Fifth Consolidation Run

[Dodgylungs]

My most recent run was lastThursday. I intended to run on Saturday but started to feel unwell and had the lurgy on my lungs. I attempted to run again yesterday afternoon and lasted less than 5 minutes. So I was by no means certain I would manage it today.

I started early around 7.20.am. The 5 minute walk uphill felt harder than usual but better than yesterday. I started the run very slowly and as soon as I started I knew I was in better shape today but felt I wasn’t in good enough shape to finish. I got to 5 minutes and decided to carry on. Between 5 and 10 minutes my head was full of doubt as my lungs felt heavy, legs were achy and I felt tired. I hit the Heath on 10 minutes and thought if I could make it halfway I would stand a chance. As I ran past the tennis courts two older ladies ran alongside me and I felt a huge pang of embarrassment because they seemed to be running at a snail pace. In fact they were passing me very slowly and having them alongside me was actually distracting.

At this point I took an early turn down the hill to the lido. The 15 minute bell rang and I realised I’d have to run around the lido for the next 15 minutes or I’d find myself running uphill and struggling. By the time I ran around the lido I decided to take my chances on the main road and started the incline back up towards the Heath with 10 minutes still to go. I basically ran up and down Mansfield Road and alternated up a side road until Jo finally told me I could stop. I was sweating more than usual, aching, puffing but elated. Lust For Life once again played as I walked towards the coffee shop and this was probably my most important run since graduation. Another day of failure and I might have decided I wasn’t well enough to do this running malarkey, stopped and lost fitness. I am so happy and relieved I made it!

[Instructor57 Graduate]

Sounds to me like your doing exactly the right thing !

Not running when you have an issue , stopping if you feel you should, but carrying on when you feel you can !

Well done ! 👍

[Dodgylungs Graduate in reply to Instructor57]

Thank you. It’s nice to have that reinforced. I was thinking just that today. There’s no way I was up to it yesterday and I’m actually glad I listen to my body rather than grinding myself into the ground when ill or injured.

[Instructor57 Graduate in reply to Dodgylungs]

The thing is also to enjoy your runs !

After all , they are YOUR runs , nobody else's, I certainly found I was putting too much pressure on myself to run every other day !

But why ? I don't need it .

Now I will have 2, 3 or 4 days off, so what !

It works for me and I enjoy the runs I do .

So my advice would be keep doing YOUR runs, not someone else's 😁👍

[Dodgylungs Graduate in reply to Instructor57]

That’s another very good point. I feel like I’ve somehow failed if I don’t run every other day. Yet I enjoy the runs more when I’m fresh and not aching. I will consider what you’ve said.

[nowster Graduate]

Don't forget that the first 10 minutes of a run can be hard for anyone.

Well done in getting out there and proving to yourself that you can still do it.

As Instructor57 says, these runs are your runs, not anyone else's. Run within your capabilities. Stretch outside them at your own pace.

[Dodgylungs Graduate in reply to nowster]

Yes, I need to stop competing with myself and basically run when I feel ready. Mind you sometimes, like today, it’s good to give yourself a little push when things have been tricky but it’s making sure I’m not overdoing it when I’m feeling off.

[acountrycabbage Graduate]

Well done for pushing on DL, it’s so great to finish on a high 😊 Like Instructor says, you’re listening to your body and then running when you can ✅ Don’t feel too downcast when it’s a rough session. Onto the next 🏃‍♂️✨

[Dodgylungs Graduate in reply to acountrycabbage]

Absolutely! I’m just happy to still be running!