W7R2 ..... Ouch, that hurt..!!

[HeadInTheClouds]

Bad mood reigned today ... So busy at work, 2 down this week in a 4 man office - a meeting put me out of action this morning and the telephone engineer turfed me out if my workspace this afternoon. Non productive day 😡 Run planned for this evening but it was raining, I was grumpy and all I wanted to do was curl up on the sofa in my jarmies with chocolate..!!

I needed some motivation...

This morning, whilst getting dressed, I'd noticed a slight 'change' in my appearance. Nothing major - still far too wobbly in most places, but definitely something more pleasing at the rear.

... so, this evening, my motivation came from behind ...

I clasped a buttock (my own, of course) in each hand and 'clenched' ... yes ... there was an improvement, I felt more taught, somewhat 'lifted'. Now, it's never going to be like it was in years gone by, but it's a start ... I told myself the more I run, the better it will become...

So I got my buttocks in gear, did my stretches and headed out.

It was raining and windy. My warm up walk took me further than normal, it hurt my heels and tightened my calf muscles but I was soon into a run, hoping it would ease. It was tough, unusually my hamstrings were pulling as well as my lower leg muscles. I pushed on, hoping that the 'toxic 10 minutes' would soon be behind me. Mmmmm, no, I continued to struggle. It was so warm this evening, despite the wind and rain, I almost threw my T-Shirt off 🙈 but didn't want to cause distress to passing motorists. Half time bell rang.... I really needed Sadie-runs ' magic robot legs - I even commanded aloud "Go, go gadget legs"..!! Nothing.

W7R1 had been easier than this, but I wasn't going to cave on this one..!!

My sheer determination automatically made me pull my lips back over my teeth (making me look like some demented old nag) as I half trotted, half limped down the road. The rain still came down (but I was thankful because it washed the dribble from my lip-less face) 🙄

At last Sarah told me I had 60 seconds to go and, if I felt like it, I could up my pace. I told Sarah to "F**k off"..!!

When I eventually crawled back home I checked my stats on MapMyRun.... my average pace had been 34 seconds faster per KM than my previous run (which had been my quickest to date). My bad mood day had obviously, and VERY unwittingly, propelled me to break neck speed (well.... almost 😂).

I definitely won't be doing that again ... back to a controlled snail's pace on Thursday (bad mood or not)...!!! 🐌 🐌

I hope everyone's run has been easier than mine today 🤦🏼‍♀️

[ejvcruns Graduate]

I had a very fast run when I was grouchy one day -- amazing how much energy anger generates!

[HeadInTheClouds Graduate in reply to ejvcruns]

Haha, you're not wrong there. I think I need to keep my anger in check..!!

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

Ha, great work, I expect it was the bad weather that made you push on a bit more than usual...

Its ok to take extra rest days now the runs are getting longer...

And nice buttock toning by the sound of it😆😉xx

[HeadInTheClouds Graduate in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Thank you - the rain certainly played a part, although I don't know why... Just because I run faster doesn't mean the time is going to go quicker, I'm still getting wet for at least 35 minutes. One day I might get my head round that one..!!

My husband also mentioned, this morning, that my thighs are looking thinner (today he is my best friend) x

[SaskAlliecat Graduate]

Love it! Your post made me laugh. Between Sarah getting told off and the butt grab 😂....sounds like the run did what it needed.....now back to our regular programming 😉

[HeadInTheClouds Graduate in reply to SaskAlliecat]

Haha, thanks SaskAlliecat . I'm surprised my legs are still mobile today - but they feel absolutely fine. However, I'll need to reign it in for tomorrow's run

[Sadie-runs Graduate]

Oh HITC, I love how you turn drama into comedy! But seriously, sorry it was a toughie. Ugh. But! You got out there kiddo, and that took grit. Good work you. And good work buttocks.

Now, I have a theory on robot legs. They can only be activated if you run very very slowly and steadily. During the very slowly and steadily, take nice steady, calm breaths. Gets the ole oxygen flowing round your body nicely. Once robot legs activate, you can increase speed a wee bit, if you feel like it. But this is all theory. I am not a scientist. (But the two times I have been able to activate aforementioned robot legs, I had been focussing on a very slow and steady pace, so...hmm).

Bad day/bad mood can really feed into a run I think. Which is why I run before work, in the morning, before the b*stards have had a chance to grind me down.

