First drive to a run...

[farsouthwest]

This morning really felt like running along the seafront for the first time. I think in future I might be able to run there myself but I’m not at that point yet – and I have to be back so that means a 5 min drive. I’ve avoided it so far as didn’t really feel confident enough to run in public – even though everywhere IS public where I run, its so early and rural that I’ve usually got the routes to myself. I feel I’m ready now and am quite excited about it.

It is a lovely morning and its completely flat on the prom which is wonderfully novel – only the cricket field has been so level and that got terribly boring. This is so interesting, the sun is coming up and there are lots of different things to see on the water, in the water, on the shoreline etc. There are more people than I am used to – but not that many – and most are heading for the sea wearing enormous Dry Robes. I just follow the sea around, past the pool and up the harbour as far as the Scillonian – its going to be mental later with people boarding to get to the Scillies but now just the odd random worker and the smell of seaweed and oil and salt. I am listening to the weird person who tells me how many KMs I have run and at what pace and The Today show which for the first time ever doesn’t have to buffer or cut out completely! When I turn back, I go to the other end of the sea front, through the gardens and then along by the sea again. Decide I will go for 5 kms and then stop. Which I did. Lovely start to a day. I realise that I am finally “ok” with distance - or time – but not both. Guess that will come when I’m ready. Onward!

[Ziggyliscious]

Well done ... stunning photo😀

[farsouthwest Graduate in reply to Ziggyliscious]

Thank you - so much more motivating when its so beautiful!

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

Well done, what a beautiful place to run,

[farsouthwest Graduate in reply to SueAppleRun]

Thank you! It really is - Can't believe its taken me this many weeks to venture out there. Will definitely run there again!

[SueAppleRun Graduate in reply to farsouthwest]

😁 outside can be so interesting although treadmills inside have their place

[farsouthwest Graduate]

I've not tried a treadmill yet - another one for "the list"!

[SueAppleRun Graduate in reply to farsouthwest]

Can get a bit boring

[farsouthwest Graduate in reply to SueAppleRun]

😂

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Oh yes... just go for it... I love running by the coast when I am here... early morning and so much to take in... well done you !

[Frizzbomb67 Graduate]

Oooo that sounds like a lovely run. As a Midlander I’m envious of anyone who can run by the sea. The sunrise looks fab too.

I’ve learnt along the way that you can run fast or you can run far but not both. You did well to run 5k today. Just embrace the long slow runs and enjoy the journey.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Frizzbomb67]

I love the sea and sky... just a huge space !

[HeavyFoot Graduate]

How funny! I saw an item on “rickshaw” riders on local TV last night, taking less able bodied people along Penzance sea front. And I thought “what a great place to run”.

Now you’re doing it! Enjoy 😎

[farsouthwest Graduate in reply to HeavyFoot]

Haha - yes - I know what you're referring to - and it is a great place to run - or walk, there are also some dedicated roller skaters and now people enjoying it all courtesy of the rickshaw riders! Not quite as appealing in stormy weather when the waves smash over the top complete with seaweed and small pebbles - I probably won't go then!

[Runafterbabies]

wow, looks amazing. Can’t wait to go running along the seafront one day. Well done on the run!

[farsouthwest Graduate in reply to Runafterbabies]

Thankyou! Yes, it was lovely 🤞 you can to something similar near you...

[Irish-John Graduate]

Great run, great post, great photo 👍🏻

[farsouthwest Graduate]

Thank you 😊

[MissUnderstanding Administrator]

Wow! 😍😍😍

Driving opens up a whole other range of places to run. You found a stunning one there! I tend to drive for my Friday runs because that’s the only way to find somewhere flat!

I realise that I am finally “ok” with distance - or time – but not both.

This is great and a healthy mindset. Most of the time I run for time or distance, but not both. That’s because most runs should be done at a comfortable pace and if you’re trying to cover a certain distance in a certain time, it’s much harder to keep to an easy pace.

Have you got a time goal in mind for a certain distance? The way I keep my mindset right is to think of most of my runs as training runs and occasionally go out to try and hit the goal of however far in however much time. I quite often run 5km now but very rarely care about how fast unless I’ve set out to do it quickly!

[farsouthwest Graduate in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Thank you...always find your responses useful, with new suggestions or things I haven't considered. It took me over 11 weeks to even learn what distance I'd covered because I really didn't want to know. I don't yet have a combined distance/time in mind and whilst I can now have the funny automated voice telling me the pace of each Km if I want to I couldn't tell you what the range is. My usual routes are so different in terms of gradient and terrain it's not really relevant and I don't want to get hung up on it. I do remember reading a post from someone who had repeated W1R1 from your first Graduate challenge but rather than walking, had run faster/slower. I fancy trying that maybe. I'm aware that I'm not as hot and sweaty anymore (all relative, I'm definitely still red) afterwards and I guess I am fitter but also sometimes feel I should try and recreate that, without being silly about it. I guess I am nudging myself into the idea of 10 k next which doubtless I should attempt via a proper phased program but I'm still enjoying experimenting with my own ideas at the moment. I'll certainly drive somewhere again though as its real treat to have no hills 😊

[MissUnderstanding Administrator in reply to farsouthwest]

Brilliant-you’ve got so much to be proud of and you’re in a great place right now too! Being less red and sweaty is a great sign of progress and something I aspire to!

When you’re ready, come over to Bridge to 10k. There are lots of options for plans, although you can just extend one run each week (not more than 10%) until you’re there if that works better for you. There’s no rush at all. You’ll see lots of the same names as here-it’s the same super friendly mix.

healthunlocked.com/bridgeto10k

[farsouthwest Graduate]

Excellent...thank you...I will. I never really know where I'm posting though so can't guarantee I'll end up in the right place 😁

[MissUnderstanding Administrator in reply to farsouthwest]

You and me both!! The good thing js we’re super relaxed about where people post so there’s no problem at all with accidentally putting something on a different board to what you intended!

[farsouthwest Graduate]

😂

[Dexy5 Graduate]

Another prom runner here but further east in Hampshire. I am so lucky that I can walk to the sea ,and I love seeing how different it is each day, but I still drive to runs occasionally. A disused railway line, a forest with inclines or a park make a change and give me a different running experience. As they say, variety is the spice of life.

Now that you’ve run on the prom, and been seen by the public, you’ll realise that people don’t stand and stare. In fact they don’t really notice you at all.

Enjoy!

[farsouthwest Graduate in reply to Dexy5]

Not sure why I missed this at the time but thank you... And nice to think of people running along proms in all our costal towns. I'm nursing a problematic back at the moment and driving makes it worse so I'm keeping to very slow, very short runs from home. Hopefully before too long I'll be able to get back to it, it has the advantage of being totally level which feels like a real treat!

[Sax64 Graduate]

Such an evocative post. I felt I was there running with you. Fabulous, well done.

[farsouthwest Graduate]

What a nice thing to say!