Well, I've managed it, 4 runs now away from my garden and out in the real world, with real people, dogs and everything. I'm still alive and I didn't spontaneously combust when I jogged past another human being (although I think maybe they thought I might). My garden is happily recovering and my muddy jogging path is already sprouting grass again.
It’s still a bit scary and I find myself doing stupid things when I go past someone, like try to breathe normally (instead of the usual deathly gasp) or speed up (instead of my usual stagger) or suck my stomach in (can’t do anything about my backside). Basically, trying to look like I know what I am doing…. I’ve discovered I am actually capable of speech too, an exaggerated puff on an out-breath is easily mistaken for ‘Hi’, which is handy.
My new running top doesn’t reach the parts it is required to (a.k.a. my ankles) so I’ve taken to wearing a mammoth sized summer vest over the top .… I look some sort of mismatched running hobo.
I run early morning in the local rec and I’m becoming one of the regulars too, Mr and Mrs Spaniels do 2 or 3 laps with their …. Spaniels. Mrs ignores me and Mr says a hearty ‘hello’ with a smile that I can’t work out is of encouragement…. or disbelief at the sight in front of him. The Pink Pug - in its little pink vest trots its owner around for a quick lap. Crazy lady has been very un-crazy, but still marching round in her pyjamas this week. Others come and go but no one stays the full 30 mins and 6 laps, which I like!
It’s a good, quiet place for me to test my running brain as well as my running legs, the latter seeming to be a lot sturdier than my brain at the moment! It feels like a constant battle against some kind of gremlin or another and every new run is not only the physical challenge but a wrestle with the dark side too. I absolutely love running (even though I hate it at the time sometimes!!) and everything I am gaining from it, but all this contradictory stuff is making me feel so emotional! Which I never expected. Running is just running right? Er, no. Not for me anyway.
Anyway, having read some of the other posts on here this weekend my worries pale into insignificance. There is just so much incredible inspiration and determination that so many of you have, it spurs me on through all of the comparative silliness I am going through. I am going to make my own bum-covering flouncy running top and have ‘don’t sweat the small stuff’ printed on it.
Thanks so much to you all for posting, please keep on, you are really are making a difference to other people’s lives xxxxx.
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Fishypieface
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What a wonderful post. You certainly are enjoying your running journey and I enjoy reading your posts.
I did the whole 'speed up when running past another runner' and then quickly stopped as it put everything out of sync. The running. The breathing. The pacing. All of it went out the window so I promptly stopped. I manage the occasional "hi" but mainly I smile 😊 and nod 👩🏽 and receive warm smiles back 😊
Well done on getting out of the garden to run and I hope you continue to enjoy running in the park as much as I do!!
Good luck on your future runs and keep on posting on this forum and we'll keep sending you good vibes 👍🏼👍🏼
Yes, it all does go out the window, glad to know it's not just me! Your route today looked gorgeous! One day I hope to be able to move on and try different places. Thanks for egging me on, it really helps
Great post, who cares what you're wearing as long as you're comfortable? You are doing great, just relax, enjoy the runs. It is amazing the strange people you get out early mornings, I've saw someone talking their dog for a walk in a onesie, I say walk but he was jogging and the onesie was too big for him.
Just keep doing what you are doing, you've got this.
It's fun! The dogs, the other runners, the puffing and panting, the Mr and Mrs Spaniels, the whole thing! You need all these diversions to keep your mind off the running 😁 I once saw a bloke getting arrested and I actually forgot to start running so just nonchalantly went for a walk ☺️ Running is great fun and a brilliant way of learning every path, road, ginnel and snicket on your manor. A new route is a wonderful thing so check em all out 👍
That's very true! Yes, anything to keep my mind away from over thinking the running and me! Ginnel and snickets, you've got me motivated to get out there! thanks
What a fantastic post!! Well done for getting out there you are an inspiration!! I might try the local rev for w change of scene although I love the cycle path as each run I get a bit further past the bridge over the main road so it is like a little personal challenge each time!! Keep it up!!
One lap of my rec takes 5 mins and I noticed I was getting slower each lap so I've bucked my ideas up already and made sure I at least keep up. That was hard work but little steps and all that!
I do like slow, it's my best friend! Just thought I'd see if I could manage a bit faster. Not sure if I liked it that much though!! Might return back to my usual stagger
What a super post fishypieface😊 I know exactly what you mean... hearing how others have overcome their issues with such determination is such an inspiration....
So, a great message not to sweat the small stuff , but a huge well done to you for overcoming your fears and leaving the safety of your garden and running in public, which was a big deal for you...
As far as gremlins go, new playlist, change of route all keep it fresh, but for now you are smashing it. Go you😎xx
Thanks Jan. It is such an inspiration to hear others' stories, without that perspective (and mental kick up the bum) I would sat on the sofa with a bag of crisps no doubt about it! This place and the people on it are just the best!
I still pick my feet up , my head and arms when a car goes past.... Also I look guilty when taking a walking break... Damn silly, but I still do.
So we all know how you feel - running is running is running, but running makes my life right, so if it does you too, then I cant think of a better reason to do it.
Very nicely put! Looking guilty, love it! I also feel like that on the warm up/down, even though there's no one about! Daft brain needs a good talking to.
Do you sew for real? I do and have found a great source of activewear patterns from a London designer if you do. One of my intentions is to make my own running tights but I haven't had time to cut out anything yet.
The people who pass me are usually young elite hockey players (near the arena where they train), with whom there is no point trying to compete, or boys on bikes who look like they'd rather be smoking (come to see the hockey players?).
And older women walking dogs, of course. They are judgy, I can see it, but I try not to notice. I judge their dogs back. Too little, too fat, too hairy...
Well, I'm a bit rubbish at sewing, but was seriously contemplating giving it a whirl, I was going to adapt/lengthen what I have in some botched up style! I seem to be too tall and most tops are only hip length not below-bum-length, which is where I like 'em! Even blokes' stuff isn't that long.
I'm out so early that there's hardly anyone about. I shouldn't care, hopefully I won't soon. I'll try the dog thing if I get stuck one day!!
Just try.... not to overthink.... just run and don't think...let your legs carry you... they will, without any thought, re running at this stage...It isn't just running....think names for folk.. rhymes... like you are doing.. the folk you meet etc , etc.
You can get running over-vests too..if you really, really feel the need...But you are doing brilliantly!!
"Self-confidence is the best outfit.. rock it and own it"
Thank you! I will defo try the rhymes and stuff, give me something to do with the time instead of annihilate myself!! I will look into the vests too, thanks for the help
Thanks for this lovely Post Fishypieface ! It cheered me up as I am ill on the couch! I have been guilty of all those things when I see other people, in my time. It made me laugh! Keep up your running, you are doing so well and keep up your posts too!
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Happy birthday parkrun!
Doing 5K in under 30 minutes and increasing distance bit by bit. Into the groove now !
In the pink!
