well actually, it was 12) in my garden! Good luck with the next one. Laura is the patron Saint of runners isn't she

[OldPossum]

Why don't you check out your local ordnance survey map to see if there are any cross country footpaths you don't know about. Believe me, if they are a little overgrown you won't get bored you will be too busy concentrating on staying upright ! I know what you mean about the dogs, most of them round here know me coz they see me with my own dogs anyway. Not only do they want to play but expect to find biscuits in my pockets. 😀

[1903 Graduate]

Thanks for the comments and encouragement. Yesterday I did week 4 run 2 and it was so much easier than the first time. I actually ran faster for the last 3 minutes of the final 5 minute run! I ran in a slightly overgrown area where I had to avoid some tree routes and brambles so no time for boredom. It's an area I've walked many times but thought it would be a bit hard to run. And I saw a muntjac, poor little fellow was a bit scared and started running in front of me, then rabbits and a pheasant- I feel quite bad complaining about the area I have to run. I am so much more confident than 2 days ago- I am going to make it to new clothes week.