A question asked many times...and latterly by our young friend, he who is famed in song and story , sallenson
Does it get easier....? Maybe.. perhaps...not always... sometimes... if we are lucky?
There is no definitive answer... but..what is true is that, if you follow the programme... if you take each run steadily and slowly at your own pace... you do get stronger and stronger.
As you learn to run, you listen to your body... you learn to recognise the signals your body is giving you...you heed the messages and the warnings...and you revel in the relaxed moments when your body simply finds its own happy pace...
I posted a day or so ago... about speed or rather, the need for the lack of it
Of the need to take care and to ensure a safe and injury free running path to Week 9.. and thus, achieve the relaxed style of running which will take you on to Graduation and beyond.
Today.. I intended to do a long, 12K run, sallenson was coming with me... ( he did not know that ). I went out early..but not early enough. The weather was hot by 7.30 a.m. and very humid. I completed the first few kilometres very coolly and comfortably , in the shade of some huge trees, in the shadowy, dappled depths of the lanes around Cricceth and Llanystumdwy. A few more Ks under my belt and I was out into the sunshine , where already, the air, thickened by heavy blossom was slowing me down a tad. So... I listened to that voice which does not use words...
I pull back gently, relax.... move lightly, land lightly and slowly until , by 6K... my legs are simply carrying me along, without me even thinking about them...They know what they are doing..they are strong. I breathe gently... I relax my hands and my shoulders... I feel the warmth on my back as I turn towards the coastal path and the sea. I am strong, and I am getting stronger with each and every run, short or long.
Down to the sea and the fresher air, but still the humidity and the heat... along the coastal path at a steady and an even pace... the ping of my Garmin marking off the distance...hedgerows heavy and the dusty path... the sea, like the proverbial millpond stretching seamlessly into the blue. My pace will not win any races, my pace is not fast, but it is my pace...my happy, easy pace
Turning and heading homeward... I know I have just over two more kilometres to do.... but I also know , it is getting even hotter... at the moment I am comfortable, I feel like I could run and run... and I know, also, it is for me, time to stop. The Esplanade stretches before me.. the last lap before the hill home. I do stop... my intended run is not complete... I am 2 K short... am I unhappy ... ? No.
This was a good run, a happy run.... and there will be more.
So, maybe there is an answer to, will it get easier? Yes, if we just follow our plans, but listen also, to our body and maybe, just let it happen ?
PS
Sallenson is, already, doing wonderfully
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Oldfloss
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I love this, its given me the opportunity to reflect and realise how far I have come from those first couple of weeks of 'panic' running, too fast, panting too hard. I know im slow as that snail but im at my happy pace, breathing comfortably and enjoying the journey.
Slow is happy... and yes, there will be times for many here on the forum, when the speed does become part of their running... but building up really is the key, and for me.. relaxing into it
I love your writing Oldfloss, sincere and calming words that are felt by us all and lift us to a better running place in our minds.
Myself and my wonderful daughter wouldn’t have got this far without listening to you and making our runs slow and steady.
In fact, we had an amazing run today-relaxed into our pace for 25 mins and felt very happy afterwards-we put the world to rights on the way and even managed a quick bit of exam revision for her!
Running is cathartic,it’s therapeutic, it’s free, it both challenges us all here and builds us, we can be of any age, and from anywhere. We can all find our own pace as the runs belong to us however snail like we are 🐌⭐️
Thanks for this and the other replies to Oldfloss’s wise words. I have recently begun to believe that I can do this, having graduated a few months back but only recently crept up to 5k. I’m now starting to tackle hills which have been my nemesis, but this morning I managed a circuit involving several long inclines which have forced me to walk in the past. Not today - by really slowing even more I was able to keep running the whole way. Oldfloss is right, every run makes you stronger in body, and in mind too if you can let it.
What a lovely run you had - I felt I was running along with you! I think the C25k makes many including myself worry/obsess about the targets set on each run albeit time of run or distance/pace achieved. I need to shake that and try and relax and enjoy as you clearly do. Thank you for letting me join you. 🏃🏻♀️🏃🏻♀️ x
Such a beautiful piece or writing. I was there in my head imagining it as a mantra.
Just about to hit W7 like a steam roller (and about as fast as one) and I’ve had glimpses of the happy place where my body just takes over...... unfortunately all of my various body parts are not in the same ‘mental’ place so invariably there are still a few complaints and a lot of wheezing at the end. Lol.
Thank you Oldfloss , this is just what I needed to hear before heading out on today's run - I was harsh on myself and felt defeated after I didn't complete my last run - oblivious to what I have achieved so far! I need to get back to "slow n steady" ~ I shall be taking you with me today 😊
Great... that is what we want... unite the world with runners xxx
An inspiration. I am striving to be as experienced as you. Don't know if I'll ever get there but I'm in this for the long haul now. Fantastic post. Thank you.
After my moan today of does it get any better.. I clicked on this link and read it through.. how very inspiring 😀 this is why I signed up for C25K, I want to feel like this! Thank you 👍🏻👍🏻
The words of wisdom are very rare to find. I feel privileged to be able to get the inspiration from you ..Your a rare breed oldfloss ..long may your writing of wisdom keep us all going slow and steady ...Thank you x
Yes ... yes ... yes ... yes ... I can run the same distance and time I did three months ago and not be so tired. Do I want to give up every run? Yes. Do I prefer to feel fit? Yes. I was truly exhausted after 5 km and remained on the couch for the rest of the day. Now I am fine provided I keep my heart around 180 😂☺😊
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