Ok, I have no idea what happened here. I didn’t prepare properly at all, my usual routine has been thrown off but somehow I had a really good time and was actually disappointed when the run ended.
I’ve had good days and bad days with this, some days I’ve really struggled and had to cool down for longer between runs, but against all odds, somehow, this was not one of those days. Yet. I fully anticipate a delayed crash.
I’m currently sat outside Tesco downing some water to recover so if you’re doing an emergency bank holiday shop I’m the guy with the huge sweat stains who is not at all appropriately dressed for running.
I only mention this because I’ve had some huge issues with anxiety (health and social) and I’ve come a long way after a few months of counselling thanks to the awesome NHS (hate to get political here but it’s a gift and we really need to protect it).
Anyway, one of my many little hang ups that added up to a much less manageable whole was being sweaty in front of people. I always overthink things and worry about what other people think of me, whether I know them or not, so I was not comfortable sweating with an audience.
Now however I can do a run, feel awesome about it and turn up to a public place a ridiculously sweaty mess and still feel good about myself. So here I am, people, I’m sweaty and breathless and it is not at all flattering and I just don’t care. Why did no one tell me exercise could have this affect? I would’ve started years ago!
So big day on a personal level, my boy just turned 4 so we took him out for breakfast (pancakes for him of course). I did not go for the healthy option because when I go out for breakfast I want to make the most of it, although I did start with yoghurt from the buffet and eggs are good for protein so... maybe it’s not all bad. But I felt very heavy and unhealthy after it and not at all ready for a run.
What I did do right was give it two hours to (almost) settle, although there was a part of me that was worried I might throw up during the run. Being stubborn and determined to stick to the plan I don’t think I’d let myself stop if that happened.
So I set off for the first run of the week and I’m really glad it starts with a warm up walk, I don’t think I’ve ever needed it more. The first 90 second run came easily enough, which was expected at this point, but what really surprised me was how easy the first 3 minute run was.
Well ok, easy isn’t the right word. It took some effort and I felt the difference, oh I really did, but most importantly I never felt at any point that I couldn’t do it. When the 3 minutes was up I was very much in need of a walk and it was a huge relief that the next run was only 90 seconds. But I did the three minutes and I still felt human after it. In my book, which gets mentally rewritten each week, I consider that easy, especially compared to just a few runs ago when I had to stop mid-run to recover.
So with no work today and various celebrations for the boy planned, I decided on an afternoon run around my now usual circuit before we all head out and it was great. I wish I could do afternoon runs here every time but I don’t think work would like me nipping home for that every day.
I did my park circuit and, since the run was longer and there was no one around (still not comfortable running with an audience) I did another one. After that I ran along the path out of the park to finish off on the footpath when the run ended. I was fully expecting a final 90 seconds so I was surprised when it turned out to be the 5 minute cooldown already. I thought, is that really it?
I think psychologically I’ve been more focused on the number of running blocks, rather than how long they are, so with this one just having four, it feels a lot shorter. I’m sure my feelings about that will change in the next week or two of course.
But for now I consider today a huge win and I feel good to go again on Wednesday. Can not wait.
W3R1 getting 'serious' now!
W3R1
Too much too soon?
W3R1
