Channel that snail!

[Fionamags]

I headed off for my first 28 minute run of week 6 this morning. The wind has finally died down and it was surprisingly warm. I just wore a t-shirt over a long sleeved base layer and I was still too hot. My glasses were completely fogged up when I stopped.

The first half was a bit of a slog today and I had to bring out the gremlin swatter a couple of times. I settled down in the second half though and was delighted when Denise said there was only 1 minute left. Since there was a bit left in the tank, I decided to increase speed for that final minute. Has anyone noticed that Denise Lewis' minute is a lot longer than 60 seconds?????

When I checked the stats later it was clear that I'd gone off too fast, which ruined the pleasure of that first half. Note to self - get back on the snail trail!!!

[dijep Graduate]

Snails rule 🐌It's just too easy to go charging off at the start, I do it all the time. And when I say "charging" I just mean a speedy snail 😂

[Fionamags Graduate in reply to dijep]

🤣🤣🤣 I was trying to think of something faster than a snail but still v slow. I wondered if a sloth might do it? They don't move much at all but being a lot bigger than a snail, might cover more ground a bit faster. I don't think falling asleep mid run would be something to aspire to though.... What else? A tortoise maybe????

[dijep Graduate in reply to Fionamags]

Yes a tortoise sounds good, I think a Sloth is definitely too slow . Also a tortoise always beats the hare doesn't it?

[Fionamags Graduate in reply to dijep]

Now you're talking!!!

[Thejogger Graduate in reply to dijep]

I just plod along but it gets the job done that’s the main thing

[Beachcomber66 Graduate]

It took me a long time to get my head around slow starts; Coach Bennett convinced me! It makes a big difference on long runs )first 1k always the slowest), and a slow 5 minute jog followed by a pause to stretch sets up a faster run really well.

[Fionamags Graduate in reply to Beachcomber66]

I totally agree. I'm a bit annoyed with myself as I've been doing negative splits (aka very, very slow start followed by slighter faster....) the last while and I thought I'd cracked it. When I compared this run to some previous ones, I realised that the fastest average paced run had the slowest start!

[Beachcomber66 Graduate in reply to Fionamags]

QED ! You will fix it 🙂

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Snails Rock! No.... sloths are really, really slow ! If you want to really slow down , find a long slow but steady incline of a hill !

This is my warm up hill.. the middle bit looking back... the top bit is short but very much steeper...trouble is... the more you do it, the faster you get at going up!

Warm up

[Fionamags Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Er, I want to run not don the crampons Floss. 🤣🤣🤣

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Fionamags]

Love it! X

[Gthants]

I didn't run with Denise, but I'd forgotten those "if you've got a bit left in the tank" finishes that they, clearly deliberately, suggest - obviously a way of building up stamina. Sometimes there was a bit left and I'd push a tad and feel great about it; at other times the finish line couldn't come soon enough!

It's worth it in the end, so another run under your belt and a great run.

[Fionamags Graduate in reply to Gthants]

Thanks. It’s great to tick them off.

[Gottamakechanges Graduate]

I've not looked at any stats yet cos I don't want them detracting from the sense of achievement as I get longer runs completed. They will detract cos I have mastered snail and my pace is soooo slow. You did it, that's the most important thing. The strong winds have been really yuk!! Enjoy your next run!! 😊

[Fionamags Graduate in reply to Gottamakechanges]

Thank you. I enjoy the stats - they can be quite motivating. I agree it’s not all about the speed though - it can be aiming for a low(ish) heart rate, staying comfortable, just doing the time, distance etc.

[Gottamakechanges Graduate in reply to Fionamags]

I agree and once I've finished W9 (this week 🙏) I'll start getting into them I think. I've got an app on my phone but not sure how accurate it is and can't do heartrate. I'd def be interested in it's recovery time. My fear for stats is I see them as a challenge, then try and beat them and get injured. 🤔🤔😘

[Fionamags Graduate in reply to Gottamakechanges]

Then ‘naked running’ (no trackers) might be better for you. We’ve all got to do what’s best for us - and we’re all different. It sounds like you’ve hit on what works for you already!

[PandaCory Graduate]

Arthritic snails rule! I've got as far as week 4 run 2, but I fear I'll need to shelve it for a while as my new hip is protesting a bit.

[Fionamags Graduate in reply to PandaCory]

Oh no! Sorry to hear that - you were all fired up as well. Never mind, the runs will be waiting for you.

[PandaCory Graduate in reply to Fionamags]

I know - I'm determined, but just being mega cautious.

[Fionamags Graduate in reply to PandaCory]

Quite right too!

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

Sounds ok to me, going off too fast happens sometimes though and we learn from them