Tuesday’s Jeff 👍🏃‍♀️🥵

[Jools2020]

I really enjoyed this run. There was a larger group again - 2 gentlemen that joined us tonight, both seasoned marathon runners, didn’t want to be photographed!

The run tonight started off near where the Parkrun starts, so it’s good as well for me to be familiar with that area, all close to Swinley Forest. The part of the run in the woods is just beautiful on a summer’s evening. I was running along thinking ‘It doesn’t really get much better than this!’

I thought I would do the first part of the run without a walking break, just taking it steadier. This worked really well for me at the start, helping me cope with the Toxic 10 and didn’t make any difference to the group run. I let the others get ahead of me and caught up with them during their walking breaks.

I think could have completed the run faster tonight - but the last km was uphill and I got really hot. One of the marathon runners coached me up the hill near the end, which was helpful. Managed it preally well, but I was then tired and hot. Had to control my breathing before pulling the stops out for a faster finish, which is very slightly downhill. I was the only one who wanted to do that (again!) and I briefly saw 6 something on my watch, so I was happy 😃

Tonight I was ahead for some of the time and had to loop back! Most of the runners are faster than me, though - they were just nattering for too long on the walking breaks. Actually, I’m pretty sure ALL the runners are faster than me!

We all do stretches together before going our separate ways and I sat in my car for a little longer while I cooled down a bit before I felt ready to drive. I was glad I’d brought a towel with me! 😊

It was another 4K run in just over 35 minutes - enough to push me a little and I’m sure it’s helping my fitness, as well as being in a beautiful location.

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

That really sounds good, I'm glad you are enjoying it. 😁

[Jools2020 Graduate in reply to SueAppleRun]

Makes such a difference!

[Runninggirl59 Graduate]

Sounds like you're making good progress and adapting it to suit your style of running. Enjoy. 🏃‍♀️

[Jools2020 Graduate in reply to Runninggirl59]

Thanks - yes, I suppose I am 😊

[nowster Graduate]

When I go to parkrun, I have two microfibre towels with me (one for me, one for the car seat), a change of top (in summer), and a hooded top to wear over the top.

[Jools2020 Graduate in reply to nowster]

Good suggestions! I had most of that. Probably an extra towel would be useful. I’m getting used to driving somewhere to run!

[RunBrianRun Graduate]

Well done Jools. You held your own and are making great progress 👍

[Jools2020 Graduate in reply to RunBrianRun]

Thanks, Brian! I’m certainly enjoying this weekly group run.

[Gthants]

Looks like a lovely place to run. A few more days and it'll be summer holidays and then I plan to venture out sometimes to more scenic runs myself! Asa I run further I think a towel is an excellent idea!

[Jools2020 Graduate in reply to Gthants]

I think running somewhere nice makes all the difference - especially on those longer runs! If I’m doing intervals, for me it’s not so important. I’m too focussed on my speed and those runs don’t last that long.

A towel is great for when it’s hot and when it’s raining 😃 and as nowster has suggested, an extra one for the car seat!

[Gthants in reply to Jools2020]

Could have done with it today - I was wet AND hot!

[Jools2020 Graduate in reply to Gthants]

I pack a bag now, otherwise I know I’ll forget something! As soon as the run is over I sprint to the car and grab a towel and water so I can be comfortable while I chat to people!

[Annieapple Administrator Graduate]

This group sound like a real encouraging bunch.. great photo! I would love some coaching up the hills! I usually close my eyes, take a deep breath & run as fast as I can to get them done then slow down (gasping) & carry on slowly.. 🤣not the best way I am sure! Well done on pushing yourself and getting fitter…fab post as ever! 🍏

[Jools2020 Graduate in reply to Annieapple]

Thanks! I was following the marathon runner as he loped effortlessly up the hill, but I’d already said something like ‘oh no, now the &*@# hill’ 🤣 So he turned round and said ‘you can do it, you’ve done really well on this run - shorten your stride, faster steps and pump those arms! ‘ Yes, a great group.

[JeremiahObadiah Graduate]

They look a lovely friendly bunch-you’ve found a good group.

[Jools2020 Graduate in reply to JeremiahObadiah]

Yes, I’m fortunate! When I’m a little faster I’ll join the 5K group and then the 7K group. Wish I’d known about them while I was doing Couch to 5K - they have a group for that, too.

[Ziggyliscious]

So inspirational! You sound really in control of your running ... it must be lovely to feel your fitness improving! ☺️

[Jools2020 Graduate in reply to Ziggyliscious]

Thanks, Ziggy! Yes, it is. Are you about to start Couch to 5K?

[Ziggyliscious in reply to Jools2020]

No worries ☺️ ... I am trying to be kind to myself by giving myself 6 more prep days 'power walking' beforehand ... then I hope to start for real 😱 ... I have never been able to run and feel I will gain a bit more confidence to challenge myself to overcome the mental negative self talk to help me start if I do a few more walks 🤞👍

[Jools2020 Graduate in reply to Ziggyliscious]

The negative self talk is Gremlins at work!Always out to get you 😈😈😈. We have to be stronger than they are!

Couple of tips:

Get all your running stuff ready, tech charged, etc. the night before!

Get out of bed and put your stuff on before you have a chance to argue with yourself!

Tell yourself you CAN do it and they’re not going to stop you!

The voices will quieten when they realise you mean business 😊

I’ve actually left the house to run sometimes and still I can hear them telling me not to bother, I can’t do it, I’m too old etc etc. Over time, you learn to ignore them.

[Ziggyliscious in reply to Jools2020]

Xxxx

[ToothPickJafah Graduate]

That’s awesome Jools! So glad you are enjoying it! Great photo too, doggie is gorgeous 🥰

[Jools2020 Graduate in reply to ToothPickJafah]

He’s a lovely dog. His owner is training him to pull her up the hills lol! I think that might be cheating …..

[ToothPickJafah Graduate in reply to Jools2020]

Haha 😂 maybe in winter he could pull a sled 🛷

[Jools2020 Graduate in reply to ToothPickJafah]

🤣