Back to running after injury and stomach issues

[StarkeyGo]

So I restarted W5 R1 today, I’m happy I did it. The alternative would have been staying indoors and moaning about how pathetic I am.

I finished it but it was super hard, Half way through it I was very thirsty and I wish I had some water with me.

My mood changes a lot and I was worried about what I read that the blood comes out of the stomach and goes into the muscles because I’ve been suffering acid reflux since I started running, around week 3.

I had lots of things going on in my head.

I found myself thinking a lot about what “real runners” would think about me. Or other people would think if they saw me running so slow.

It was quite the mental challenge.

At some point I saw my reflection on a window and thought ‘wow, I look hot, and fast’ LOL

I’m mad I know but hey I did it.

[Jools2020 Graduate]

Well done for getting back out there and doing W5 R1. Doesn’t look like you are particularly slow to me, my pace was much slower than you on Week 5! In fact, for Run 3 my pace was 10:50. I could walk faster 😂 Did I care? Not a bit! I finished the run and moved on. Maybe you could even slow down a bit. Could you have a conversation while you are running, without gasping? If not, then you need to slow down.

I know it can be hard, but try not to worry about what other people are thinking. I used to think that people who saw me running slowly would think I was training for long distance running 😀. You are doing this for you, not other people. All runners are different and run at different speeds. You are a winner because you are out there running! Hydrate well the day before and take some water with you if you think you need to. I haven’t so far, but I always run before it gets hot. At about 5.30 a.m. Listen to music and if you start to worry about other people, focus your attention back on you. Count your steps if you have to. You’ve got this! Good Luck! 👏👏👏

[StarkeyGo Graduate in reply to Jools2020]

You know, I don't think I can run slower than that, I'm trying I swear but somehow my body doesn't respond to that command yet. Maybe is my shoes IDK, I'll try to hold a convo with Laura next time LOL

[nowster Graduate in reply to StarkeyGo]

Same here. I have a natural stride and it's hard to break. Today's overall pace for W4R3 was similar to yours at 8:02. W5 starts for me on Wednesday or Thursday.

Due to having to grab any available gap in the torrential rain today I found myself having to run a bit too soon after lunch. I had hoped to run first thing in the morning. Not good.

[chunkypie Graduate]

Well done for going on a run. I've had many runs where I've questioned if I want to go. I've always forced myself and always felt better and glad afterwards. It's another run closer to week 9.

[StarkeyGo Graduate in reply to chunkypie]

Same here, my mood was super low, I live in my head too much, running has been like a meditation time for me.

[chunkypie Graduate in reply to StarkeyGo]

Its my "me time" when im running. Listen to good music or even a podcast. I run through my local forest and it good to see other people, Dog walkers, Horse riders and other Runners panting, sweating and gasping for breath as they say good morning

[Hidden]

You are a real runner so don't say any different.

Try drinking more water on your non-running days and it might help you with the acid reflux, red apples can also help.

Keep going.. 😊

[StarkeyGo Graduate in reply to Hidden]

I'm drinking coconut water too, will try the red apples and more water! THank you!

[Dtay1978 Graduate]

You’ve been through mill a bit lately haven’t you, so pleased you’re able to get back out there 😊

[StarkeyGo Graduate]

I had, the lockdown has given me the time to see the pattern of my mood. I'll try to use it to get something positive out of. I was very afraid bur it literally changes my mood for the better every time.

[Couchphoenix Graduate]

Well done for getting out there and completing the run. You are a Real Runner, we all are on here. I think you need to stop thinking so much when you run and focus on the run itself, listening to a good upbeat playlist helps. I don’t think about anything when I run, I banish all thoughts from my mind. Good luck with the rest of your journey....stay positive and don’t worry about what other people running out there may think.....truth is they’re too busy concentrating on what they’re trying to do to pay much attention to you 👍🏃‍♀️

[StarkeyGo Graduate in reply to Couchphoenix]

Thank you!!