Sometimes taking a step back works wonders….

[Mummycav]

Hi all…some of you may remember me…some might not have even heard of me…but I’m here …& I’m here to tell you that sometimes, when your mojo is missing, you just have to take a step back to your early days…run where it all started …the joy is still there…waiting to be rediscovered….

This morning I set the alarm on my watch for 5:45…when my watch vibrated…I pressed snooze…then it vibrated again…and yes, I pressed snooze…but then I lay there waiting for the next buzz on my wrist…& I was up…

The birds were singing and my family were doing the same thing in the way of snoring…so I put on my kit, dodged the creaks on the stairs (I’m the tooth fairy & Santa Claus don’t forget so I know where they all are!!!) and I crept out of the door…

The sun was just emerging over the treetops & I’m sure the birds were singing the national anthem…I had forgotten how wonderful the breaking day is…and this morning, I was part of it…it’s definitely my favourite time of day…

I did my warm up walk to the usual parkrun circuit across the road…parkrun has been abandoned since the floods in Yorkshire before Christmas with no plans at the moment to return because the paths have been upturned…they just need a bit of tarmac in my opinion but hey ho, councils and all that!??? So I have actually missed parkrun & I am not the biggest fan…

But this morning, I took myself over to the park & the sun, glistening through the trees just made me realise that there is nothing better than being outdoors….getting out there when and while you can..I think my mojo has been waiting for me to return to the park because there was just me, the birds & Laura…doing the stepping stones podcast…the music is questionable but the pace, for me, this morning, was perfect….

Sitting in the car all day, teaching people to drive is such a rewarding & lovely job…but it’s not good for my behind…I’m very conscious of being sat down all day…the only thing that’s getting any exercise is my heart rate 🤣🤣 …kidding….I love it really…

If you’re struggling with your running, I am SURE there is a podcast out there for you…the stepping stone one is for graduates…there’s the speed podcast & the stamina podcasts & im not kidding when I say that this morning I wasn’t prepared to do the whole thing…but you get to the stage where you think “well I’ve done 20 mins so I might aswell do the next 5” and before you know it, Laura is telling you it’s the warm down walk..so I can only recommend highly these podcasts …they’re there for a reason…

Keep running, keep smiling

MC

MummyCav

[Vespina Graduate]

Sounds like a wonderful run. Nothing like getting out when the world is still snoozing. Not that I manage it often - I’m normally the one snoring.

Thanks for the recommendations for the podcasts. I’ve been pondering giving them a go.

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate in reply to Vespina]

Please do Vespina …the pace is perfect…might feel like a bit of a cartoon run at first but if you stick to it, you won’t feel breathless x

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

How flipping lovely to see you back Mummycav and to know you found the joy in an early morning run 🏃‍♀️

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate in reply to SueAppleRun]

Thankyou SueAppleRun …I see you running often & your post are inspiring so me getting out there are your doing!!!! X

[Couchpotato2 Graduate]

Hi Mummycav, great to read your post and so pleased you have found your mojo again. I have a little tip for you for while at work... do you have one of the elastics you get from the physio that kind of thing? while in the car (NOT DRIVING), put it around your lower thighs and there you go, you can practice your adductors which sort of compensates being sat down. I did that last year on zoom calls especially when I had a race the next day. You can also use a cushion (or your hands) and press inwards to do the counter exercise.

youtube.com/watch?v=BqZIR0P...(Not working as expected?) found this to illustrate what I mean

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate in reply to Couchpotato2]

Good ideas there Couchpotato2 …I have got one of those bands…I’ll put it in my glove box!! Thank you 😊

[Fionamags Graduate]

Welcome back! Thanks for sharing that lovely run. You make me want to be an early bird - but it hasn't happenned yet. 🤣🤣🤣😴😴😴

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate in reply to Fionamags]

Thank you Fionamags …it’s good to be back in the arms of my lovely forum friends!! Honestly, the break of day is such a lovely time of day 🌅 x

[Week7 Graduate]

Good to see you back. A lovely post -almost makes me want to run early before work!

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate in reply to Week7]

Do it! Do it! Do it!!!

[Week7 Graduate in reply to Mummycav]

Seems like such a good idea this time of day-but in the morning when it's time to crawl out of bed not so much!

[BrokeyNotSoBusted Graduate]

Brilliant post but really... 5:45... On purpose?! Some say I'm mad just for running but some here really need their heads examined 😬🤪

I'll begrudgingly admit it does sound good tho and well done you for doing it and getting your enthusiasm back.

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate in reply to BrokeyNotSoBusted]

🤣🤣 I know what you mean…even people who are driving look at me like I’ve lost the plot in my fluorescent pink jacket warming up!! I would’ve at one time but now I completely get why…😉

[linda9389 Graduate]

Great stuff! Good to hear you enjoying your run again 😊

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate in reply to linda9389]

Thank you linda9389 🥰

[doggytail Graduate]

What an inspiring read.I too had lost my mojo after having a fall. I have now joined a running club and run twice a week but still cant run the whole 5k my breathing is terrible.

