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. 😁
Written by
MuddledGardener
Graduate
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
That sounds like a really good run, we feel less puffed out since we slowed right down although covering more ground than in the beginning so may just be fitter
Thanks for the post MG, I am feeling a bit demotivated myself out here. Still slow running on the b****y treadmill 😝.
One of the staff in the gym helpfully told me that I should run fast intervals to improve my cardio and fitness. I had just run 40mins at 4k and up to then thought I was consolidating OK, although my distance was nowhere near what it had been at home. Today I ran 46mins with a 3mins fast walk and was still feeling low but you have reminded me that slow and time come first before speed. 🙁🙋♀️🏃♀️🐌
Cheer up! Slow and steady wins the race, as they say. Only yesterday I was verging on wanting to give up, but instead I went and sat at the feet of the late, great Professor Tanaka. It made such a difference. We’ll all get there eventually. 😊
Hoorah, what a lovely run you had - will have to have a nosey at your Junior Parkrun post - am guessing it wasn't a great experience? Sounds like today's run more than made up for it - well done you!
Great post! I had a real struggle on last nights run because I decided I needed to try a speed run on the Nike Run Club!! 🤷♀️ Yeah that didn’t go well my pace was all over the place and I tired myself out before I got anywhere near my usual 30 mins. Slow and steady it is then 🤔 Glad you’re having fun again.
Oh I’m so pleased you had a good run too. We both needed it. Totally right, do what is right for you and 🦶 on the gremlins telling you otherwise. I enjoyed myself looking around and so did you. Are we more likely to want to go out for a run in a few days, you bet!
I am so glad you were able to find your happy place again! Running is so powerful and addictive, but it is easy to get swept up into the idea of running faster and further that sometimes we lose the joy we once had. Good on you for figuring it out and finding the joy!
Thank you! I think when you run with other people, there is always some unintended pressure to keep up. Silly, really. After all, we’re doing it for ourselves, not others.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Woo hoo Couch25k completed 
60 mins running. Woo hoo!
I only went and run for 20mins...woo hoo! Wk5 R3 completed 😀
Consolidation Run No.4 (wk2) - a wee run!
Woo! First post graduation run!
