Taking my own advice - consolidation run 4&5

[RunningMigster]

Hello you lovely lot, hope you're all enjoying your running.

So, couple of mixed runs. I got out on Tuesday and found it quite tough again to start with. The first 20 mins felt really hard. But then it was like somebody just flipped a switch and I was off and enjoying the last part of the run!

Tonight was very different.

Tonight, I didnt want to run. No good reason. I feel fine, no aches or niggles. I wasnt feeling tired. Quite frankly, I just felt plain old lazy. I could have quite happily ordered Chinese takeaway, opened a bottle of wine, put my feet up and watched a movie.

But, in Snowgdss I have a very supportive wife who gave me a couple of nudges. I also have you lot who are there in my head, giving me a nudge.

I keep telling people, remember why you're doing this. And the truth is, it's a slippery slope. If I decided to run tomorrow instead, just because I cant be bothered tonight, then what's to say I wont do the same tomorrow night too, and the night after!

So, I got my kit on and went for it. And this is where I listened to that other piece of advice I give out... if it feels like a struggle, go even slower! So I set off real slow. In fact, my first 2.5k was my slowest for weeks. And I enjoyed every bit of it. It wasnt tough, it wasnt an effort to keep going and I felt good.

So, here's the thing. To get to where I wanted to be, I now needed to kick up the pace and go my fastest ever, with my next 2.5k running each k in 5 mins.

So, did I do it? What do you think? Go on, have a guess??? Did i chuff. I wasnt even about to attempt something so futile. Maybe 25 years ago! No, I just kept going at my slower pace. I did pick it up towards the end, but I wasnt really bothered.

Truth is, I enjoyed this (my 13th slowest run according to RunKeeper) much more than any of my other consolidation runs!

So, I can now stand in my pulpit, being all high and mighty, and tell you to get your butt out there even when you feel lazy. And slow down! And I can do that because I'm safe in the knowledge, that I truly practice what i preach.

For my next fancy dress party, i will be going as a priest 🤣🤣🤣

And for anybody thats been following me for a while, quick update on poor Snowgdss. Had a second opinion on her foot, xrays, bone specialists etc, and the confident verdict is that she has damaged ligaments in her foot. So no running for quite some time. It's going to be back to her first love of swimming! That doesnt mean the C25K journey is over. It's just on hold.

Happy running everybody

Mig

[Buddy34 Graduate]

You will get a few of those ' can't be bothered moments ' but don't listen to them. Get your running gear on and just go , like you did tonight.

Slow runs are good and will continue to build your stamina.

Give my best to Snowgdss and I wish her a speedy recovery. 😊😊😊

[RunningMigster Graduate in reply to Buddy34]

Cheers buddy. Poor Snowgdss was really doing so well. She gutted. But its completely out of her control. She'll be back though

[Nymahchai Graduate]

You got out there so that’s a big motivation tick in the box 👌. Yes we are nudging you along with your dearly beloved who must be envious given that she can’t get out there too. Hope her recovery is not too long.

Speed is somewhat of a dream for me so I say enjoy the build up of stamina. I’m sure the experts will be able to give you pearls of wisdom on speed. Remember it’s about enjoyment and you did that so what’s not to love 💓. Bravo.

[RunningMigster Graduate in reply to Nymahchai]

Thanks Nymahchai

I dont know if we're happy about ligament damage or not. A break would have been a quicker and simpler heal I think. It'll all work out in the end.

This slow is my new fast, and I'll just focus on distance now.

[Nymahchai Graduate in reply to RunningMigster]

As you say your wife will have to be patient. It’s a slow process with ligaments. Brother in law damaged his ligaments badly in October both knee and ankle and yesterday did 5 miles walk finally. Enjoy the miles in your new slow 😊

[Leosmit Graduate]

That’s a great post. You see, while this whole running thing is about getting fitter and healthier surely it is also about just plain old enjoyment. The fact that you did a run that you really enjoyed is good just for making you feel good? Also, it is so impressive that you made yourself go out when you really didn’t want to. Double top marks!!

And I think you’re right - if you don’t go out cos you know you’re just being lazy, that’s surely the start of 5k to couch!!?!?

I did first consolidation run tonight - kept it slow, stayed on a flat run and hear this.... enjoyed it!!