I am sure r3 will be much nicer - take 2 days rest if you need to. This can be really beneficial once you start the longer runs; I have done this a few times now.

Onwards to r3 my dear - you are doing fab! x

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Sadie-runs]

True.. what do we tell folk all the time

[HeadInTheClouds Graduate in reply to Sadie-runs]

Haha, my buttocks say 'thank you' 😆

I'm usually so careful to keep it really sloo Yesterday was a complete shock when I saw how fast (ish) I'd run ... although my fast is probably everyone else's slow 😂 Must have been all that badness in me fighting to escape 😳 I will definitely be putting the brakes on for tomorrow's run, and hope that I can summon up some magic robot legs 🤗

I admire anyone who can run in the morning - I just can't do it, so I have to run the b*stards off at the end of the day. At least I can climb into my pyjamas afterwards and crash (don't think they'd take too kindly if I turned up for work in my nightmare then fall asleep on my desk) 😴😴😂

I'm not averse to taking extra rest days but, oddly, I'm not feeling any after effects today (most unusual). I'll see how I feel tomorrow.

Thank you lovely 😊 x

[Sadie-runs Graduate in reply to HeadInTheClouds]

Ha! During weeks 1-4 I would be KNACKERED at work after my morning run, could barely keep my peepers open and only stayed awake by drinking buckets of tea. Now I have got used to this running lark, I buzz all day after a run. But heck, we are not all " morning people", that I understand.

Running is good for burning off anger, that's for sure - but hard to control pace when fuming. I am so flippin zen in the morning, a monster by evening. 😈 So good thing I am a morning runner. Great news you are not feeling any effects today after angry run! I might run tomorrow myself. 😀 Gonna see how I feel when I wake up - failing that, Friday. Last run!

Night night 😴😴😴 x

[HeadInTheClouds Graduate in reply to Sadie-runs]

I'm certainly not as tired now as I was in the first 4 or 5 weeks (although I crashed out for an hour post run last night).

Ooh, I'm the other way round - Godzilla in the morning and (usually) Tinkerbell in the evening (well, maybe that's a bit overstating the evening persona) 🙄

OMG, graduation run..!! How exciting - go girl..!! 🤗🤗 I'll be watching for your post.

Night night, lovely, sleep well. X

[EleanorL Graduate]

Fabulous post!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

What a day of ups and downs..but you did it

Taut and toned... that is what we tell folks and fitter too..wonderful.

As you know, the Graduates, have for a very long time just advocated, slow and steady.. ( folk know that slow and steady are my middle names) The reason is, it works... and you will be amazed where it gets you

Now the runs are getting longer, make sure you relax and just try to land every lightly. ( I call it, kissing the ground with your feet....) and let the legs carry you

[HeadInTheClouds Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Indeed, Oldfloss , I am (nearly) always slow and steady - because I take you on EVERY run and listen to what you say (honest) I do my best (as you instruct me to) to kiss the ground lightly with my feet but, alas, I've not mastered that technique yet (more like slapping the ground whilst wearing flippers). I will get there... one slow step at a time

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

PS

Make sure you up your rest day exercise on rest days now too... the rest of your body, and its stamina and strength has to keep up with your legs.

[HeadInTheClouds Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you, I will

[Fishypieface Graduate]

Ah the old buttock clench test, know it well... goes very nicely with the saddle bag grab and the lower gut lift. So glad you are seeing the good side effects 😊. It was really mild today which makes running harder for me - prefer to be cold and sweaty! Well done for getting through it sounds like you whooped some a*se... other than your own of course... I wouldn't like to cross you in a dark rec having scoffed all the booze and cakes!! 😊😂😊😂

[HeadInTheClouds Graduate in reply to Fishypieface]

Hahahaha, I practice the lower gut lift on a regular basis (it's a good workout for my biceps) 😂 ... as for the saddle bags (**said in REALLY low whispers**) I just can't bring myself to talk about those in public - especially not so close to tea time 🙈

Ooh, I prefer it cold and sweaty too - being a woman of 'a certain age' I can't cope with hot and sweaty 😰

If you met me at the rec in the dark after booze and cake, I'd be curled up under a bush snoring 😴😂😂

[Fishypieface Graduate in reply to HeadInTheClouds]

