Seventh Consolidation Run

[Dodgylungs]

It was a nice crisp morning. A little chilly to start and so I wore both my fleece and North Face jacket. Probably a bit too much because as soon as I started running I wanted to take the jacket off. The first 5 minutes were tricky this morning. I wasn't really in the mood for a run and I'd waited an extra day as I was tired yesterday. So I kept a steady pace without running too fast. When Jo gave her pep talk about some days you feel like a gazelle, I thought I'm still waiting for those days when I have a spring in my step. I think just about every run I've done has been tough. Today was no exception.

Between 5 and 10 minutes was extra tiring for some reason. During the second pep talk about not running too fast because there are still 20 minutes to go, I seriously questioned whether I was going to make it. On 15 minutes I was on the Heath and I decided to start running downhill early because I was starting to feel a bit sick again (thanks to last night's Chinese meal) but not an overpowering nausea this time. I ran the route that snakes around the running track and leads down to the lido.

On 20 minutes I was at the lido car park but instead of running around it, I ran on the main road (which is Gordon House Road not Mansfield Road as I've been calling it for 12 weeks!). I ran up and down the main road and slipped into Lissenden Gardens (not Lissenden Road as I've also been calling it for 12 weeks!!). This last 10 minutes was particularly tough and I really have no idea why. I slept well last night though I did have a busy day yesterday. I think I may need to look at my diet as I've strayed from my usual chicken salad meals a bit too much. I need to get down to the supermarket and stock up on healthy food!

Anyway, when Jo announced the 30 minutes was up, my legs felt heavy and wobbly and I kind of staggered home, struggling to walk up the hills on the way back to chez Dodgylungs. I'm pleased I finished it, as my head was really trying to sabotage me. I must admit that I was hoping it might all feel a little easier by now. I'll keep going until I'm feeling better running and then start thinking about the move up to 10K.

[acountrycabbage Graduate]

I’ve struggled massively to hit my 30mins some days too, and like you I’ve thought, ‘shouldn’t this be easier now?’

Just remind yourself how new to this running lark we are! Your body is still adapting to your new habit.

Stick at it and even if you decide to opt for a 20-25min run on occasion that isn’t a fail. You’re winning just by getting off the couch.

[Dodgylungs Graduate in reply to acountrycabbage]

Thank you. Yes, I should remind myself that just 3 months ago I wasn’t running. Before lockdown I was doing 5K three times a week on the treadmill but running outside is a different ball game entirely. I’m going to keep it up because I enjoy the benefits, but I do really hope that I can have the odd run where I think I enjoyed that and I feel great now!’ Well done for keeping it up to you also. You’re doing great!

[acountrycabbage Graduate in reply to Dodgylungs]

Thank you! Still very much enjoying it for the most part, there’s a real freedom that comes with the outdoor running as opposed to a treadmill.

I’d forgotten you were indoor running beforehand but like you say, the ‘terrain’ is soo different!

[Dodgylungs Graduate in reply to acountrycabbage]

Yes absolutely. I much prefer running outside now. Don’t think I’ll ever go back to the gym. I have a pretty bad shoulder problem at the moment, but when that clears up I want to get some weights so I can keep my muscles up to scratch.

[acountrycabbage Graduate in reply to Dodgylungs]

That must be affecting your running too then? Don’t beat yourself up about not smashing your 30mins each and every time. It seems that shorter runs can be good for increasing distance over time too 👍🏼 after another week of consolidation I’m going to mix my timings just to shake things up.

The Nike Run Club app offers guided runs from 15mins upwards so it’s nice to be told you’ve smashed the run you set out to do.

Just thought I’d mention in case you fancy a change. I wouldn’t possibly be able to cut off the lovely Jo 10mins before she’s called time! 😨

[Dodgylungs Graduate in reply to acountrycabbage]

Actually my shoulder doesn’t affect my running at all I’m glad to say. Getting out of bed first thing is very painful but I pop some ibruprofen and manage it. Might have to get a cortisone injection as it’s been painful for bes toast of a year now.

I’d like to see a bit more science on mixing up the distances. My fear is that the minute I run less than 30 minutes my he ad will want to stop at that point every run. My mental battle is the hardest thing I have with myself every day. I have the Nike app and was going to use it for building up to 10K running. I haven’t completed 5K yet and want to run further rather than less distance.

