Week9Run1 - ugh

[bareliz]

Had 3 rest days (well from running) as was feeling tired but it turns out that I've had some sort of lurgi. Felt ok this morning, if a tad tired, and set off. It was very tough and I soon realised that the tank was not far off empty. Anyway I made it, which is great but think I may be having 2/3 more rest days before run2. I will get to that podium but I want to do it feeling good so it may take a bit longer than I thought.

[RebeccaSK Graduate]

In the last few weeks of the programme I gave myself at least two rest days before each run. By the time you get to week 9 you have had at least eight weeks of pushing your body harder than you thought possible and it's tired. Your mind, if you are anything like me, is also tired. Your mind is telling you that W9 is a walk in the park - it's only two minutes more than W8 after all - except that it's a whole lot more than that really. The expectations that we place on ourselves can be so heavy and running with them is a challenge. We look at it as being able to run for 30 minutes - and lose sight of the fact that it really is only 2 more minutes than we've done for the three previous runs and doing that can make it overwhelming. Week 9 was the most enormous psychological battle for me and I didn't enjoy it. I was stubborn and was not going to let it beat me but I hated pretty much every minute of it. Take the time you need to recover between runs - your running will be better and more enjoyable if you allow your body and mind the rest that it needs.

[bareliz in reply to RebeccaSK]

Thank you RebeccaSK . I was wondering about my body just getting tired. Like I've said before I was that couch potato prior to this. I was inactive, unfit, overweight and pushing 60. It's amazing I've progressed this far and without injury. I thought I'd really enjoy the last couple of weeks but instead they have been a struggle. I have had some sort of virus as well, which hasn't helped but I think it's also down to general tiredness.

Your kind words have helped a lot and I shall no longer feel guilty about taking longer than expected to reach that podium - which I will!

[RebeccaSK Graduate in reply to bareliz]

Guilt is not allowed on here! It took me a lot longer than 9 weeks to complete the programme - like you, couch potato, overweight, unfit....

At first I found it frustrating as I was eager to complete the programme but in time I realised it was more important to complete it even if it took longer than to do myself an injury by not taking note of what my body said.

You can do this - in your own time and at the pace that suits you!

[bareliz in reply to RebeccaSK]

Wise words. Yes I have to keep telling myself it's not a race, it's a programme, which we adapt to suit our needs. Still I do look forward to the day when my legs don't feel like lead.

[RebeccaSK Graduate in reply to bareliz]

Me too!

[Hidden]

Hey bareliz, the podium place is waiting and if you've had the dreaded lurgi then we keep a nice space for you when you can do it. Rebecca is so right you probably need the extra resting, if you've been poorly it's going to be so much harder oh and W9 is yet another stretch. Like she says mentally you think it's no big deal, but actually I found this as much of a grind as the infamous W5R3. The podium waits when you decide you're able to get there. Ps mind the step, the crates of wine you ordered are already up there!

[RebeccaSK Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Although Jan and I may have nicked one each

[bareliz in reply to RebeccaSK]

Ok, so long as it's only 1 each.

[RebeccaSK Graduate in reply to bareliz]

If ever there was an incentive to get to the podium as soon as possible there's it.........which goes against all the advice I gave you

[Hidden in reply to RebeccaSK]

See we like crates of wine as incentives and as at this stage they're only virtual no harm done...

[bareliz in reply to Hidden]

Ah thanks Hidden . I know I just wanted to feel really good about this week instead of the walking dead! I have to remember that I've come a long way very fast, so maybe taking it easy a bit may be a better way. Hopefully I'll complete runs 2 and 3 without the help of a zimmer frame and without too many walkers overtaking me (haha). Glad the wine's arrived but I have a feeling you may have to re-order by the time I get there. Not that I'm casting any aspertions at you and the other week 9ers and your drinking capacity . See you there soon.

[Hidden in reply to bareliz]

And what are aspersions? Flowers you are throwing flowers at me. Now who could be offended at flowers! We got you girl Rebecca and I will haul you up and over the crates whether empty or not...

[bareliz in reply to Hidden]

Why thank you

[ChunkyMonkey Graduate]

Well done BL. Its a tiring week, and more so if you've unwell too. 🤢 Are you sure you didn't start celebrating without us!! The extra rest days sound very sensible. You've done an amazing job so far - you want to enjoy the grand finale!! Sounds like JCR has plenty of supplies waiting 🍷😉👍🐒

[bareliz in reply to ChunkyMonkey]

Thanks ChunkyMonkey . As if I'd start without the rest of you (hic)! Yes think I need some lovely rest and maybe some yoga, then on to run 2. As for Hidden I wouldn't be suprised if she has her own vineyard.