Lots to say today. I haven't posted for a while but love reading everyone's posts and replies -this is such a generous and supportive community -why can't all online forums be like this one?
I'm still 64!
When I last posted I was worrying about a sore right knee and other aches, and was unable to complete wk5run3. I decided to visit a local sports injury clinic which has been stunning - I'm going once a week, being provided with particular exercises (which I sometimes do!) the various tender areas being worked on to ease the muscles, and most importantly feeling reassured that I haven't done any damage and what I'm feeling is pretty normal - although I really must stretch more. I decided to leave the 20 minute run and focus on repeating 10 minute runs and even 5mins, 8 mins and 5 mins, until I was feeling more confident. So when I managed the 20 minute run wk5run3 - I was elated! That put me back on track so moved onto Week 6 and guess what? I've just come back from Wk7 run 1 which is my second 25minute run! Even speeding up for the last 60 seconds as Sanjeet encourages me to. It's all a bit unbelievable - running for a sustained period like this -and knowing I can do it.
So.. I've got this far and am feeling good! And want to share some tips that have worked for me with anyone who is struggling at a similar point -week 5 wobbles!
1. A good podcast where have to listen intently is working better for me than just music-and I enjoy juicy court trials and crime stories - I definitely want to know what happens next and it does take my mind off the running
2. Treat yourself to better running shoes if you haven't already - I read others' posts and went for Brooks- to be honest I'm not sure how much difference they are making, but I feel more 'serious' in them.
3. The first 10 minutes is definitely the hardest - no doubt -but don't quite understand why. That's when my gremlins are really having a go at me to stop -but I'm shouting down them down, and once I've hit that half way bell, they seem to hide in a corner for the rest of the run.
4. I preferred the 25 minute run without holding my water bottle which I've done up till now - my arms seem to swing more easily ,so I'm going to leave it behind on my next one.
5. I'm keeping to the same route pretty much, -that is comforting and familiar.
6. I'm running before 8am - not having breakfast till after -and 'thinking' about my run the night before - actually looking forward to it!
7. And of course, reading and enjoying all the wonderful posts - both those which are triumphant and of course those which are less so - we need to read about the difficulties so we don't feel alone in our inabilities!
I'm really hoping that my next 2 x 25minute runs are do-able and this hasn't all been a bit of a fluke. I'm sitting here typing this with an ice pack on my left haunch - really sore round there- but not worrying about the aches and pains any longer, especially as they don't bother me when running. Oh and my final tip, and the most important for me - SLOW RUNNING! This has really helped.
I'm going to give it 2 days now of rest and recovery, and go out again this Sunday for wk7 run2 - who'd have thought it?
Can't believe I'm on Week 5 day 2
Week 7 Run 2...Can't believe it...
Done it, got there and can't believe it!
W9R3 complete!! Can't believe I've done It!!
Week 8 - I can't believe it!
