3 more runs

[Richard7]

This week saw 3 firsts for me .. well nearly!

Having run out of time on Tuesday morning I ran in the evening, I think for the first time this year. It was a good run over a familiar route and meant missing the first half of the Eurovision semi final part 1! Bonus! (I don't mind the final but 3 shows in a week is too much for me)

Then on Thursday short of time again I decided to give the C25K+ Speed Podcast a go. Wow!!

Saturday saw a repeat of Tuesday's run but inspired by the speed podcast I tried to add some fast/slow running. Great run and PBs all over the place!!

I am beginning to realise for me that there is more to this running than just getting out there and that actually if I want to improve there are a lot of things to look at.

One of my problems is stamina, being able to maintain my initial speed for the duration of my run or even going slower at the outset and getting faster at the end.

The speed podcast allowed me to vary things and encouraged some bursts of energy which was great when I was flagging. I also notice that I had been focused on my cadence but what was different on these runs was my stride length.

So many things to consider, don't over stride, take shorter steps, increase my cadence, don't hunch over, straighten up, watch how you put your feet down, lift those feet up, breathe!!! I am sure as my stamina improves over time my running form will improve and that these things will begin to fall into place but it's fascinating at the same time trying to figure out WHY I am struggling, why one run is better than another.

I hear the warnings in my ears of "go out there to enjoy your run" but part of that enjoyment for me at the moment is to improve. I have gone from struggling on week 1 to being able to run and it is a great feeling. Improvement could be a number of things, better speed, further distances or even just a more comfortable run.

Getting things in the right order is hard, I am just happy right now that I keep running. Speed and distance is a bonus and one that I know will not last. At some point I won't go faster and I won't go further. At that point I will content myself with the freedom of being outside and the knowledge of the health benefits I am getting from the exercise. Yes running is tough but it's good too.

Happy running everyone, keep believing in yourself.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

A really interesting and useful post Richard... and highlighting the reasons why we always advise folk to make sure they are doing rest day exercise; particularly as the runs get longer. The strength and stamina are so, so important..

This running is about so many things, not just the runs.. and we learn so much about ourselves on the way.

You have had one heck of a week... very well done... keep running and keep finding out, new things

[Richard7 Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks Floss. Have to confess to not being very good at getting out on non run days. My weight loss has slowed and I have been thinking I need to start doing some walks on my rest days. Fitting in the runs some days has been difficult and I have ignored non run days. Perhaps it's time to stop ignoring them. 😀

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Richard7]

Walking is a great place to begin Richard...after walking miles with small runner in training ( she in her buggy) I can totally recommend it

[Tbae]

I am pleased you are enjoying Laura’s 5k+ speed podcast. WOW indeed.👍👏👏

Talking about walking Richard , the NHS Active 10 free app is a great little programme on brisk walking.Very clever with plenty of interest.🤔

Hope you continue to enjoy Laura’s 5k+ podcasts.

Atb.

[Hidden]

What a great positive post Richard! You are truly an inspiration to the rest of us. I think what you said about all the things to consider is so true.

The weight loss thing is interesting. I've actually put on weight since starting C25K, partly because over that period I think my depression has improved loads, a good part of which is thanks to running, and that makes me enjoy eating more. But - I know that I'm healthier than I was, so I'm happy.

Keep running and encouraging

Neil

[Richard7 Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Neil. Truth is I think we all take inspiration and encouragement from one another. Looking at the struggles and the achievements we all make big or small and how we deal with our set backs is just as important in encouraging us.

[Hidden in reply to Richard7]

Yes I think that’s so right Richard. Personally if I share something here I try and find something positive in it to make the focus. I know just how important that encouragement was to be in the early days, and In fact now