Many of you will know the common weather related adage of “Red sky at night Shepherd’s delight, red sky in morning Shepherd’s warning”. Until this morning I was not aware that it originated from the Gospel of Matthew and, even more surprisingly, it has some basis in truth. Particularly for those of us that reside in the UK.
I set off this morning under the a glorious but portentous red sky. Most of the talk on this forum is that the first two week 6 runs, sandwiched between the 20 & 25 minute non-stop scuttles, are the most arduous. I completed the first of these much maligned ambles on Wednesday. It was tough physically and mentally. Thus, I was consumed with apprehension when my eyes met the crimson streaks that lit up the horizon.
I managed to strike a reasonable pace and there seemed to be less twinges than normal. Getting in to my stride early enabled me to disappear in to a philosophical reverie inspired by the aforementioned meteorological prophecy. So, who is my Shepherd on my C25K journey?
The most obvious answer would be the dulcet tones of my podcast buddy. Offering stop and go commands; guiding me along the path; and provided occasional warnings and encouragement. However, this seems more the role of the Shepherd’s, and human’s, most faithful friend, the Sheepdog. Man’s companion is only there when the sheep need motivating and moving with skilled efficiency. They aren’t there when I need raise my aching bones from bed or when I need to resist that cool, condensation dripping, bottle of beer. So, no, my C25K coach is not my Shepherd.
With this question still rolling around my rapidly tiring brain, I reached the end of the first 10 minute run. That went quite well. Nice easy pace; the longing for the time checks wasn’t too demanding; I feel good. Maybe the prediction of this run, and the signs that accompanied this morning, where wrong. With this creeping sense of confidence I completed my final walk break and set off for the final 10 minutes.
Suddenly, my legs started to feel heavy and my breath short. I’d not even reached the 5 minute marker and I think I might not make it. Even when that strained for comment from my coach stated I’d reached the half mark I was close to stopping.
Then, the epiphany struck (full of biblical references in this one!). It gave the strength to carry on. I was slow but I was moving. I was drawing strength from my Shepherd and I knew I was going to do it. 60 seconds remaining and, amazingly, I sped up. 30 seconds to go and I’d broken out in to a trot. I’d finished. I was there.
And, when I really needed them, my Shepherd was there. The encouragement, the advice, the uplifting stories, the struggles overcome.
Yes, when the sky issued the warning my Shepherd stood up and threw that blanket of warmth over me. The thoughts that burst in to my head in that moment, before I might stop, were knowing that always had the support I needed.
For my Shepherd is you. This one is for you, my friends, and I thank you.
Written by
BeaglesEnd
Graduate
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I know it! I felt the same when I had a little wobble towards the end of my 20 minute run; although I’m not sure I could have expressed it the way you have. Wow. You have a real talent with words and your use of punctuation makes me sigh 😀😀😀
Well done for the run! All in all, you seemed better prepared for this one, compared to the last one. Onwards and upwards! I hear that you will receive the designation of ‘runner’ after the next one; although I happen to think we are all runners already. I’m off out now to find out where to start Week 6, which I may do tomorrow.
The irony is that I’ve never been much of writer; the muse has never really taken me. I love reading but writing has always been a chore. I’ve never even managed to keep a food diary for more than a couple of days, let alone a bonafide daily journal. However, this program, and forum, have me inspired; so it is really down to you lot that I throw together these little brain farts!
You’re going to do so well on week 6. Your mentality is “so on point” to use my kid’s vernacular. I can’t wait to hear all about it.
Thanks! I’m going to have to drive to find somewhere flat. My Dad’s house where I am staying is on a hill, but I have a couple of ideas. I’ll drive out very early in the morning, ready to run, where there is a large park about 10 minutes away. It’s the nearest to ‘flat’ you can get here; I’m almost sure it will work.
You’re two thirds there. You cannot stop now. It’s people like you that are inspiring me. Keep going and let me see you make it to the end. I’m following you. Lead me along.
Thank you. I know it may seem trite, but it was genuinely thinking of the forum, and those that post, that pulled me through the last five minutes. Good luck on your next run!
Firstly, very well done in keeping going and completing the run!
Secondly, the religious overtones just brought to mind the Footsteps in the Sand poem... that’s what I’ll be thinking now next time I feel I can’t make it, I’ll be looking to the sky wondering if someone is going to pop down to carry me 😂
The saying tweaked my interest and I did a minor bit of research to find out it’s origin. To say I was surprised that it was so old and linked to the Bible was an understatement.
It wasn’t a conscious decision to make the post subtlety religious as I don’t participate in any organised religion. However, being called Matt(hew) and the saying coming from Matthew’s Gospel it was too good any opportunity to miss.
I’m just glad if any fellow C25K’ers can draw succour from my rambles!
It is Matthew 16:2 to 16:3, and relates to Jesus being tested about reading signs from heaven. He uses then phrase “red sky at night and the weather will be fair and if it is red in the morning it will be stormy” in his reply. As to an interpretation, I’m definitely not the one to ask!
I read your post and I was almost scared to read on.... your legs were heavy, you were struggling with breathing.... I was almost praying 🙏🏻 oh please please let him make it to the end.... I continued to read....tentatively....
that last 5 is a killer! That biatch raises her head again
But then .... I read the words trot ... and I clapped with glee... and a big smile broke out on my face... I knew you had the measure of her!
It wouldn’t be a decent blog post without a little drama! But, I definitely hit the wall around 3-4 minutes in to that last 10 minute run. It was the closest I have come to stopping on a run.
Something pulled me through, it took a while to work it out, but I did in the end. Hence, the Shepherd explanation.
It can be tough ... I so nearly stopped yesterday but the thought of letting everyone down on here (and myself and of course my coach Michael)... spurred me on..
it’s getting tough! I reckon that’s why week 6 is so testing for us all!
But
We got this! 👊 🏃🏽♀️
My support is a given! And you more than reciprocate it...
I love our little running family on here - it’s brilliant
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