Week four. Run one.

[LittleIreland]

This was my first evening run and I thoroughly enjoyed it, although I do prefer getting out before breakfast.

With this being week 4, it has meant a small step change in the plan - and I managed the challenge set out before me. Awesome! It's a great feeling to accomplish something ☺

This outing began with Bon Jovi and Bad Medicine.

I knew this one would be tougher than last week. It was. Laura whispering sweet nothings in my ears certainly helped, just when I needed a little push to go that extra yard.

While out, I bumped into a fellow jogger who gave a nod as we passed like ships in the night. My confidence was growing, and I cut across the carpark of our local co-op store and said hello to a couple of shoppers.

Just as my final five minute run came to an end, a searing poker stuck straight through my left side. Ouch. I didn't expect a stitch. I haven't had one of those I was a snotty teenager. Maybe its because of the evening run?

Oh, and for the first time I tracked this run, so I can compare the next one. I don't suppose it's very accurate at the moment though because the runs are interrupted with walks. At least it'll give me some idea on how things are progressing.

I'm looking forward to Wednesday!

[Rats88 Graduate]

I love this post. Sounds like you are having a great time. The evening darkness is peaceful I find sometimes for a run. I’m at about the same point as you (completed W4R2 this evening). Isn’t it strangely exciting when another runner nods, smiles or says hello to you, I’m like oh my god they see me as one of them!

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

Good run for you LittleIreland, glad you enjoyed it and met another runner and some shoppers as well, good photo of the night and the lights in the distance causing light pollution in the sky, sorry about your stitch, no running until it heals.

[Nilsam Graduate]

Well done for changing things up and finding time to run. I think the flexibility helps if we want to be sure to keep running in our lives. Great post. Do keep posting. (The stitch is probably an indication to work on breathing technique - it is very common and you just need to ensure you get the oxygen into the blood..slow down a bit / a lot, hand on your side and 5 or 6 really deep breaths. :-))

[LittleIreland Graduate in reply to Nilsam]

My breathing definitely needs work lol.

I'm very conscious of how my breathing is. Mostly, it's laboured, but slowing a little and deeper breaths does help. I guess it's all about learning and consistency. I'll get there eventually.

My shoulders were aching slightly during this run, but lowering of my arms and giving them a good old shake seemed to help. Breathing and form, I assume.

[Nilsam Graduate in reply to LittleIreland]

No worries, we all get the odd stitch occasionally. It is all worth it in our path to be super healthy. I certainly have lots to learn. Take care.

[Fionamags Graduate]

You're doing great! I've never run at night before - you make it sound appealing!

[LittleIreland Graduate in reply to Fionamags]

I had a wee read up on running in the evening. Apparently, your core temperature peaks somewhere between 5 and 8pm. During that time, circulation is better and there is less chance of injury.

I didn't run in the evening for that reason though - it was just practical ☺

[Comfortnotspeed]

That sounds so good being out in the evening. Hope your running week goes well 👍