A mid-morning 30-minute run. M adapted to the reverse direction without any complaints, and, after the first 10 minutes or so, took off ahead.
Sunshine. Interesting clouds. With autumn and with our switching to clockwise direction, I noticed glimpses of more long-distance vistas opening up: all the way to the architectural giants: the Gherkin, the Shard and Canary Wharf. They look closer than they are. Spotted more black plastic-bag birds. Graffiti sprayed on the trunk of a plane tree (βBe Happyβ).
Felt good for the most part, despite lack of sleep, which really ought to have made it all a dreadful slog. Just a few moments when I started to doubt not so much my ability to complete the session but more whether I could do so while still feeling good about the run (I guess thatβs quite a luxury). But these moments seemed to pass - accept them, acknowledge them, let them go, and move on to think about something else. I didnβt take up Lauraβs invitation to step up my pace after the first phase, but nor did I need to step it down later on. Steady. Slow. That worked. Mind drifted off, maybe the result of insomnia. Was I sleep-running most of the final third?
Written by
GailXrunning
Graduate
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You have a way with words; I really enjoy reading your posts and thoughts. It reminds me that although we are all on our own journeys, we can gain from the insights of others. Youβve shown me in your posts to be more observant about where I am running. Maybe the fact that your mind drifted of was due to lack of sleep - but it was still your run and it sounded good! Maybe sometimes we need to do that, too. Happy running π
I certainly learn a huge amount from reading othersβ posts.. everything really. I doubt Iβd be where I am in the programme without these insights ... big things and small.
Super post, I recognise the moments of doubt ( I never countenanced finishing β strangely but always a shadowy fear of not enjoying π€·πΌββοΈ And if, not enjoying , giving up .π€
Iβve had a few horrid runs now and appear not to have given up though π€·πΌββοΈππ
Enjoyed reading your post, there is such diversity on this forum , urban runners, rural runners , coastal runs, river runs, parks and canals and I love going on all of them ( well virtually anyway )
Me too (reading the huge variety). Love seeing all the early morning sunrises. (I see them, but theyβre associated with commutes).
And Iβm glad to know Iβm not the only one with these thoughts. The enjoyment factor is important... although Iβm realistic not to expect permanent perfection (which would, in any case, flatten it over time). Im sure your spate of meh runs will end. And maybe the perspective of variety (again) helps get through these. Thereβs definitely a place for tenacity as well. All for a bit of tenacity! π
So βin the zoneβ is like a taking a quick nap while moving ones legs?? π€£π
The tension mounts for the finale, which, if all goes well, is not a finale at all. All very excited in this house. Even M is coming out as βa runnerβ to all and sundry (to much jaw dropping and gasps from those who know him), and he asks to be reminded which day is set for the graduation run. Whoβd have thought it?! He could barely summon the enthusiasm for a high-five when we hit the 20-minute mark. Got a better one as each week progressed. And now heβs planning a very special celebration dinner from a local restaurant (currently closed, of course). No room for βfailureβ now that thatβs ordered!
I know how I felt after graduation run πππππ
It's really nice seeing other peoples graduation posts, and there reactions, even people i've not been following as such, and i'm sure yours will be a belter!!! π
As always Gail a wonderful post, love reading them. So eloquent...and so In the Moment π. I hardly ever remember which weeks run you've actually done by the end of the post because I get so caught up in the description...I'm with you on the run. When I've finished reading the post I check the title again ...oh yeah...she's on W9R2... You should be putting out podcasts...you'd help me float through my runsππ. And I NEVER take up Laura's invitation to step up the pace π€£π .... Wonderful stuff Gail...we've both got W9R3 next.....well done us heyππππ. Have a good one. πββοΈπ
Now thereβs a crazy idea!! Iβd probably be defeated by technologyπ€£ππ€£. Took me an age to figure out using apps; for a while I thought I needed a Walkman for running. But there is a way in which the βtalking to oneselfβ (or channeling Laura to M) aspect really is quite powerful. Something feels off? Speak about it and it seems less βoffβ. I really noticed this when I was channeling the podcast. (I seem to recall that IannoadT says he does something like this to monitor breathing/pace.)
BtwWhich day are you planning on running your graduation? ππ½ββοΈππ½ββοΈπ₯π₯π§²π§²π§βππ
Yes, I talk to ME throughout my run ... always..my legs are strong, my lungs are strong, slow down and take it steady....you're nearly at Grit Lane, look there's Mr ??? In his garden waiting to wave you on, you're doing great....run tall, keep that core strong πππ€£π. You're right it's pretty powerful stuffπͺπͺ. My early runs however we're...OMG I'm going so slow, n how am I going to do week??? Actually yes it's a good way to monitor breathing/paceπ. Am itching to run tomorrow but I promised myself to leave it until Friday....yoga & hip exercises tomorrow. Wanted to have another comfortable run for the "last sesh" and then go back to every other day off, instead of 2 days.....dependent on how the limbs cope of course..they'll be fineπ. And you running buddy????? πββοΈπ
Friday is the plan. Looking a bit miserable weather-wise; guess Iβm going to have to up the βaweβ at greyness in all its subtle nuances!
My earlier runs exactly as you describe here. (Obvs you have to substitute specifics.) Spot on. In part, I think theyβve become better because of this βself talkingβ approach (whether out loud or as inner monologue/ dialogue). Fascinating stuff. Does some expert out there know anything about this, I wonder?
Well...the psychology of running...now if you're not up for the podcasts...may I suggest a weekly psych session from yourself, followed on by the book .......lectures.....and of course The Movie......Happy running on FridayππππππππββοΈπ
Oh, no! Iβm really sorry to hear that. Whatβs that about? π€·πΌββοΈ Youβve been smashing 30 minutes without a problem.
End of the c25k programme, do you think? Missing itβs sense of structure and purpose? Or maybe you need a rest for an extra day or two to come back refreshed?
I had that experience after graduating - not so much failing, as flailing about without the structure and definitive destination of c25k! I did several 20 mins runs, telling myself that if that was my optimum time, then fine. Once I'd relaxed a bit about 'achievement' and 'ambition' and stopped beating myself up, things improved - now I'm slowly building up to 40 mins (and possibly 5k) on some runs but mixing it up with speed intervals and shorter runs. Also talking myself up on runs (y'know, 'my, what strong legs you have!' etc) noticing when I really AM enjoying it and - like the other evening - turning around to run facing a stunning sunset, even though that meant I cut out part of the run! Every now and then, I return to Steve Hobbs' mindfulness run podcast - it's so good for helping guide you to be in the moment when running.
Donβt apologise - on the contrary, thatβs so very helpful to know. It certainly makes a lot of sense to me. I especially love the way you βseize the momentβ with spontaneous decisions to change plan just for the thrill of the sunset. Thatβs beautiful (and I donβt just mean the sunset - it brings beauty into the run, into the whole experience).
Thanks DexD, helpful advice. Quite a few have said listening to Steve Hobbs podcasts helps them so may give that a shot or go back to week 7 again and build up from there πππΌββοΈ
I know what you mean about your mind drifting. I have found now I'm running for longer that I can think about other things instead of just putting one foot in front of the other, feels great!
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