Completed another consolidation run yesterday...still hate love running

[Bloomsbury22]

Am so, so pleased with myself. A couple of you know the struggle I have had with asthma and severe hayfever/sinuses. I, basically, am not built to run. However, I think it is one of the greatest achievements I have had is graduating from C25K. I am still very much at the mercy of the pollen gods, and really can't wait for the autumn when this pollen situation finally dies down for good, but I've eased in to a more relaxed mindset of alternating running on good days, and yoga on bad days, that is the right balance for me.

That said, I had a good run yesterday. It was really hard though. Pollen levels were really high and I went out medicated to the gills with a good smear of vaseline under my nose to block the pollen and with inhalers and hankies stuffed down my sports bra and leggings. I don't know if I will ever be one of those people who actually enjoys running, although come autumn, I hope that will change. However, it is definitely worth it for so many other reasons, and the elation at finishing has never dimmed. And that is worth it, as well as the good it is doing both my mind and body.

Read this article yesterday and it connected 100% to my love/hate relationship with running. Point 10, re the constant battle with one's mind, is me every single run ever. But me conquering my mind is what gives me the most satisfaction.

pocketmindfulness.com/i-hat...

So, ultimately, I hope I do become one of those runners that eventually enjoys running for running sake. However, not giving up any time soon! x

[RunningBoy68 Graduate]

hi. Well done for sticking with it. I feel Im in a similar mindset. I graduated 3 werks ago & have now completed 3 x 5k and few shorter runs. I one day hope to love running, currently goubg through a phase where its a struggle mentally more than physically (30+minutes seems a long time) & Im thinkibg more about how far to go rather than just running. I do feel great after I finish & I can tell I feel fitter. The elation of finishing doesnt currently match the effort I use to keep running. It was hot sweaty & pollen-ee on Saturday and my nose suffered afterwards. I breath in & out through my mouth when running- cant stop it. I know its not right but works for me.

Stick with it and keep telling yourself that one day you'll love this and you'll be one of those runners thatjust get in the zone and keep in running.

good luck

[Bloomsbury22 Graduate in reply to RunningBoy68]

That's what I am hoping. And don't worry, I am a mouth-breather too! No choice, my sinuses are completely blocked!I also agree with the motivation. I think it is hard after graduation, when there isn't a clear milestone to work towards. With me it is really about getting to the point I feel more comfortable, and hopefully enjoy it. I have noticed, despite all this wingeing, that am getting marginally quicker (not really trying, more focused on getting to the end!). So that is good. I would still like to hit the 5k in 30 mins goal, but that is a while off, and won't get anywhere near that until the pollen situation is a distant memory.

[Neverhare Graduate]

Hi, well done for still running when you are suffering so much! Don't worry, once we hit August you will feel autumn coming on, I've seen loads of berries already. I prefer it a bit cooler and I am blaming temperature for this morning's poor performance. I think I only managed to run for 25 minutes and had to drop back to a walk, but later I managed another minute at the end, struggling.

That was my 7th consolidation run. I still feel motivated to go out but I feel as if my performance is going backwards!

[Bloomsbury22 Graduate in reply to Neverhare]

Agree re autumn hitting. Perhaps I will take off like a rocket if I keep struggling through, and once the pollen situation is history... My motivation and morale took a real bashing last week as had to abandon three runs at various points through asthma. One getting as far as 25 minutes and then...poof!. So yesterday was a big morale boost.

[Grannyasbo Graduate]

Great post thank you. The article on mid over matter and mindfulness was very interesting too. I recognised a lot of how I feel in it.

Hope the end of the pollen season when it comes helps with you running. In the meantime yay and well done for grit and determination. 😀👏👏👍