Best run ever :-)

[Erinsjoy]

I wrote the other day asking for advice for motivational music to run to as I came to the realisation that keep listening to Laura after graduation may have been having an adverse effect on me with the time reminders, especially as I now know I can run 5K, even if I can’t do it in 30 minutes.

The replies I received made me realise I was approaching it all wrong. I needed to stop keep measuring my progress to try and get that 5K in 30 minutes, which I am nowhere near yet.

After work yesterday, despite the rain, I decided to run. I ditched Laura in favour of my favourite Bon Jovi album, I didn’t worry about pushing myself really hard… and I ran. I have a lovely circuit one street away that goes through woods and fields and can usually do 2 ½ circuits listening to Laura. I decided not to push my speed, but rather to go for the distance and run 3 circuits (still only 3.8K). I hadn’t counted on the rain making the overhanging foliage lower than usual, so there were a couple of spots where I had to run through it, trying to push it out of the way, getting soaked in the process… but I kept running. Again the wet had caused the nettles and brambles to lean more into the path so I got stung several times, but kept running. It was the absolute best run I have ever had. I didn’t put pressure on myself, I was listening to music I loved which meant I wasn’t worrying about how far I had gone or how far I still had to go… I just enjoyed. I got home to see I looked like a drowned rat and was covered in foliage, but I loved every minute. I am grateful to those who reminded me to enjoy the run and stop worrying about times etc… Oh and it turned out, my time wasn't bad after all

[pollyp1 Graduate]

Sounds idyllic - right down to the choice of music. And, yes, taking the pressure off often results in a good run in my experience.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Keep running, keep smiling!!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Just consolidate the 30 minute runs maybe, then think about moving onto the C25K+ podcasts, if you are trying to get to the 5K. in 30 minutes.... even if it does not happen for a while.. they are fun

Also great for building up the running stamina which the nine weeks have started...

[Nervousnewbie Graduate]

Fantastic 😀

[atomicpiper Graduate]

Sounds like a fab run, well done you!

[TiredOldMan Graduate]

Well done, sounds like fun