Consolidation 3 - Learning to accept the unpredictable 🙂

[Pnegirl]

A diagram predicting my running journey (and posts haha) which I'm sure will resonate with others on this forum, no matter the stage 😂

After my previous, confusing run, I took everybody's advice on board. I decided to just go with the flow, slow down (again) and accept that there are many lessons still to be learnt (I think I momentarily forgot the point of consolidation lol). I'm pleased to report it was a success and I felt much more comfortable...I even sprinted my last two laps which I haven't done in a long time! It felt amazing to do that and while I was sharing the sportsfield with a young lad doing some football training (I ran after work rather than early morning), I was not embarrassed about grinning like an idiot on my last lap. I managed a time that I was really really happy with (5.02k in 33:18) but I am being more mindful that it's about the experience and learning more about being a runner. There will be good days and, inevitably, I have to be ready for the bad days too.

Sorry for my up and down posts, I promise I'm not this contrary in real life 😂

[Instructor57 Graduate]

Sounds like a good run !

And a good time , but, as long as you enjoy it that's all that really matters 😁👍

[Pnegirl Graduate in reply to Instructor57]

Thanks Instructor57! Yes, I'm trying to relax during the run and hopefully will manage that over the next few runs as well. I do like looking at the stats but I don't let them rule me as I only look afterwards

[Hidden]

Hmmmm not a hare but I tortoise ahem.... That's a really good pace 👍 great consolidation

[Pnegirl Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thanks lmc50. I wasn't sure what you meant by the hare thing for a moment then but remembered it's on my profile isn't it lol. Might edit that as I wrote it when I first joined but there's still a valuable lesson there for me!

[Hidden in reply to Pnegirl]

That tortoise approach is a sensible one Pnegirl looks like your naturally quick, so hold it back it's never going to desert you, get your stamina up and distance👍 however far it is you want to go?

[Pnegirl Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Very good advice, thank you 🙂. Not sure how far I want to go. Happy with around the 4-5k mark for the foreseeable but after consolidation and getting comfier and more confident in my running, who knows...

[BradC Graduate]

Great to see that you enjoyed it so much!😀

[Pnegirl Graduate in reply to BradC]

Thanks BradC! Yes I did compared to my last one but that's what I'm trying to get over...some days will be good and then some will be a struggle. Learning to not beat myself up about it lol

[Plattszo Graduate]

Hi there! I remember the early days of consolidation.... it is a bit confusing about what we are supposed to be achieving during this time. There are definitely ups and downs. The downs make us want to repeat to get a good run and the ups make us want more feel good factor!! Either way, it is positive, I think!! So don't worry about any of that.

The main thing I took from one of the moderators is the building of endurance and putting the k's into the legs. I also have learned a lot about myself, being without the rigour of the programme (I just completed my consolidation 22).

Enjoy the freedom and the learning process and prevent injury with the 10% rule...

Well done on your graduation by the way 🎓 I still keep pinching myself that I can actually run now and even more surprised to find I need it and want it in my life!

[Pnegirl Graduate in reply to Plattszo]

Thanks so much Plattszo for your insight into the consolidation process. It's really helpful to hear from people who have gone through it and from what I can see so far, you're absolutely right about wanting to repeat to either maintain the feel good factor or get over a bad run. Yes, I'm sticking to the 10% rule as I'd hate to injure myself by being irresponsible and pushing myself too far. I'd also hate to miss a run because I'm really conscious of non-run days. Never thought I'd miss running this much haha! Who knew?? 🙂

[Plattszo Graduate in reply to Pnegirl]

This is excellent news! Just enjoy the no pressure feeling. I just tried to keep up with running 30 minutes at any pace, different routes, different surfaces, keeps the interest and the brain involved too.

Look forward to seeing how you progress... its all in your hands (or legs 😉😂).

[RacingintheStreet Graduate]

Great to hear you had a good enjoyable run , I can almost see you smiling round your last lap.

You have great pace so you can afford to pull back and build up stamina and endurance and still turn in a good pace. 👌🙂

I think as long as we keep reminding ourselves why they call it consolidation we’ll be on the right path.

Good for you keeping up your runs too ..... no slouchin* for you 😂👌🏃🏻‍♀️🏃🏻‍♀️🏃🏻‍♀️

[Pnegirl Graduate in reply to RacingintheStreet]

Hi Racinginthestreet 🙂! Yes, I guess that is what it's all about and it's crazy to think it's actually only been roughly a week since we graduated. I don't know about you, but it feels like a while ago already. I think focusing on stamina and endurance will be the key though I'm going to stick with 33 minutes while I do this charity challenge and then think about possibly upping it at the weekends when I have more time. Haha, definitely no slouching for me; as long as the weather plays ball (which I don't think will last much longer), I try to get out for a run every alternate day. That probably won't last though once the rain really kicks in ☔. I hope you have a lovely weekend 😁

[RacingintheStreet Graduate in reply to Pnegirl]

Yes you too ! Enjoy your weekend , hope the weather is kind 👌🙂

[Buzzbeebh Graduate]

Well done and good to hear about your run

[Pnegirl Graduate in reply to Buzzbeebh]

Thanks Buzzbeebh! I always wonder whether to post or not after a run but I find it's quite helpful to reflect on how it went and get advice from those further down the line than me 🙂

[Buzzbeebh Graduate in reply to Pnegirl]

👍🏼Yes, I find the same!

[Tinytears60 Graduate]

Love it Pnegirl and....

I so relate to the bottom A to B 🤣🤣🤣 thats most of my runs when I go to local park.. looks like etch a sketch gone crazy! ✍️ 🤪

You’re doing fab and as you say - we are all still learning - that’s a fab 5k time by the way 👌

Taming the gremlins is my biggest challenge 🙈🤣🤣

Happy running 💕

[Pnegirl Graduate in reply to Tinytears60]

Ah thanks Tinytears60! It really is the biggest challenge but it sounds like you're smashing the runs too from Platszo's post earlier. Happy running to you too and enjoy the wiggly A-Bs! 😂

[acountrycabbage Graduate]

That is a great picture 😂 and an even better run 🙌🏼 Glad you were able to embrace the present moment and put everything else aside.

Don’t you dare apologise for your posts! It’s good to offload your thoughts and feelings.. and who better to offload to than people who have/had the exact same dilemmas!

[Pnegirl Graduate in reply to acountrycabbage]

That's a very good point CC. I just know they're so up and down haha 😂. Glad you appreciated the image lol

[Hidden]

I can't believe we're now talking about consolidation runs 😂😂 when did that happen?

Only seemed like yesterday that 60 seconds had me blowing like a whale and now I'm doing comfortable 30 minute sessions.

Well done on your run you and hitting those 5km's 💪💪