W1 R2 - Run like a gazelle!

[acountrycabbage]

Evening All!

I’ve had a busy one looking after my boisterous niece and nephew today. Didn’t have a minute to myself from 8am-6pm so I was pleased that my babysitting duties coincided with run day 🙏🏼

I’d been thinking about it a lot during the day and was as keen as proverbial mustard to lace up those trainers! I had those last minute nerves and niggles that the run might not go to plan but I just got on with it and I’m pleased to report that it went well. Hooray!

I found myself picking up the pace by run 4, (in fact I was being a bit sneaky and running as soon as Jo was back in my ear and would slow a little while after she’d told me to), I just felt so full of pep.

I was tired but it felt natural to do so, is that normal? I assume it’s partly because once your body has engaged with the fact that you’re exercising, the adrenaline/endorphins/dolphins or other such science-y type things have kicked in and you get a boost?

I was worried I had began hitting the ground a little too fiercely when the thought of ‘earthing’ came to mind. For those not in the know, it’s the practice of mindfully walking barefooted, among other things, in order to become more connected with the ground, or rather Mother Nature. It’s supposedly good for helping with inflammation, pain, mood and de-stressing.

I read an article that said when you walk, try gently returning your foot to the ground as though you are kissing the earth. It may sound gobbledygook to some but apparently there’s some science behind it (look at me with all the science tonight?!) #dolphins 😂

Anyways, I find it massively therapeutic, even just on the garden grass, so thought I’d give it a try, albeit on trainer-clad, faster moving feet. And it worked! I stopped pounding the road and felt more spritely. Maybe even a bit gazelle-like. (To the cows in the fields watching me, probs not so much).

Stitch threatened towards the end. I’ve drank a fair bit of sparkling water today which may have triggered it? Need to read up on that. Or perhaps it was my impatient extra run time.. 😉

Hope everyone had a great day. Looking forward to more of your own tales tomorrow.

CC x

[Hidden]

On here Oldfloss advises every one to 'kiss the ground' when running. The app also says something like, if someone watched you from behind a hedge, they shouldn't realise that you are running. So seems like you are right.

Lovely enthusiasm and get up and go! I would suggest that you carefully follow the programme, there is no rush and before you know it you will not have any walking sections at all.

[acountrycabbage Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Hi Helen, thanks for your note. The hedge thing is interesting, it’s purpose to eliminate bounce from your stride I suppose. I’ll bear that in mind. I’ll check out Oldfloss’ thoughts on kissing the ground too

You’re absolutely right, there’s no rush at all, as soon as the run time increases next week, I will 100% stick with it. I guess I’m just really pleased/surprised I’m not quite as unfit as I feared and that the 20mins yesterday zipped by.

Fingers crossed all this pep stays with me until Week 9!

[HappyNoodle Graduate]

Fantastic sounds like you had a great run.

I would err on the side of caution and stick to the program as although you feel like you can do it it doesn’t necessarily mean you should. I was as enthusiastic just over two years ago and ended up on the IC for nearly two years while I had three different physios fix my knee.

It’s so good you found your mojo and are enjoying the program. May all your runs be as wonderful 😍

[acountrycabbage Graduate in reply to HappyNoodle]

Thanks HappyNoodle, I will bear that in mind. I won’t ever forget my broken leg experience (2017) which left me on crutches for 10 months. I didn’t recover as quickly as doctors expected me to, which put the fear in me and there were moments where I thought, ‘what if I’m unable to walk properly ever again?’

I promised myself *a lot* that if I was able, I would get super fit once it was all over. It’s been longer than intended but here we are

Sounds like your knee is much better too - congrats on completing the program!

[HappyNoodle Graduate in reply to acountrycabbage]

Thank you. Wishing you all the best on your journey to super fitness. 😍

[Tinytears60 Graduate]

Fab post -

Just imagine how you feel when you get your new shoes 👟👟👏👏👏

Stick to the programme no matter how tempted you are... it’s magic 👌 💕

[acountrycabbage Graduate in reply to Tinytears60]

Thanks!

I actually already bought trainers... - Brooks Ghosts - £££! Eeek! My old trainers (couldn’t even find them!) were 15 years old so felt I needed a new pair from the off, and that they might as well be half decent.

Having discovered the forum post-purchase I am of course now concerned a gait analysis might lead to a change in footwear. If it does, at least the Brooks will look pretty when I walk the dog, ha ha!