My energy has returned

[Yesletsgo]

My run on Friday was like swimming through treacle, really hard work. I was worried that today would be the same.

We started gently, running to the beach. My husband detoured to drop our towels there while I started on the first hill, a gentle but noticeable incline. Deliberately took it very slow so I didn't get too far ahead of him. This was a nice, easy start.

Once he reached me I decided to step it up a gear. When I tried this on Friday it didn't work, but today it was fine. A bit more effort, a bit faster. As usual, I think about what an NRC run would be suggesting, my inner voice channeling Coach Bennett: relax, look for where you're tense and let it go, shake out those tight muscles, focus on your feet, look ahead.

The path rose and fell and I managed to keep a pretty steady pace. Heart rate was steady too, only in the maximum zone for 6 minutes which is an improvement. When I checked my VO2 that nice Mr Garmin has knocked another year off my age, it's now 19 years younger than my chronological age. A huge improvement in 2 days, because then I wouldn't have been surprised if it had been shown as 100 years old!

Also, NRC gave me 3 badges - for running 3 times in a week, for running 1k and running a mile

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Well done you... back on track and younger than when you started.. I love being younger than I am.. Beootiful photograph too x

[Yesletsgo Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks Oldfloss , we're just a couple of teenagers really aren't we?

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Yesletsgo]

Totally!!! X

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

Brilliant, well done on running wwell

[Yesletsgo Graduate in reply to SueAppleRun]

Thanks, it was a relief to know Friday was a blip

[hoyden]

Treacle indeed! Yes that's exactly what it felt like. Coach Bennett does give some good advice, doesn't he.

[Yesletsgo Graduate in reply to hoyden]

I've listened to so many of his guided runs I sort of know it by heart 😂

[hoyden in reply to Yesletsgo]

I'm almost to that stage too. Hopefully my own inner Coach Bennett will help me along for the 10k race in two weeks. I think there's a guided run for a 10k race but I thought, go wild, do it on your own or to music!

[Yesletsgo Graduate in reply to hoyden]

There definitely is at least one NRC 10k guided run. I did a 10k last year, only time so far, and had it all set up - jelly babies in my belt, a great playlist and Coach B to spur me on. I didn't expect anyone to be as slow as me. A couple of km in a woman fell into step with me and we just chatted all the way as we ran. The coach didn't even get a look in!

Hope your 10k experience is at least as good

[hoyden in reply to Yesletsgo]

Yep, I've checked, there are 3. I may do one next weekend. Getting all set up is definitely my style (but you can have the jelly babies 😆). I expect to be at the back of the pack too! My goals are simple: to finish, and to have run the whole way. (In that order.)

[Yesletsgo Graduate in reply to hoyden]

Regarding the jelly babies, I was told that it's a good idea to have a sugary boost after you do the first 5k. There are special gels but I like jelly babies, Haribos etc so it's just a question of getting something that won't melt and get all sticky.

I knew I'd be near the back. My goals were to see how far I could get (wasn't convinced I'd manage 10k), to not be last and to do it within a certain time. I managed to complete it within the time I'd hoped for and there were about 3 or 4 who finished after me.

Having realistic goals really helped me appreciate the experience for what it meant to me. Have to say I was pretty impressed with myself. I'm sure you'll feel the same way too. Good luck