W6R2. Don't stop!

[Marvo69]

Working from home today so a leisurely start, dropped my son off at school and headed to the track. I have to, I'm afraid, run continuously around a track as it is the only piece of flat land for miles around. I live in a place called Crowborough Beacon. It is not described as 'beacon' entirely by chance. In any given direction there is a 45 degree incline/decline so either going or coming home is Bas***d. Thankfully it's s very scenic beacon upon which the track is perched!

I managed this final interval run without much drama thankfully, but surprisingly glad now that I will no longer have to stop midway. Overcoming my considerable inertia is hard enough just once!

So, all the runs are now just relentless agony rather than salvos of pain and endurance.

So, I had my fancy new watch on and I chuckled at my own vanity (Just like the golfers I used to mock, who had all the expensive kit but no idea what they were doing), as a chap in his 70's had cruised past me like I was one of Sallenson's snails, wearing gardening trousers and a dress shirt!

Never mind. At least I'm out here.

As I was warming down and stretching, said chap approached me and stated chatting about running.

Oh, get me. I'm part of the running crowd. I'm a runner now!

Then he said "such a beautiful morning, I don't want to stop. I could just keep going and going today".

If I'd had the breath to answer him I may have sworn. I simply thought "I may have to disagree with you on that one sir".

I may be looking more like a runner, but not quite the right mindset yet!

#don't stop

#you can do it

#so looking forward to a non stop 25 minute run!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Well done you.. these blessed hills/inclines. whatever you care to call them are everywhere.. I use them to stop me heading off to quickly..ha ha!

You are doing wonderfully.. relax into the longer runs.. and let the new legs just take you... and snails rock!!

[Creaky_Shuffler]

I so feel your pain. I live in Petersfield, west of you and in the South Downs (are you in the Weald?). Same problem with lack of flat land and until recently I was both too overweight and unfit to run anywhere without risking damaging myself.

In the past I've started running and eventually given up, almost certainly because I fell into the 'getting fitter, loving running, being overambitious, still being a porker and inevitably getting injured' scenario. Shin splints, numbness, other crap.

This time around I was less gung-ho. Being lucky enough to have had a lengthy spell at home, I started walking around my local countryside, anything from 6 to 14 miles (most nearer the 6 than anything like the 14), going up some of those same types of slopes you referred to around your way. Ashford Hanger/Shoulder of Mutton Hill is very steep, as are many of the road gradients around here. Did this for a number of weeks. Thes best bit, the fact you and I live in some of the most amazing scenery and walking is really the only way to appreciate it. It's uplifting, inspirational and a privilege to be there. Decent weather helps too, of course.

So, my advice to you, alternate some of that relentless running agony (I really have been there) with the sheer joy of enjoying our lovely countryside. Believe me, brisk walking with occasional climbs will not make you feel you are shirking from a run and, without question, your fitness will improve. Good walking boots, plenty of water are a must. And a charged phone.

By the by, only since the beginning of April (2018) I'm now doing three to four 6K runs a week on country roads (most recently at 6.75-7mph average speed). There is a point one reaches which I've just achieved, when I got over the 'will I make it at all', 'will I have a heart attack any moment now' internal dialog to, 'wow, I could actually choose to go a little quicker without fear of collapsing'.

My pace improved when it still felt really, really crap for the duration of the run. But there really does come a point when you are choosing your running pace (within reason and inevitable limitations). It's amazing and exhilarating.

Please note though, I only run alternate days, only drink anything alcoholic on a run day, and if then, only after exercise. I'm still over 14 stone and am 53 in November, I will not extend my running distance any time soon, but my weight is dropping and my mental wellness has improved no end since I quit commuting to Haywards Heath in December. That work thing really gets in the way of fitness!

So, the very best of luck to you. It will get much, much better. With a bit of common sense, your improvement and enjoyment will grow inexorably and relentlessly. Have fun!

[sallenson Graduate]

Go on my son! Success is directly proportional to the amount of shiny new kit we have 😁😁😁

[Mumsygill Graduate]

Well done you! Such a funny post. We!come to the world of longer,uninterrupted runs .😱😱😱

[Bridget007 Graduate]

Absolutely relentless 😊😊 but also absolutely enjoyable 😃😃 and now you have the necessary new watch there is no way you can stop 🤣🤣🤣 # you can definitely do it 😁😁