Keeping up with the running post week 9

[Nenenene]

Hi everybody!

It's been a while since I last posted, but figured I would share my progress now. I've not been running as often as I did during the program, but I have been running. It's been hot and humid here, and I'm not really all that great at running in those conditions. That, together with the fact that my schedule and my life partners schedule don't always add up (we've keep up running together) has spaced out the runs a little more than I would like.

When I woke up this morning, I was relieved to find out that it was at least five degrees cooler than the days before, so I had already decided that I would go running solo today. So, I got up and took the dog for her walk, gave her breakfast, and headed out the door again.

The run today was pretty nice. I've stayed slow and steady post graduation and I've gotten to the point where I don't even get the slight cramping in my calves anymore during my runs. Not sure if that is due to the pace, form or just me getting better, but I'll take it. Today I ran a tiny bit faster than the last couple of times and that made my right calf feel a little tight in the last couple of minutes, but it wasn't too bad. I'm counting it as a good run either way.

I'm a bit miffed over the fact that it's me feeling too hot that keeps me from enjoying my runs most of the times. Before, it was the breathing or the legs, and those two I could do something about. But, this over-heating thing is just... blah! Is this a thing for someone else as well? Or is it just me? I do tend to run hot (not sweating, but actually have a higher core temperature) most of the time (since before I was even born, to be honest), so I guess it's not anything new, but it is annoying when I run. I often feel like I'm breathing both to get oxygen into me and using it as a way to cool down.

I tinkered with making a running track, similar to the one for week nine, with the times passed notifications today, but with some of my favorite music, that I will try out on my next run. I'll keep you posted on how it worked (the headphone jacket is broken on my phone, so I have to use my music player for music and podcasts). I tried running with just some music, but that didn't work for me. I was always wondering how far I had run and so on, and couldn't relax. Maybe that'll come with time too.

Now, weirdly enough when I hear "you're half way", I relax. It's like the last 13-14 minutes are easier than the first 15 (and then the last 1-2 minutes are way harder).

Whoa, that turned into a really long post, but I guess now you now what's been on my mind lately

Hope you all have a wonderful evening and happy running!

/Nene

[Hidden]

I have a stuck thermostat and when it's warm out, I really struggle too. I wet my hair before I go out and have a head band that I soak in water. I think that post graduation you should try and schedule regular running so as not to lose momentum. Well done for keeping going

[Nenenene Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thank you!

Hrm, I think the whole wetting of the hair might work. Maybe I'll wet my top and wring some of it out as well, just to give it a try on my next run.

That is a good suggestion as well, I might add running to my calendar so that I don't forget to take the time for it.

Thanks for your input and happy running!

[over61andstilltrying Graduate]

Hi Nenenene, Good to hear from you in your post grad days. I am in week 3 post graduation and when I returned yesterday from running, I realised that I hadn't had the toxic 10 bit, but had felt comfortable from the start (I think). Memory is often hazy. I have been running just before 6am so it is cool. Wonder if you could do a there and back route, so you know the half way point and turn back when you reach it. All the best for your onward running journey.

[Nenenene Graduate in reply to over61andstilltrying]

Thank you!

Hrm, my park doesn't open until 7:15 in the morning, but I could go then and see if that's better. The only problem with that is that I'm an night owl, and often stay up late to work (I work from home), but I'll give it a go and try it out.

Okay, so it isn't just me "missing" the toxic 10 from a while ago =). I read somewhere that eventually a runner will hit their sweet spot, where they get rid of the lactic acid in the muscles at the same rate as it is produced and that is what makes it possible to run longer comfortably. I don't know a lot about things like that, but maybe that's why we haven't been feeling the toxic 10? I'm going to hope so, anyway.

Thanks for your tips and happy running!

[Kezwah Graduate]

Hi. I use Strava. It gives me half km updates, so I know how I’m going.

[Nenenene Graduate in reply to Kezwah]

Hi!

I might try that app when I've gotten a new phone, with a working audio jack.

Thanks for the tip and happy running!