Haha I know that feeling ....I'm usually asleep before I can get the booze and cakes down my neck!! Seriously though I am at a spa hotel with my 13 yo daughter ( first time v cheap deal very nice!!) with LOTS of mirrors and being in swimming cossie I can't help but look st myself ☹️ But I can defo see improvements. It's not pretty (saddle bags) or perfect ( add cellulite) but considerably better than it was 5 months ago. I am pleasantly amazed!!! I wonder what another 5 months will bring! You are doing just brilliantly, getting on with it with much humour and a quiet determination. We'll be new women in a few months!! Can I preorder being a Cindy Crawford?!! 😂😂😂

[HeadInTheClouds Graduate in reply to Fishypieface]

Ooh, how lovely - I hope you're having a wonderful time 😊

I have often wished I could find a knee length swimming costume 😂

So pleased you are also seeing improvements. By spring time we could be a couple of stick insects (hopefully minus the saddle bags) 😂

Keep up the good work and enjoy your spa time 🤗

[Fishypieface Graduate in reply to HeadInTheClouds]

Believe me I've tried to get a knee length cossie, I'd get a wet suit if they did one that allowed for saddlebags!!😂😂😂 oh well this running malarkey is defo doing something... 5 months ago I would have worn shorts over the top and crawled into the pool under my towel. In fact we wouldn't even be here 😊 Good luck for your next run speedy! X

[HeadInTheClouds Graduate in reply to Fishypieface]

Well done you, that's awesome..!! 🤗

Haha, thank you 😆 Xx

[mfamilias Graduate]

"Go go Gadget legs" has officially been adopted for future use. Thanks for the well-needed laugh

[HeadInTheClouds Graduate in reply to mfamilias]

Haha, thanks mfamilias but, really, I wouldn't bother with "Go go Gadget legs" - it doesn't bloody work (unless, of course, you are Inspector Gadget)..!!

[mfamilias Graduate in reply to HeadInTheClouds]

Half of the crap I mutter to myself doesn't work, but at least this one will provide a little variety

[HeadInTheClouds Graduate in reply to mfamilias]

Hahaha, I'm with you there 😂

[VictoriaRuns Graduate]

"Go, go gadget legs" 🤣🤣 Love it

[dennymac82]

This post has really made me smile! We’ve all felt like this and you have certainly been able to describe it in a much better way than I could! Great news on beating PB! And gold star to hubby who was lovely to mention the fact you’re getting leaner! Xx

[HeadInTheClouds Graduate in reply to dennymac82]

Thank you dennymac82 😊 Need to keep a sense of humour or else I'd cry 😂 And it is a comfort that we're all experiencing the same - without the guys here, I would have given up way before now.

Don't be fooled by hubby either - he's clearly after something..!! 😂😂

[TJMazz Graduate]

Bad mood or not you well and truly completed that run. Well done. Wishing you a better day at work tomorrow 😀

[HeadInTheClouds Graduate in reply to TJMazz]

Thank you TJMazz , it has been a better day today... and new running shoes arrived too (which I am worryingly over excited by) 🙄😂

[TJMazz Graduate in reply to HeadInTheClouds]

I’m with you in that. I would be excited by some new running shoes. Enjoy your next run with them 😀

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate]

😡😡😡😡 that was you getting it out of your system...good run, even though it was a cross run...better than no run at all...same legs as me today too!! 🏃🏼‍♀️🏃🏼‍♀️

[HeadInTheClouds Graduate in reply to Mummycav]

Yep, and I certainly felt better afterwards (mentally, not physically) 😂

[poppypug Graduate]

Ha ha , this post made me laugh ! Loved it !

Yep its amazing how a run can lift your spirits . You can go out feeling like Mrs Overall from Acorn Antiques and come back feeling like Beyoncé .

Really Well done to you ! xxx

[HeadInTheClouds Graduate]

Haha, I think last night I went out like Beyoncé and came back like Mrs Overall 😂😂 I won't be making that mistake again..!! I need to go out like a Brian the snail 🐌 and come back like Cecil Turtle 🐢 until I know my poor body can take it 🤦🏼‍♀️

Thank you, at least I made it back to my front door 😆 Xx

[poppypug Graduate in reply to HeadInTheClouds]

Ha ha , Great stuff , Well done ! xxx

[Hidden]

😂😂😂 superb post lmao here 😂😂 well done

[HeadInTheClouds Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Haha, thanks Sooty ... got to laugh or we may bloody well cry..!! 😂😂