[RunningMigster Graduate in reply to Leosmit]

So good to feel good while running! I think I'll be doing a lot more of those!

Glad you're getting ok and enjoying it!

[Smelliepoo Graduate]

I have had a few of those moments muself, especially over Christmas!! But managed to get back out there and going. well done for slowing down, it makes for a much more pleasant run. Sometimes we enjoy the challenge and the competition with ourselves, but sometimes it is nice to just enjoy running without any pressure. I think that is what has changed for me, I like both now where when I started c25k it was about the challenge, because I never thought I would enjoy it at all!!

So disappointed for snowgdss. I hope she heals soon and can get out there, but glad she also enjoys swimming, that will keep her busy while it heals. 🏊🏊🏊 Swimming is just running in water though really?!

[RunningMigster Graduate in reply to Smelliepoo]

Now you see, I think we can all excuse ourselves over Christmas. So much going on. And running after a mimosa breakfast doesnt appeal to anyone 🤣🥂

But like you, I'm very competitive. I just need to calm down a little I think!

[Smelliepoo Graduate in reply to RunningMigster]

Haha, sometimes it is more fun when you run after the mimosas than it is before!🏃‍♀️💃🏃‍♀️💃🥴🥳 (do not try this at home!!)

There is a time for challenge, and that is when you are raring to go. There is a time to calm and enjoy, and that is times like today for you! I guess the trick is to know what you need to do at the time! (says the wizened old runner of 4 months experience!!) 🤣😂

[RunningMigster Graduate in reply to Smelliepoo]

Just waiting for somebody to organise a beer run. My wife did some years ago in the States. Free beer when you finish. Yes please!

What's becoming clear to me as I do these consolidation runs, is that I've got so much to learn. And I'm looking forward to it!

Cant believe I'm saying that 🤣

[Smelliepoo Graduate in reply to RunningMigster]

Weird, isn't it! Still not quite used to saying that I WANT to run at all!!

[Couchpotato2 Graduate]

Sorry to read about Snowgdss! She may be (not) pleased to know rhat there is a series or really good strengthening exercises on youtube for people with a bad foot, ie avoiding using it.

Well done on being a good coach for yourself. If you haven’t already do listen to the NRC guided runs, they are great.

[RunningMigster Graduate in reply to Couchpotato2]

NRC guided runs? Sounds interesting. I'm keen to learn!

[Couchpotato2 Graduate in reply to RunningMigster]

So it’s an app called Nike Run Club. Free. There is a guided run section, I really enjoy them. I like someone talking from time to time when I run and there are some good tips

[RunningMigster Graduate in reply to Couchpotato2]

Great. Thanks for that. I'll check it out!

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

Sometimes it’s just hard to get out but so worth it when you do, having been going faster and faster it’s time we slowed down too I’m going to keep up with the garmin coach for a while because that gives me something to focus on

Give Snowgdss my best healing thoughts

[RunningMigster Graduate in reply to SueAppleRun]

Thank you! Think I might start slower and longer too!

[SueAppleRun Graduate in reply to RunningMigster]

When we did the longer runs in the c25k we always started really slow so we could get to the end and then we found we could speed up a bit at the end, wednesday’s run was only 9 minutes and felt we barely had time to warm up but when i checked around the end we had run the fastest ever

[RunningMigster Graduate in reply to SueAppleRun]

I think I learnt my lesson early on that's it's good to go slow at the start and kick it up at the end. It's just always been a struggle to slow down at the start. It doesnt come naturally and I have to make a real conscious effort. It will come in time as i get more experienced, I'm sure!

[SueAppleRun Graduate in reply to RunningMigster]

I bet your slow could lap us a couple of times, our slow is an old people’s shuffle but now we can stretch out and run at a decent speed for a few minutes

[RunningMigster Graduate in reply to SueAppleRun]

I did laugh yesterday when somebody told me about a running book they had been reading and 'diplomatically' suggested that people of my age should focus on distance, not speed 🤣🤣🤣

[SueAppleRun Graduate in reply to RunningMigster]

I’ll never be fast I ran middle distance in my twenties so was never a sprinter, next week i’ll be 64 which sounds very old but c25k has made us both more toned and fitter than we were last year, also and i don’t know if it’s connected but so far we haven’t had a cold this winter

[RunningMigster Graduate in reply to SueAppleRun]

So funny you should say that about a cold. I work in a small locked room (I'm not a prisoner I promise 😆) with 8 other people. Everybody else has been sick with cold like symptoms for 10 days or more over the last 3 months. By comparison, I've had two days where I just felt a bit rough ( delayed a run though)!.

