A tense evening and the tension still there at the start of the morning, I had a heavy run in mind. I’m acutely aware that one of my knees feels a bit sore and I seriously considered not going out today. Perhaps an extra days rest would be better. But I had a feeling that the tension at the start of the day needed to be let out. And that knee had a tendency long before I started running. So I get my knee support on because I need the headspace!
I chose a beautiful guided run with soft gentle classical music that was just what the Dr ordered. Talk about letting go! Not about the distance or the time, just being in the moment and appreciating the ability to run! That is some gift.
I had a moment thinking about how far off I was from 5k and I thought “Well, you are almost 50 what do you expect?” and not long after, I saw a gentleman run past me, much older, definitely much more toned.... fit 😱 and he glided by so perfectly gracefully. A true vision. It did remind me, running is whatever you want it to be for you, whenever you want it to happen. Thank you, that mystery man!
I did 3.5k today at Lydiard Park and you know what? I’m happy with that. Because if I had stayed at home, I would have done 0k and I may not be so happy at the end of the day!
I was captured by this tree on my run and thought I’d post it! It looked strong and noble, but I’m sure it has taken a long time to get there! Maybe I will too, but it will be worth it!
Happy running is the best! Enjoy! ❤️
Written by
Fabulous450
Graduate
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That’s a really great post. I plod along with so many people passing me (some at great speed) but I don’t care cause I’m out there doing it and not hiding on my sofa believing I can’t do it.
Thanks Caroline! Totally agree with you! It really is your own personal mission that counts. The ability to run is something I hope I never take for granted. The rest may come in time! Continue to enoy! ❤️
Wise words Fabulous450. I realise that sometimes I think too much about what it will be like when I graduate from here but actually I need to enjoy the process too because each week sees me getting stronger and fitter. Glad the run eased your tension
Thank you Jay! Just allowing what comes naturally rather than feeling disheartened. Hopefully I’ll get there, but if not I’ll be a regular runner anyway! That’s quite a result! ❤️
“Get there” is totally down to what you want. At the moment I’m trying for the 10k. Don’t know if I will get there but giving it a go. Hoping to end up with 3 runs a week, a 4k, a 5k and a 7k-ish so that running 5k Parkruns feels relatively easy.
Lol!! 🤣🤣 There’s a thought! Thank you oldfellow! That’s made me laugh out loud! Good job I’m on my own or I may have been carted off for some close attention. ❤️
Such wise words! Running is what we make it and it’s an individual experience. This gives me inspiration and hope with my own journey towards graduation.
Aah thank you Vix. I am where I am, but lots of people are running longer distances in the time. It also depends on so many factors, aside from age, like terrain, but that’s all too technical for me to run the way I want to. I do like technology, but I feel complete freedom and a break away without it. That’s just me though. I respect and happy for everyone’s journey and achievements. We’re doing some great stuff here! 😁😁❤️
Many times I've read that running is good for mental space - I'm looking forward to even trying out not listening to music or podcasts one day. Not sure it'll necessary work for me but I'd like to try
It’s funny southlundon I thought I wouldnt like these other guided runs. You can change the music to your own, but I’ve just gone with it and I’ve been pleasantly surprised. I’m really enjoying post grad and a chance to just try different options. They do have very short recovery runs but I’m kind of unsure about doing those at the moment. Beauty is I can try them when I’m ready too! 😉❤️
Thanks Gaz! Feels better after a run. Probably just a bit of stiffness. It has been something I’ve had from before running. Might just get it checked anyway though. ❤️
Lovely to read, Fabulous. I’m having a stressful week with family concerns but out with the dog having a coffee (me, not dog) & your post reminded me to appreciate simple pleasures. Thank you💖
I'm home now about to put the kettle on. Had only one running buddy with me today ( one dog lame from yesterday ) Poor dogga. Still, nice to have the old slow one with me!
Thank you QueenTea! I had to honour how far I’ve come and appreciate the beauty of just stopping to be only in this moment! There’s no better feeling to me!
Hope the stresses subside! As sometimes when you look again, there’s some things that may not matter so much in the end!❤️
I didn’t realise there were runs in headspace?! Is that what you used? Just had a look around. May give a go sometime, thanks! Glad your run was so chilled!
Wow Fabulous450 ! The tree that started as a seed and stood the test of time; painstakingly maintaining strength, balance and commitment ~ regardless of being blown about and facing life's challenges ~ a lesson for us all ❤ Just being 🙏
Absolutely Flara!! It’s even had bits cut off, yet the size of it and the strength really was something to see. There are certainly bigger trees but somehow that one was my tree! 😉❤️
Thanks so much Alan! I’m actually glad that I didn’t do any tracking during the programme. I’m not sure how that might have challenged my sense of achievement. I’ve definitely achieved what I set out to do and so every PB now will be a lovely bonus! But the real diamond for me is I’m doing it! 😁❤️
Your so right. Tracking the run seems to put more pressure on you to complete times and/or distances rather than just going out there, having fun and having the sense of achievement of just being able to do it.
