Week 2. Run 2.

[LittleIreland]

This was my first run in the rain. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I was reluctant to head out, but once I did I enjoyed it, although the soggy feet not so much.

ZZ Top and Sharp Dressed Man got me underway for this outing - although, if you read my previous, I'm far from being sharp dressed 😂

This time, I sucked up any reservations I had left about running in public and headed off the local cycle path and along the high street. Everyone were fine - some said hello, and then forgot me in a heartbeat. Why does running along the high street seem such a phobia to many - and me included? Now that I've jumped that proverbial hurdle, I couldn't give two monkeys.

I've heard many speak about how helpful Laura is on their runs. She does it for me too. However, my gasping for breath has nothing to do with her dulcet tones - OK.. Perhaps a little 😁

The breathing tip from Laura came at just about the right time, and is something I need to work on. I guess all that will become natural as things progress, although at the moment counting four seems almost impossible. If anyone has breathing tips, they'd be appreciated.

[Comfortnotspeed]

Good for you. You have hit an empowering milestone. No one is out there pointing and laughing at us. People are just getting on with life.

We have as much right on the high street as everyone else.

Time for a cuppa and trainer drying 👍

[LittleIreland Graduate in reply to Comfortnotspeed]

I've been decorating, having done the run. Time for a cuppa now lol

[Jalapenolover101 Graduate]

Well done👍 Must admit I still daren't face the high street 🤦🏻‍♀️🙄😆

As for breathing, I’ve never been able to get away with the counting thing, I just breath. I found I was over thinking it and it made it worse, so now I just don’t think about it. Good luck🍀

[LittleIreland Graduate in reply to Jalapenolover101]

Build up to it - a busy park, etc. I honestly didn't give it a second thought when I was in my stride. Everyone is going about their own business to wonder what we're doing 👍

[mom24uk Graduate]

Well done on the run and getting out in public. I was (am still a bit) the same but I realise (as did you) that no one cares enough about what I'm doing. My daughter was really hot this morning and wouldn't take her hat off as she said her hair was a mess until I pointed out that no one in the cars passing us even have time to see her hair!

I may try Laura on my next run. I have Jo Whiley.

My main tip for breathing is don't stop 🤣 In all seriousness I watched a video a long time ago that said stand up straight and try to breath rhythmically, breath deeply, preferably through your nose and out through your mouth to a count of each step you make.

I think this was it:

youtube.com/watch?v=sRd_0wQ...(Not working as expected?)

[LittleIreland Graduate in reply to mom24uk]

Thanks for that video - it's really helpful ☺

[Alast]

Well done you, I think you're rally getting into the groove now. Well done for braving the high street too, as you say no one is really interested in what we're doing (but I'm still sticking to my early morning running time myself!). Laura is my only choice (not that I've tried anyone else), but I couldn't be unfaithful to her now and try an alternative, shes's been there for me through thick & thin. I tries to follow her breathing advice (briefly) on Week 2, but started to overthink things which made it worse. I just breathe now so I don't get out of breath. (It reminded me about when I first tried snorkelling, I was panicking about breathing, so would breathe harder & harder eventually having to lift my head out of the water and pull the face mask off to get my breath back. Once I learned to breath calmly I had no problems).

[LittleIreland Graduate in reply to Alast]

I couldn't chuck Laura lol

I'm expecting a backward step at some point, but trying to be really positive with my progression. This website is helping me immensely.

I did have reservations about joining Health Unlocked as I wondered if it would turn out to be another Facebook - but it's wonderful. Everyone is so full of encouragement. Lots of you have been where I've been, so know what I'm experiencing, etc.

I can't thank you all enough for the support. Cheers!!!

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

Well done on getting out and running, run 2 of week 2 up the High Street which was only part of your route as seen in that lovely photo above.

I always think its a bit strange seeing a runner running along a busy street or a busy pedestrian shopping mall, places that I would never run in unless I was running for a bus 🚍.

Onwards and upwards to run 3 of week 2.

[LittleIreland Graduate in reply to AlMorr]

To be fair, where I live isn't very populated - 7,000 at the most. So, being on the high street isn't the same for me, as someone treading the street in London, New York etc. However, the downside of living in such an area is that everyone knows everyone. I'll probably get a phone call or text a later today to say that someone spotted me lol

[Annieapple Graduate]

Aah such a beautiful spot!! Yes I can’t believe I started running in the dark to avoid being seen🤣Now I don’t care at all. I love passing other runners 👋 who usually wave or give a 👍

[LittleIreland Graduate in reply to Annieapple]

You're not the only one to do that Annie 😂

[Annieapple Graduate in reply to LittleIreland]

🤣

[Joanney69 Graduate]

Good job 😊

When I started, I purposely went out early in the morning, while it was still mostly dark - just so people didn't see me 😁 now, on week 8 I still go out in the morning, but not as early & I don't give a monkeys 🙊 who sees me - funny how things change.

I also found I don't mind getting wet (just as well with the weather we've been having! 😂)

I have ZZ Top on my playlist - sharp dressed man is very runnable 🏃 😁

Good luck with your last run of week 2 ☺