CR5: Cold-day run (‘naked’; chatting)

[GailXrunning]

Morning run at 9.20. Counterclockwise circuit. Very cold and overcast, although reasonable visibility all the way to the towers of Canary Wharf. No earphones - so ‘naked’ - but with running partner (so maybe this doesn’t count?)

All went well. We chatted throughout, mostly about the run, or comparing with previous one, or what I’d read about running, or what M thought of his new blood-pressure kit. Talked to a pair of crows who were tumbling together just in front of us. Heard a beautiful song from a bird - something unusual, with the sound complexity of a blackbird, but even more varied. We located it visually in a tree top: sparrow sized. We wondered if it was a blackcap. (The central European blackcaps overwinter in uk, while the uk blackcaps head south in colder months.)

We deliberately tried to gauge the starting pace, as we’d both set off too fast in other CRs; partial success. Both felt it was ‘hard’ about two thirds in, but it certainly helps to talk about it (it’s not even the pushing one another on that does the work, just externalising thoughts and observations... possibly just speaking out loud). Air quality deemed ‘excellent’, so can’t blame that. It suggests we are still starting too fast? Need more practice here.

We played a bit with some chi running principles. This was great fun to try out. A lot of it makes sense. Even our inexpert and untutored efforts made a difference. Think we get the postural line from the ankle (‘lean from the ankle’) and the lifting of the spine upwards and forwards. (Pilates and yoga experience come in handy here.) We don’t yet have the fuller rearward stride, and not sure about ‘cycling’ legs. Our cadence is ok-ish. We’re probably still closer to Tanaka’s niko niko steps. Need more practice, but it’s really interesting to experiment with form. Think I’m becoming especially interested in questions of form and in mindsets in running (more than I am in focusing on times and distances, although these are certainly part of the mix).

‘Naked’ of a cue to finish at 30 minutes, we ran over time, unintentionally.

31:35; 4.09k; 7:44 m/km.

Splits: 7:45; 7:50; 7:30; 7:48; (7:50)

M’s blood pressure was *significantly* down immediately after post-run stretches.

Happy running!!

[Runforurlife Graduate]

Ah sounds like a good run, with a good pace too, well done. I love your write ups! Always feel like I could be right there, running with you. I can just about see Canary Wharf too from here (waving from SE London!) Interesting to hear about the chi running principles. I fear your runs are a lot more mindful than mine. I spend a lot of my runs wondering about the odd/sad/happy/crazy/nonsensical lyrics of the (mostly) 80's tunes I listen to! However, since reading your mindful runs, I have been noticing more. Today, I noticed puddles everywhere and their reflections 😊

[GailXrunning Graduate in reply to Runforurlife]

Beautiful! 😉

[GailXrunning Graduate in reply to Runforurlife]

Beautiful! 😉

[nowster Graduate]

As I'm more a "barefoot" style runner, the chi running style is of interest. I don't know if I'm getting it, though.

[GailXrunning Graduate in reply to nowster]

I think, if I understand, it’s best imagined as a perpetual work in progress. That’s reassuring: just need to imagine oneself somewhere very early in the journey!

[Bambi2020 Graduate]

Another good run- sounds like running has become a really relaxing pastime for you both- your posts give us inspiration to look for the peace and nature on our own runs- I’ll give it a try tomorrow morning 👍🏻

[GailXrunning Graduate in reply to Bambi2020]

Ah, that’s so lovely. ☺️Yes, we’re both amazed not only that we can now run 4k 2 or 3 times a week (like, where did that all come from?), but that we’re enjoying it so much. M is doubly impressed now he can see the dramatic effects on BP. Have a really lovely run tomorrow!

[Bambi2020 Graduate in reply to GailXrunning]

Thanks- I’m going to aim for a longer, slower one to try and keep my heart rate at a decent level- will give me chance to look at the view and the wildlife! 🐦 🦔

[GailXrunning Graduate in reply to Bambi2020]

Glide away, majestic gazelle!

[Peter44 Graduate]

Sounds another good run, so no earphones, no being told times, distance, splits, etc, interesting! 🤔 just enjoying the run, i sometimes forget your running, reading your posts, you sound like your really enjoying this running journey ☺, if we ever start trips back to london, i'll look out for you!!! 🤣

[GailXrunning Graduate in reply to Peter44]

Well, I guess M is equivalent to a podcast. 😂 No earphones didn’t mean nothing exactly! The chat about chi also led to an extended interlude on footballers’ speed-turn-lean-balance. (No escaping football somewhere in these running conversations!)

We can guess where we are in time from experience of the park circuit (twice around and then an extra stretch on top for 30 mins). Or do I thought. I pulled out the phone expecting to see the final-stage countdown, but we’d already considerably overshot.

[Peter44 Graduate in reply to GailXrunning]

Ummmm, better not talk too much about todays football, for my team anyway! 🤣

[GailXrunning Graduate in reply to Peter44]

Oh dear! After a depressing start, accompanied by the doubting of absolutely everything, M is now joyous and all ‘I knew they had this in them’., ‘this is what they do’. You know the rollercoaster pattern, I’m sure. Still time left to throw it. Question is, will he still be on this topic for CR6 in the morning?😂🤔

[Peter44 Graduate in reply to GailXrunning]

🤣🤣🤣

[Wirefox Graduate]

Sounds like a good run! I was talking myself into not running this morning (too dark, knees a bit stiff, etc etc) , but reading your post inspired me to just go out and do it!

[GailXrunning Graduate in reply to Wirefox]

That’s so lovely. ☺️Hope it is/ was a nice one. Weather here is beautiful today, but it’s my rest day!!

[Buddhagal Graduate]

Hello lurverly, another fab run and fab post. Yes...I'm running vicariously with you, with all of you😁😁😂....this will keep me going while I'm on the IC. You seem to be enjoying the nakedness, it's a totally different run, isn't it, and I did notice that I actually spent more time noticing my surroundings. Keep up the great work and form both of you. And keep on keeping me almost sane. 😁😁😁🙋🙋 No little running lady emoji for me at the mom☹️ but a happy "crispy" short walk this a.m. 🐌🐢

[GailXrunning Graduate in reply to Buddhagal]

Thank you. I think having a little project or purpose for a run makes a huge difference to me (try this, try that; hhmm, that’s interesting... ). Take extra good care of yourself, Bg! It’s so great to hear from you.