There’s a 35 minute run on there that I want to build up to. I want to run 32 mins in the coming next few weeks and then 34 and then eventually try the 35 mins. I should really be able to do it now if I take it slowly. There hasn’t been a single run where I feel comfortable. Might be to do with the inclines in my area but my ex wife laughs when I call them hills as she is a mountain climber and claims it’s all practically flat terrain but it just isn’t how it feels to me.

[acountrycabbage Graduate in reply to Dodgylungs]

I totally get one you mean about wanting to see the science and that mentally a sub 30min will set you off your game.

I’m torn between nailing a 5K first or just striving on with running for longer. I’d really like to give JuJu’s 60min Magic plan a go. I think I’m better suited to having a big fat goal off in the distance to strive for and I like the visual of the week by week plan to keep me on track.

I hear you on the ‘hills’!! I tackled one last week and it was killer. It was only about a 3% gradient over 1K 😅 Ugh, couldn’t do it everyday but I’m adding it to my goals list.

It’s a shame to hear you haven’t had one comfortable run. I blame the beautiful Heath(!) but also, if you’re feeling hydrated enough, then like you suggested, maybe your nutrition is the next thing to look at. I have a bit of a sensitive tum, and like you, I sometimes feel sick during the last 5mins of a run. I’ve noticed it’s always when I’m tired, dehydrated or haven’t eaten the best things to fuel my body!

[Dodgylungs Graduate in reply to acountrycabbage]

Yes diet is crucial. I think I’m going to use 30 mins as my baseline run. Never drop below that and then as I build up the distance maybe do the odd 30 min run on days I’m tired.

I hear you on needing goals. Is there an app or podcast for Ju Ju’s Magic Plan?

[acountrycabbage Graduate in reply to Dodgylungs]

What I like about sticking with 30mins is, on the days you’re not really feeling it, you head out anyway knowing you’re going to be back home in a measly 40mins! It’s nothing really!

As far as I’m aware, there’s no podcast. I believe the plan was created by one of the forum admin team as opposed to NHS bods. I think the variety of Nike runs covers all the times/distances though.

[Dodgylungs Graduate in reply to acountrycabbage]

I’ve also got a Zenlabs 10K app. Might have a go at that. The first run is 4 x 10 minute runs. Might start doing that. Then I’ll be home in a measly hour

[acountrycabbage Graduate in reply to Dodgylungs]

Ha ha, yes, another few months and we’ll be scoffing at a measly 1hr run 🤩🤪

Ooh, haven’t heard of that, I’ll took a look, cheers 👍🏼

[Dodgylungs Graduate in reply to acountrycabbage]

It’s in the App Store - I think I might start Week 1 of it next week after 3 more consolidation runs at 30 minutes.

[acountrycabbage Graduate in reply to Dodgylungs]

Enjoy - keep powering on! 👊🏼💥

[Dodgylungs Graduate in reply to acountrycabbage]

Thank you. You too

[pr0fess0r Graduate]

Wow, good work. Sounds like quite the route you have worked out! Some days the run seems a lot easier that others, great to hear you made it all the way!

[Dodgylungs Graduate in reply to pr0fess0r]

Thanks buddy, yeah today was one of the difficult days. After doing 7 consolidation runs I was hoping I’d be raring to start moving up the distances. I guess patience is the answer. I’m not young anymore and I do have a lung impairment, so I should take my time with it all.

[JulesL69 Graduate]

Hi Dodgy, I read somewhere that dress 10 degrees warmer than the actual weather. I still have been out running in short sleeves tops and shorts, I did take a wind proof jacket out the other day and within 3 mins I whipped it off, thankfully it was really lightweight 😃.

I don’t think any of my runs have been easy, I have better runs than some but they are always challenging in different ways. As CC said we are still knew to this, I envy my friend that runs 10k 3 times a week at a 5km pace 😳She has reminded me sooooo many times that she has been running for over 30 years, I think we are impatient.

Keep going out, don’t think about the 10k just do your best and it will come in time.

BTW- perhaps lay off a Chinese takeaway the night before 😂