Well, here I am, sitting in the afterglow of a fantastic run! I am in love with running again! After last week, and yesterday’s Junior Parkrun, when I didn’t enjoy running one iota, I am back in my happy place. 😊
This afternoon, I had a little power nap (which I often need), then decided to revisit the video on Japanese slow jogging. I watched it twice, and realised how far from it I had strayed. I knew that this method works for me, so I decided to forget about pace and distance, and just concentrate on being able to smile and chat whilst running.
Whilst running, I focused on my posture, keeping myself as upright as possible, and made sure that I was landing on the middle/balls of my feet, and not my heels. I kept my head up, looking ahead, being able to admire my surroundings. I took small steps, and started off quite slowly. The Toxic Ten was more like a Slightly Irritating Seven (I know it isn’t alliteration, but I couldn’t think of anything!). I had taken my inhaler an hour before running, so it was doing the job well at this point. I had changed my music to a completely different genre, opting for California 37, by Train - very upbeat music. The beat was very helpful, and matched my cadence quite often.
I had set my Fitbit, but not any timer. Several of my buddies were running for thirty minutes, so I thought I’d just run until they finished. I pootled along, listening to my music, trying to land as lightly as I could with each step. It felt very good. I spotted a bumblebee on the road, but sadly, it was beyond my help. 😢 I hope it had had a fruitful life.
For five minutes or so, I ran beside our newest recruit, who was on week three, and doing her last five minute walk. We chatted easily, and I realised that I was able to talk normally while running. Professor Tanaka would have been proud of me! 😊
After she left, I knew I had about three minutes left, so slightly increased my pace for about two hundred yards, just to see how I felt. I resumed the slower pace before I started to feel uncomfortable. Then, I finished. I wasn’t sweaty or out of breath, and I felt wonderful.
Today’s run was a good lesson for me. Slow jogging really works for me, so if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. In other words, forget about what everyone else is doing, and do what is right for YOU. It doesn’t matter if people are getting to 5k at or even before the end of the programme. Do what makes YOU feel happy and comfortable. Speed and distance will follow naturally, but at a time which is right for you. Don’t try and force things, because you won’t enjoy the process, and could possibly end up injured. If you need to, embrace the snail 🐌. I certainly have! Just call me Brian. 😁
Woo hoo! You’d better put the kettle on...
Week 9 Run 3 ✅ - Woo hoo!!
Week 9 Run 3 done woo hoo!!
Consolidation Run No.3 - night running
