W8:2 big skies and mudslides

[ktsok]

Heaven. I really really like running, a lot. Again, I went slow, letting the easy breathing dictate the pace, again, Coach Bennett from Nike Run Club ‘Just a Run’ chatted to me... and I had time and enough breath to enjoy the experience and take in the views.

I ran somewhere different today, which felt quite brave and I loved the experience. It was much hillier than previous runs. Rather than digging deep and gurning my way through the hill sections, I just slowed down and concentrated on easy breathing. It was very muddy up one section and I had to work a bit harder as my feet kept slipping... hmmm... trail shoes required?!

Whilst I haven’t managed to get my bpm under 140 on the last two runs at this slower pace, I was at least under 150 this time and 81% was in the Fitbit cardio zone. I was spending about 80% in the Peak zone before. Concentrating on my bpm and breathing and enjoyment is really helping with letting go of any worries about pace and distance targets.

I realised whilst fiddling around with the phone camera trying to take a photo whilst running that I had inadvertently turned Michael off. I fast forwarded whilst running, we were reunited and Oldfloss will be pleased to hear I only went 28 seconds over the 28 minutes, so it worked out fine - and I realised I don’t need Michael any more...

I had a long session at the climbing wall yesterday and ended up doing core strengthening stuff at the end. My butt aches a lot today as a result and I wasn’t sure whether I should take a rest day. But running at this easy pace feels so relaxing, and my muscles seemed to ease up as I ran further. It’s getting harder to not run, than it is to run. What a turnaround!

Hope you have a lovely weekend and happy running, fellow runners 😊

[Kallyfudge Graduate]

Awesome news well done and jealous of those tights !! Looks like a lovely route.

[ktsok Graduate in reply to Kallyfudge]

Aren’t they great?! Even better without the knee braces lol. I do love a nice bold (camouflaging) pattern!

[Couchpotato2 Graduate]

Firstly you rock those tights!

Secondly I hope Michael can’t hear you after all he’s done for you, he’d be pretty upset!

And well done on following the rules and not over running!

I recommend the pigeon yoga pose as a good bum stretch. Or on your back, cross righ foot on left knee and bring left leg gently forward (and other side).

Well done!

[ktsok Graduate in reply to Couchpotato2]

I’ll give the pigeon a go, cheers! I like to think Michael would be proud, not upset, and consider himself to have done a fine job parenting/coaching/coaxing another fledgling runner to the big wide running world 😂

PS. Thanks re the tights 🙂

[Couchpotato2 Graduate in reply to ktsok]

Yeah you are right, like a proud parent seeing their child go to uni ...

[ktsok Graduate in reply to Couchpotato2]

A Thinking about that now... (sigh)

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

You sound well and truly hooked..........

.......... brilliant, isn't it?

[ktsok Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

It is, indeed, brilliant 😊

[E27M14 Graduate]

Well done. That sounds idyllic, and the photos are pretty too. I ran with the other half again today and although it was ok it wasn’t great. Think I’m going to try to somehow run on my own again on Monday (I think he’s working late so I should get away with it without offending!) and see if it’s any better. I forgot to set my watch when I started so no stats - which is kind of nice!!!

Only 4 to go .......

[ktsok Graduate in reply to E27M14]

Not many to go, is it? Can you see the horizons beyond C25k? I worry about boring everyone silly with running talk. I guess I can wax lyrical on here for a while longer, if need be!

It sounds lovely in theory having your partner running with you. I’m sure it’s great in practice, too. I have only run alone so I don’t know... learning to breathe, learning to pace myself, has been at the heart of this experience. I find myself in quite a meditative headspace these days and luxuriate in the freedom of having only myself to think about. The one time I went out with my son I came back worn out! Presumably your other half doesn’t stop to examine drowned worms and climb trees, but nevertheless, one adapts to one’s companion, I think? You will be the best person placed to let us know how a solo run feels! And yes, no stats is very freeing! 😚

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Great job. Sounds like a good recovery run... enjoy the next one.

[ktsok Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Thanks UNM. Looking forward to it already... back on the track, so not sure whether to keep it slow or whether to up the tempo for this one a bit...

[UnfitNoMore Graduate in reply to ktsok]

It’ll come to you... set off nice and gentle... and see how you feel.

[ktsok Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

That curving track makes me want to push harder, in a way that sunshine filtering through trees and birdsong just doesn’t!

[UnfitNoMore Graduate in reply to ktsok]

Oh yes... track and slow is a hard thing to do 😂.