Inspiring post Fabulous450. So true, the physical and mental release from running is immense and you’re right, having a go, no matter how we feel, is better than 0k on the couch. I miss my runs on rest days...and the tree...I ❤️
Hi Ang! Mine is the left! Yes annoying! Not something I could describe as painful, but it definitely feels a bit weak. I’ve looked up some knee strengthening exercises so I’ll do those on my rest days and see how that goes. ❤️
I love Headspace, saw that run a few days ago and I need to run it. Not ready yet, but soon.
I have two bad knees, one of which is saying “what the **** are you doing to me” right now while the other is saying “bring it” so I’m listening to the correct knee.
I’m looking forward to graduating here and getting back on that other app for the headspace run... not sure about just go with Mo, he’s a little intimidating 😂
Great to hear how much you enjoyed today’s run... keep ticking off the miles.
Aah UnfitNoMore, I love that!! 😁😁! I shall listen to my “bring it”! knee too! 😉! Sometimes you have to tell the body who’s boss!
I’m not trying to advertise it, but the app is very good indeed! Well....at least for me it is. I set out determined to complete, but also to make running a very happy habit! I’m definitely doing that! 😁😁❤️
I was recommended it by a serious runner friend, it beating Strava in the respect it has free plans, but not being quite as public. Problem is it assumes some kind of fitness to hit 10 minutes first time out... it needs C25K stuff plugging in below “start up.”
I will return to it and NTC too, I’ll just be 9 weeks or so!
Some pains are recovery pain, muscles ache as they rebuild and strengthen, so pain around a joint can be normal. My wrong knee didn’t shout at me during the exercise, just nagged at me after. If it’s a serious stop it needs it’ll tell me during.
Brilliant! 🤔 Interesting about the recovery pain too. Could be!!
Sounds like you’ve got this and I see W1 is already in the bag now! Go you!! Love your story and it’s great that you’re back out reclaiming your fitness! Keep going and well done you and your daughter too!! Brilliant! 😁😁❤️
I kinda have all the theory in my head still, but it’s been a LONG time, and I’m paying the price for my lifestyle, heck I enjoyed it though! Having an overweight unfit 12 year old though, that’s all on me, and that I haven’t enjoyed seeing... time to fix it! She’s aiming for the 5k, but little does she know there’s a junior parkrun not 5 miles from home that’s 2k on sundays... it’ll be a nice surprise 😈 I must remember to volunteer as a Marshall as parents can run with their children if not lol
Basically in recovery... muscles are bundles of fibres... when you exercise some of them break, and in recovery they hurt as they heal... the brain sees this and builds more of this type of muscle fibre at the same time... so that recovery pain is normal. They’re pretty good at healing fast and the fitter you get, the faster they’ll heal, so when fully fit you can go on slow paced runs and build endurance without stopping the healing, thus run 5/6 times a week
Oh welcome to the running family!! It’s great to have you around! Thank you!
2k Parkrun sounds pretty fantastic! So nice that you and your daughter are both running together! 12 is a tricky age isn’t it? I wasn’t petite when I was that age. No one wanted Serena Williams or Kim Kardashian’s thighs in my time either 🤣. But, I’m sure she’ll be absolutely glowing with fitness and pride soon enough. You both will! Big hugs! ❤️
Nor me! I did like curves, just not muscle bulk... I’m going with the flow now and accept I’m not Mr Alpha male and Ms Alpha female is just a person. Too many stereotypes in my upbringing I guess. Of course if I chase either and it’s not a race... my wife would assist my running potential by removing a couple of items that get in the way lol
You too... nice chatting. Keep up the great work and keep inspiring us newbies. I’ll aim not to wear leggings ever... and one day you’ll pull some on and be confident.
Now I did my workout, I haven’t smoked all day... I think I need a glass of wine to reward myself. 🍷🍷
Oh thank you so much Berksrover! Running does give you so many new perspectives. Sharing makes you realise you’re not alone! What’s really most important is to be happy being you! Oh and a lotta laughs comes in very handy too! 😂❤️
Those Headspace runs are really great, whether you do the ones in the Headspace app or the free ones in the Nike Run Club app.
It’s good not to focus too much on distance or speed, just by turning up and starting a run you’ve achieved something, and like Andy says you’ll be a slightly better version of yourself when you finish. 🙂
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Week 5 run 3
