Managing my expectations

[EB43]

So having struggled since running my 10 miles a few weeks ago and work meaning my time to run has been hugely reduced I decided after a 9k last Sunday that today would be all about how long I could run for, no focus on distance or speed, just time. Ha like it went that smoothly.

1k is all about getting over roads safely out into the countryside. Still slightly overcast so a bit chilly but fine.

2k out past the golf course and Scout camp (no sign of son who's on a survival camp but definitely saw our tarp on a bivvy and it was still standing so had a smile to myself as I ran past).

3k out into countryside proper now and on one of my favourite tracks anywhere (see picture), no people, feel good so just enjoy the scenery.

4k more of the same but decisions on which route to take coming up as I get to local road.

5k decided to run same route as my last 10 mile and see what happens. Means a but of country road lane running for a few K but quiet and views are beautiful. Cloud has burned of now and I have realised that last nights curry and a couple of beers mean I am not really at my best for the temperature rising.

6 and 7k takes me further along the farm track route that you can access by car but they discourage it as you can get quite lost out here. Turn left across the fields (nearly missed the track now all the harvest is in) and finally into the woods.

8,9 and 10k just lovely running in the woods in the shade watching wildlife and listening to the gentle hum of the animals and wind in the trees. Pop out at the end of the wood section not where I planned and saw I'd only done 10k and couldn't understand how I'd done less than last time but a similar route (worked out at home I'd taken a slightly different turn last time in the woods which just took me another 3k). Started to panic and criticise myself for being slow, not being able to get to 10 miles but then gave myself a stern talking to and reminded myself that today was a out just running for as long as I could, no distance worry or time panic....

11 to 14k talking to delivered I decided I would pop into the adjoining wood and run another of my regular routes which would bring me back of the path back past the Scout camp (still no sign of son but smells of sausages being cooked on camp fires). At this point I am starting to hurt, my breathing is fine but my knees are starting to feel it.

Last K and a half homeward stretch and I know I'll make it and be close to a 10 mile. Body check conforms that I probably could run an extra kilometer but I've had enough today so pick up pace a tiny bit and get home.

I'm still undecided on GSR but I now know in my bones I could do it, I just don't know yet if I want to. Did I enjoy today's run? When I wasn't pressuring myself yes I did. Maybe it's making me realise that whilst it's good to push yourself if it stops you loving something then maybe it's time to rethink a bit.

[SaskAlliecat Half Marathon]

That has been a part of my struggle this year with my training as well. We put these expectations on ourselves and get down if we feel slow or struggle with a run. It can rob you of some of the joy. I ran my event yesterday very slowly and am going to shift my focus for a bit to run for fun and get stronger. I think these events are good for pushing us to the next level, but we have to be careful to not let it rob you of the joy. If you've done the training or are willing to just go and enjoy the day, not getting caught up in smashing a PB, I'd say go run your event, enjoy it, then run for fun for a bit with no time or distance expectations.

[EB43 10 Miles in reply to SaskAlliecat]

Thank you. I read your post about your event earlier and it resonated with me for all the reasons you've mentioned above. I'm going to give myself 48 hours before I make any final decisions but I think the GSR might be off for this year, and that's ok. I'll keep running, boxing and zumbering for now but at a pace that makes me happy ( and obviously keeps me fit). I hope you get back to having fun with your runs and look forward to reading posts.

[GoGo_JoJo Ultramarathon]

It has to be fun. If it's all pressure it kills the joy. Distance can be really tough, it's great when you can settle into a nice rhythm but when it's a case of constantly checking how much further it can be soul destroying.

You absolutely could do it if you want it enough. Maybe plot out the distance on the easiest route you can find and practice there doing more and more each time but you'll need good music/motivation.

[EB43 10 Miles in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

Thank you. I think it might be the motivation that's missing at the moment. Apart from not being able to fit any more walking into my day I started running to prove to myself that I could, then that I could run 5k, then 10k and then the aim of 10 miles as I didn't feel ready for the idea of a HM. I think I might dip my toe into running events with a 10k route rather than anything else for the time being and then see how I feel but keep my longer distances just for me for the time being.

[GoGo_JoJo Ultramarathon in reply to EB43]

That might be a good idea. You may or may not find the motivation in the event environment. For me, nothing could ruin a long run more 🤣🤣 give it a go, you have nothing to lose and are more than ready! There are 10 mile events about too if you want a bit more reach. 👍🏻

[Whatsapp Half Marathon]

I guess its important to remember why it is you run.