W5R2 - pleasure continues

[IgaT]

Today, running was the last thing I wanted to do. I felt mentally and physically exhausted, my eyes hurt, I had runny nose, and headache. I had longer work day, I woke up earlier... It was just not my perfect day

But, I knew it would be good to go out. I've read all your amazing posts. The runs you have completed, the joy and accomplishment that you have felt. I wanted it so badly, that I've changed clothes to running gear, did my leg swings, too my dog, and off we went. First longer walk for her to get her business done and release some energy. Then we started the first 8 minute run. I was expecting toxic 10, short of breath, disorders dog, and all sorts of drawbacks and challenges. Instead, life gave me pleasure, joy, sun, fresh air, light legs, and all sorts of warm and fuzzy feelings. 5 minute walk was more of standing and waiting for green light :/ and walking in circles for my dog to sniff and wee around Then, the second 8 minutes. I picked the longer, new (or rather old new) route with invisible hill. I was expecting again many difficulties. Oh my, I was so pleasantly surprised. My dog had only few minor detours. When I heard the last minute warning, I was ready to speed up or even do sprint finish. Well, my do decided that she needs to poo right now. So after short break we run some more with decent pace. Although, I have no idea how long.

It is true that sometimes, the best runs are at the 'worst' days and we least expect them

So I you feel good, go for a run.

If you feel bad, definitely go for a run.

If you feel terrible, the run is your only option

Happy running!

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Great job... amazing post... and what a run to go past the halfway point in this programme with! Have a well earned refreshment and relax. You got this.

[IgaT Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Thank you I relaxed nicely during 40 min stretching after, and nice long shower. I hope on Friday it will be also nice Milestone ahead of me, so tomorrow I'll try to rest as much as I can

[UnfitNoMore Graduate in reply to IgaT]

Good plan... keep the legs loose, drink plenty, you’re ready... it’s a wonderful run.

[FormulaRun]

You are so right! I don’t know how many days I’ve dragged myself out whilst thinking I’d be much better off staying in bed, nursing a headache, or avoiding the hot/cold/rain/wind only to have the best run ever and arrive home feeling stoked. Good for you -keep up the good work. Week 5 was my favourite of all 👍😊🏎🏁

[IgaT Graduate in reply to FormulaRun]

Week 5 is very challenging and variety makes it so much nicer. It seems there is no place fore boredom

[lusmo Graduate]

Perfect! Congratulations! Very encouraging! I think we have another run on the same day (Friday?) We can do it! Good luck!

[IgaT Graduate in reply to lusmo]

Yes, we have. Good luck to you too. Now, we deserve a good rest, long hot shower to relax. And of course some delicious and nutritious food to regenerate muscles and to treat ourselves. I had a natural yoghurt with honey and chopped roasted hazelnuts Tomorrow morning oatmeal with fresh berries and peanut butter

[lusmo Graduate in reply to IgaT]

Amazing! I had a hot waffle Good luck on Friday!

[IgaT Graduate in reply to lusmo]

Sounds tasty! Like a proper treat

[lusmo Graduate in reply to IgaT]

👍 Yes, it was! Unfortunately, I do not have a quantum transporter (as in StarTrek), otherwise I would send you a bit!

[IgaT Graduate in reply to lusmo]

Oh, thank you so much! I will eat only with my mind then. And you know what? It still tastes delicious

[lusmo Graduate in reply to IgaT]

👍

[ButtercupKid Graduate]

Completely agree with you. I have suffered from depression in the past and I already notice a significant improvement in mood when I go out. It’s well worth going out however you feel. You can always turn back early if it’s really too much !

[IgaT Graduate in reply to ButtercupKid]

Mentally I would be in pieces. Recently only running is keeping me together. It shakes off all or at least most of the stress, gives me some me time (even if I'm running with my dog), time to think and not think about anything at the same time.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Go you.. getting there.. your way and finding the joy of an unexpected run

[ClimberKB Graduate]

"If you feel terrible, the run is the only option" … love it, I'm committing that one to memory for when I really need a huge kick up the arse to get up and out!

[IgaT Graduate in reply to ClimberKB]

As always the biggest challenge is to put on the damn clothes and kick yourself out the door. After the initial almost impossible (almost!), then it is only better regardless how / how many miles / how long you will run

When I'm deep in the hole, I listen to YouTube motivational speaches, music, and I'm reading this forum

Enjoy your runs!

[Katnap Graduate]

This is almost a CBT thing? You have to do the things that scare you.

Keep those gremlins at bay! 😈👟👟👟😸😎🏃🏃🏃🐆😸🙌

[IgaT Graduate in reply to Katnap]

I think temporary my gremlins gave up. It's just pure exhaustion. No holidays for almost a year, stressful job, positive big event in my life that took quite a lot of mental power. It all adds up. But the only other option than running is sitting under the blanket or duvet with jar of Nutella numbing TV shows and a box of tissues to dry my tears and blow my runny nose. No, thank you. I will run faster than my nose and my tears. I will survive till my holidays in December. I survived 8 minutes of running (while being exhausted). I will survive anything And I have such a lovely running family to support me. Nothing can go wrong.

So put your shoes on, stick those headphones into / onto your ears and discover your strength! At least this is what I'm telling myself every run day

[Katnap Graduate in reply to IgaT]

Awesome!

We're all here if you need us 😸

[IgaT Graduate in reply to Katnap]

Thank you

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate]

Aww, you’ve made me smile IgaT ...I can just picture you out there smiling too xx

[IgaT Graduate in reply to Mummycav]

Yes, it was an unexpectedly nice run with smile on my face few time during and a huge one after The world is smiling to me, so I'm smiling back

[Languid_Lil Graduate]

IgaT you're not just a runner, you're a fantastic writer as well. Love this post and comments.

[IgaT Graduate in reply to Languid_Lil]

Aww, thank you so much <blushing>.

Writing in here keep me accountable for my running. And I hope sometimes I can inspire someone at the same time.

Life is beautiful, even during more difficult times. We just need to learn to see it, like a gorgeous bird that was gliding on gloomy, grey, cloudy sky. But oh man, this bird, the freedom of the air and wind between his/hers feathers. Or very shy tree that forgot it is October and it turned only few leaves red and yellow, but only on the edges, while still being in sunny summer.

Have a great, beautiful day!

[Wolvesmad Graduate]

Go you

Well done. Keep crossing those days off