After CR 2 & 3 which were my 5k runs , albeit not speedy and by no means ‘easy peasy’I thought I’d get back to proper consolidation . Maybe a few 3k or 4K , get some consistency of pace and build up stamina.
So tonight I decided just to shorten the route and do 3km at a nice steady pace which sounded really enjoyable after the longer 5k runs.
I have to say though I came home pretty disappointed , not the enjoyment I expected and in all honesty I wouldn’t have wanted to continue onto 4K let alone 5k tonight . So I think my lucky run , pardon the pun, has run out , I’ve been enjoying things recently which can make you forget that it’s not the first ‘meh’ run you’ve had and it won’t be the last 😝😝
Slightly annoying that yet again it was self inflicted , I knew I had set off at a faster pace than normal which never bodes well for me. It feels ok at the time , that it’s not a problem, but the problems comes about 1 to 2 km further on when things get A bit grim 🙄😂
It was an odd run too because I usually have a toxic 8-10 min so I did wonder how little of the run was going to be enjoyable . It took 22 minutes so that just left 12 minutes of ‘oh this is better, now I’ve got my stride’ running .
Still, I keep coming back to the word ‘consolidate’ , I just need to keep at it
, keep getting out and keep getting better at it 🏃🏻♀️🏃🏻♀️🏃🏻♀️
So not my usual upbeat post tonight , all a little humdrum and wishy washy but tomorrow is another day , as they say 😂
Written by
RacingintheStreet
Graduate
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Sounds like you had a bit of a mare out there today.... but no worries... honestly.
It's kind of par for the course in consolidations, I think all of the July graduates that I have followed along with have similar experiences. It is a bit of a weird time.
If it helps, the way I approached it was to keep the c25k coach with me, to help me through and keep repeating the 30 minutes. I don't think I let go of Jo properly until consol 15 and even now I will replay a 30 min run if I am in that mood.
Just roll with it, try and stick to 30 mins for a while, whatever distance it is, would be my advice. And enjoy it without any pressure. You have trained to be a 30 min runner and can definitely do it.
Thanks for this Plattso , you’ve basically hit the nail on head ( it always takes someone else to shine a light on what should appear obvious 😂🤷🏼♀️) I should be continu8ng with the 30 mins runs.
The programme is still the programme and its worked well , after grad I should be consolidating these wk9 runs instead of doing a bit of this and that .
Having read all your posts I can see your steady progression and you’ve done it the right way 👌
Don’t know what I was thinking doing an intentional 3km , I think these runs are for when you’ve got a bit of steadiness and consistency then you can focus on other things to improve .
I just need stamina and being able to produce a steady slow start every time .
Well on the plus side, it’s another run under your belt. I think it can be a bit scary out there with your metaphorical training wheels off without no one in your ear telling you that you’re great.
I guess training days are just that...not every run will be a PB...some days you just have to go out and get one in.
Having flashbacks of my son, then 3, riding his trike full speed straight into a wooden fence because he couldn't remember how to stop 😂 (he wasn't hurt, just very bemused!)
Absolutely Lottie , I’ve popped the trading wheels back on , just need to remind myself to put my brakes on too 👍😂
I’ve wandered off the straight and narrow , I should be sticking to 30 minute runs and just progressing steadily.
I also think I set off to fast ( thought I’d sorted that ) and I knew it but couldn’t pull it back so it was on mind all the time . Totally distracted and so much so that when I got home I couldn’t even remember what tracks had played , head just not on it . 🤷🏼♀️🤷🏼♀️
Back to the drawing board 👌😂 there’s always the next one 🏃🏻♀️🏃🏻♀️🏃🏻♀️🏃🏻♀️
You got out there and you kept going despite the toughbits. Sounds like you are learning what works and what doesn't work for you (ie don't go too fast at the start). However, I wonder if it's the expectations that need attending to. If you go out on your run with the expectation of pleasure and it doesn't happen, that can only lead to frustration and disappointment. If instead your only goal is an amount of time, or a distance, you can be open to the experience as it unfolds. Each run, like each brand new day, will be different. Once we get caught up in whether expectations have been met, we can create an internal battle of body and mind. Be kind to yourself. It's still early days in your life as a runner. Focus on breathing, focus on pace, and allow your body to do what it's been trained to do
Thank you , well I’m not exactly expecting ‘pleasure’ , there’s always hard bits 😂 especially that first ‘toxic ten’ 😂😂
I do overall enjoy the runs regardless of the difficulties or ‘not so good bits’ , on reflection I don’t think I went into the run well, I think it was the wrong run to be trying right now and I think although Ive graduated I need to go back to the programme that’s served me well up until now 👌
Namely I really should be doing the advised 30 minute runs that I achieved wk 9 and make those my consolidation .
Too soon to mix things up , I think that is for further down the line .
The 30 mins allow me ten mins to settle my body at my slow steady pace and then I usually settle into my faster but still steady pace for the last 2/3 km.
Once home my stats just confirmed what I already knew really 😝
I think I went off the beaten track a little too soon 🙄😂
You’re right of course , just a rubbish run and I’m sure it won’t be the last .
I am very much still learning and even though I know to start slowly I maybe thought oh well because it’s only 3km I’ll get away with it ...... wrong !
So many different kinds of learning , but it’s all good and there is that saying about ‘if you’re not learning you’re probably ......... 😂😂
I’ll still be out come Friday and I’m putting my ‘training wheels ‘ back on 👍😂
Yes, some consolidation runs are a mixed bag. Shorter runs can be a bit confusing with no time to get into your stride. Never mind, you got out there and did another run. Things will settle down.
Sorry to read about your disappointment....and no photo for me to enjoy 😉 But, you did get out there and the next one will be more ‘enjoyable’ and rewarding 😊
It’s so interesting and helpful for me to read your replies, and the experiences of those of you just ahead of me and what everyone is doing for consolidation. I feel a bit more prepared for what to expect now.
Onwards and upwards with your training wheels and brakes on 💪 and a photo tomorrow please 🙏
I suspect because I was so ‘in a huff’ with this run 😂😂🤦♀️
Although it is so dark now the opportunities are limited really , perhaps I can post photos from the dogs walk which I tend to do just before the run 🤷🏼♀️
I have regained a little perspective today 😂 and had such laughs at the replies to my post that all is now well again in my ‘running world’ 😉
I do wonder how I would fare without this forum for motivation and commiseration 🤷🏼♀️
You’re doing great lovely lady. Meh is ok, you’ll get your high again. Onto the next ✅ 🏃♀️✨
Keep up that focus on the act of your new habit - running at all. Getting out there and crossing off your run is a challenge all by itself so well done 🌟
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Consolidation 4 - Pace Improving! 
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