W5R2 done. How did that happen?

[Puppy-love]

Well, that wasn’t too bad. I started slow in every sense. I think I left my brain in bed and I struggled to find my pace and rhythm. The beginning was tough, but half way through the first 8 minutes, it just clicked. The 5 minute recovery felt far too long and I was itching to go. The second run felt great. Looking forward to W5R3 with a mix of excitement and trepidation.

I’m wondering if a change of terrain would be good or bad or neutral. So far, I’ve either run on the very nicely sprung but short (500 metres - can’t believe I think that’s short now; it felt like 100 miles when I started) track in the local park or on pavements but it’s very hilly where I live and to get a longer, flattish stretch I’m thinking about a trail in the woods which is one of my dog walks. Is trail running very different? As always, your sage advice is very gratefully received. What would I do without you??

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Trail running is different and huge, huge fun...Just a matter of taking it gently and feeling your way.. maybe using a route for a few times to feel your feet. I also do specific ankle exercises to help with that.. I am older I know, but I know a few other folk who use them too

youtube.com/watch?v=Pf2EDeB...(Not working as expected?)

Very well done you!

[Puppy-love Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks Oldfloss. The ankle exercises are great. I sprained an ankle in the winter (better than the previous winter when I broke my wrist) so strengthening the joints is a necessity. And I bet you aren't older/much older. I'll be 60 in less than two weeks so I'm not exactly an early starter.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Puppy-love]

I am 69

[Puppy-love Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

But so young in every way whatever the numbers say.

[Sp81 Graduate]

I have just discovered that trail runs is where the fun is in running, but that’s just my personal preference. Also seem to prefer a running journey rather than laps of the same thing mentally seem to keep the gremlins at bay. ( ‘well you’ve done 1 lap you can stop now’).

I walk the dog on the trail 1st a few times to check it out before I try running it though. I also slower my pace slightly as tree routes, rocks etc can be tricky.

Happy running 🏃‍♀️

[Puppy-love Graduate in reply to Sp81]

Thank you Sp81. I've walked the trail I'm thinking of a few times with the dog but I think I'll do it later today and look at it with my 'runner's' eyes.

[Sp81 Graduate in reply to Puppy-love]

Good idea. Enjoy 😊