Saturday was my turning point when I actually walked 5 miles with my little dog so onward and upwards, never give up x

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate in reply to doggytail]

That’s sounds like it’s worked a treat for you doggytail …I’m asthmatic so my breathing is a struggle sometimes but GoGo_JoJo sent me some great breathing techniques & also, when we ran together a few weeks ago, reminded me how slow I can run…so slowing right down really does help x

[Instructor57 Graduate]

Great to see you back Mummycav 😁👍

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate in reply to Instructor57]

👋🏼

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Hey you.... good to see you here x I missed you !Your run sounds excellent... and what you chose to run with, perfect for you! Glorious location too, sun shining, birds singing...!

What a super start you had to your day and I bet you carried it with you through your busy life yesterday.

Thank you for sharing this with everyone here x

PS

Was the Oldfloss bush still there????? Hope they haven't cut it down?

[misswobble Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Speaking of birds singing …… I hung up a lovely little wind-chime on my rose support yesterday and was sat listening to it tinkle away. I noticed birdsong increasing til it got quite clamorous. Then a little family of sparrows fledged onto the rose support as if attracted to the jingling chimes 🥰

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to misswobble]

That's lovely!!

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate in reply to misswobble]

That’s so cute misswobble 🥰🥰🥰

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

I missed you too!!! It was perfect Oldfloss …one of those comforting runs…you know what I mean 🥰 …And yes, it stayed with me all day, I felt like I’d achieved something wonderful …I still do!!

Yes…the ‘Oldfloss’ bush is still there & everytime I ran passed it I heard your voice xxx

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Mummycav]

I know indeed! I am so glad that you are feeling the whole joy again. Glad I'm still there too , in that lovely park, close to you! x

[davelinks Graduate]

I remember you! The podcasts are great am back using them myself again for the 3rd time doing c25k, well, I'm not actually listening to them this time (have heard them enough😂) my wife is listening and giving me instruction😁

btw, well done... 😉

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate in reply to davelinks]

Yay!!! I remember you too davelinks !! They are great aren’t they? Even if your wife is being Laura!! I’ll be getting an early one in tomorrow too, I’ve set my alarm for run o’clock 😉

[MrsLydiaWickham Graduate]

"I think my mojo has been waiting for me"...I loved this and the whole post. It gave me the warm fuzzy feels. 😍

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate in reply to MrsLydiaWickham]

Aww, Thankyou MrsLydiaWickham …it must’ve been waiting for me coz that run was perfect x

[Sparkey5000 Graduate]

Lovely to have you back!! Lovely post. I’ve had to revisit and step back a few times since that first graduation. Always benefit mentally even if at the time it doesn’t feel like it!! Look forward to more of your positive posts

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate in reply to Sparkey5000]

Thanks Sparkey5000 …taking a step back is much better than not taking a step at all 😉

[misswobble Graduate]

Agreed! Speed is fabulous! It always makes me laugh. Lovely to keep in touch with the lovely Laura too 👍

Enjoy your re-found mojo 💪👍🏃‍♀️

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to misswobble]

I love it too...got a tad addicted I think..!

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate in reply to misswobble]

Thank you misswobble …you inside me all the time on Strava…I love your runs..I just wish I could stay consistent…so that’s what my aim is and if I don’t push myself too hard there’s no reason for my mojo to disappear on me again x

[misswobble Graduate in reply to Mummycav]

I’m doing long, slow trail runs at the mo and enjoying changing scenery 😀

[Jell6 Graduate]

I'm glad you're getting out there Mummycav I think a few of us have had some struggles recently, but that's what this forum is for isn't it, it let's us know we're not alone 😘However I'm pretty sure mentioning Santa Clause and Christmas in MAY, is breaking several laws 😅

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate in reply to Jell6]

🤣🤣🤣

[MikeJones68 Graduate]

So glad your mojo is back, and happy to see you passed your instructor exams! Well written article too

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate in reply to MikeJones68]

Thankyou so much MikeJones68 …you’re another one of my inspiring friends 😉

[Roxdog Graduate]

Lovely to hear from you! Sounds perfect!

[Frenc Graduate]

Ah what a great run Mummycav ! That time of day is so special, it’s worth almost getting our clothes on upside down and back to front because we’re a bit bleary eyed 🤣. It’s mojolicious indeed. Hurrah! 😊

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate in reply to Frenc]

As long as the bra’s on the right way!!! 🤣🤣🤣

[Cowladyrunning Graduate]

Welcome back! I'm an early morning fan too! Sounds a great comeback run 🙌

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate in reply to Cowladyrunning]

Thankyou Cowladyrunning , there’s something about being out when everyone else is sleeping 😴

[nowster Graduate]

Welcome back! I've never got past the introduction music on the C25K+ podcasts.

I'm currently too much of a night owl to get myself out in the early morning. My earliest recently was about 8am.

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate in reply to nowster]

8am a decent hour nowster …any later than 9.30 and I wait till after 6pm…just don’t enjoy daytime running…weird…

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate]

The best news ever 💖 hugs 💖

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

Thankyou GoGo_JoJo …hugs back & a big thank you to you xxx