Consolidation Run 1-5: The Chronicles

[Hula_hooping_rach]

So I lost the plot a little and took 4 days off after completing C25k on 30th September. Didn’t feel any urge to go running and after reflecting a little I realised at no point during the 9 weeks had I actually enjoyed a run. I’d enjoyed finishing, but the runs themselves were a case of gritting my teeth to get through and prove to myself I could do it.

Finally got myself back out the door on 5th October for my first post graduation run. Since then I’ve been trying to find my groove - have used a simple distance tracker on a couple of runs, did a Coach Cory run and a couple of personalised coaching runs on Nike Run Club.

On to today, got myself all set up to do a speed run today, got out the door then as soon as my warm up walk was done, the heavens opened. Got on with it anyway and started to run, only to realise after 1.5km (running at my fastest pace) that I’d had a technical fault. Set the app back up and carried on - 1km later (again at fastest pace) realised the NRC app had failed again. At this point I was running like a miserable melting snowman☃️ so cut my losses and headed home.

I’ll be reverting back to the simple distance tracker from now on, it seems to be the only time that my mind has quietened and I’ve just ran.

Have a 5k fundraising race on Saturday which I’m concerned about - the furthest I’ve managed so far is almost 4K in 37 mins and I expect it’s likely to take around 47 mins to complete a 5k 😰.

[Hidden]

5k charity race? It's only a race if you're racing Hula_hooping_rach !! Go at your speed not others 👍 and that distance it's a snippet further than you've already managed

[Hula_hooping_rach Graduate in reply to Hidden]

You are right, of course!

I guess I’m just finding it disheartening that others who graduated when I did are managing further and faster than me, and seemingly with not much more effort expended.

Perhaps I should have a break from the forum until I’ve tamed my insecurity demons 👺

[Hidden in reply to Hula_hooping_rach]

Whoaaaaaaah a little story of encouragement, call it a sermon but errrrrr I've no pulpit or am I ordained 😆.

At the time I started my C25k adventure ( for the 2nd time) a younger colleague started about a week behind me, he had perhaps 20yrs youth on his side, and was sooooo competitive. Yes he was in the end after graduating a faster runner, his trainers now sadly lie unused and dusty and his interest in running seemingly has fallen by the wayside 🧐.

Me I'm still plodding around, at my own little pace, I've accepted that others will always be either quicker, slower, or be able to run further up steeper hills than me. But Hula_hooping_rach my runs are my runs👍 don't let yourself be dragged into stats of others......... It's easier to simply Run 👍

[mezziejay Graduate]

I am about your speed too and I totally relate to your not enjoying the runs ! I only enjoy the feeling of I did it but the run itself is just so hard to get through !!!

Good luck for your 5k and just think about how good it feels when it’s over !! Xx

[healthy-laughter Graduate]

I know what you mean but please don't feel disheartened. I graduated on 20th Sept and can honestly say I have yet to ' enjoy' a run. I am pleased when I complete one, but that's about it. I've done 8 consolidation jogs since and on several my time was slower than the graduation run. 3.5km on graduation as low as 3.2km yesterday! I was feeling so fed up at the weekend I jogged for 45 mins and managed 5.15km so you will definitely be able to do the 5km. Who cares it's not in 30 mins. I don't imagine I will ever get there. I think getting under 40 mins will take forever.

I too sometimes feel rubbish when I read all the proud posts on here but - so we aren't fast, at least we are off the couch. Good luck and keep doing what you are doing. ♥️

[Sh53202 Graduate]

I totally agree. My times and distances very similar. I graduated in September ( 3k). I can run 4 k reliably now but I find it hard work. I am keeping my goals small and have learned to accept it takes a long time, remember there are so many of us similar to you or slower, and good on you with the charity run. You are braver than me.