One of the guys one day just looked at me and said, 'what's your secret Mig', (yes they call me Mig at work too), 'why haven't you been ill'.

I have no secret, it's the first year I haven't had a cold by now. I put it down to running!

[SueAppleRun Graduate in reply to RunningMigster]

Would be lovely if our immune systems are stronger for the fresh air and exercise

[Redvic97 Graduate]

This made me laugh out loud ... the reason being I can lend you the dog collar for your next fancy dress. Great post and I’ll remember it for when I finally get over the line 😊

[RunningMigster Graduate in reply to Redvic97]

Haha! I might take you up on that

You'll be getting over that line before you know it. And we'll all be there to give you a big virtual cheer!

Mig

[Roxdog Graduate]

Sorry about the foot injury. Swimming is great though!

[RunningMigster Graduate in reply to Roxdog]

Thank you! I used to be a big badminton player until about 10 years ago. Then I just did nothing.

Swimming is great, I just can do the endless length like some people can

[Wenderwoo Graduate]

Nice one! At the end of the day it’s not about speed, it’s about doing it - well done. Hope snowgdss enjoys her swimming and is able to get back here soon. How’s #dryjanuary going?

[RunningMigster Graduate in reply to Wenderwoo]

Dry January so far, has been easier than expected. We were never going to stick to it rigidly as we have a sort if anniversary coming up next week, which cant pass without a drink! But considering how much we drink in a normal week, and how tough we found Sober October when we did it about 5 years ago, I've not missed having a drink at all.

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate]

Love this Mig...it just proves that every run is different, some runs we feel invincible, like we could run forever and other runs we’re like a chocolate eclair...hard when we set off but soon the soft chocolate centre comes through and we just melt and want to pack in...but I have to say that runners are tough, this bunch of people I have had the pleasure of becoming friends with on here are the toughest of all my friends...they push themselves, I think we’re all like that...I didn’t know how strong I was until I started running...and I too like a Chinese and a bottle of wine...but now, I like running better!!!

Slow, slow, slower than slow is good, it’s kept you going and it’s kept lots of us going...no pressure just running and that’s the best way ever...happy running Mig x

[RunningMigster Graduate in reply to Mummycav]

Thank you! You're right... tough bunch these runners. And incredibly supportive too! Tough, and great attitudes!

[mrrun Graduate]

The way l beat 'cannot be bothered' scenario was to simply write down dates/times/mileage. Most of the times l hit good runs but sometimes it was hard (abroad/hard rain/not good terrain). I missed none. And then l moved onto marathon training territory which was/still is a different ball game. And then, then l finally discovered the point of running. Just go! 😀😉

[RunningMigster Graduate in reply to mrrun]

Marathon running! Wow. Think that might be a little bit beyond me. Very impressed!

[Sham19]

I totally agree with what you’ve said. Now we’ve graduated let’s get our Body stronger with even more stamina before we decide what to do next. I have found it liberating not to hear my pace during runs it just means I enjoy the run and I’m not constantly thinking about pace. Sorry to hear about snowgdss wishing her a speedy recovery 🙂

[CLAIRE9277]

Really enjoyed your recent account! I'm in 'put off' mode..... but you're post has really helped me to reflect and refocus. Thank you

[RunningMigster Graduate in reply to CLAIRE9277]

Now your post alone makes it all worth while.

The people on here helped me get through the program more than they will ever know.

If I can give back and help other people in some way, I feel like I'm also doing my bit.

Running, really is 50% mental attitude. But most of need a little help on that front. I know I do!

Happy running!

Mig

[Bluecat9]

Glad you got out there, well done

[RunningMigster Graduate in reply to Bluecat9]

And we'll keep on doing it!

[Bluecat9 in reply to RunningMigster]

I didn’t manage it today. Quite disappointed in myself and annoyed with my fibromyalgia for getting in the way.

[RunningMigster Graduate in reply to Bluecat9]

Its will all come good in the end!