Musings on life...and running!🤔

[Sandraj39]

I haven't posted much in the last couple of weeks - life seems to have been busy and the days disappearing in a bit of a blur! I have been getting out on my runs though and using my chestlight after work to trot around my local roads in the dark (must get that 'Zombies - run!' app going again!👻☠️😱) I have to be honest though and say I felt a slight sense of failure at not being able build back up to HM distance due to my back playing up and then sinusitis. Even now I am back to my running, I feel a bit as though I have lost the desire and confidence for events, resulting in me being a 'no show' for a planned 10k event last weekend. I opted instead to head for my favourite trails again and just lost myself splashing 🏃🏽‍♀️💦through ankle deep, muddy puddles and slipping and sliding along a 10k on some very churned up bridleways and paths! It was good for the soul and I returned home happy and content, albeit rather wet and mucky!

The lure of events has not completely gone however (along with the desire for more bling!🏅😍) I really enjoyed the ones I have done this year (although the nerves beforehand never get less!) I will enjoy my winter running now and may look at a Spring Half?🤞I had been looking at road runs but perhaps a trail one would suit me better (if I could find one that isn't TOO hilly!). Either way, I will probably not 'pin' it on the forum - just in case!

So that's me, checking in! I have been popping in to read the posts here - they always help, inspire or simply make me smile! Keep on running everyone - it's what we do!🙂x

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

Sorry to hear you missed your event - but it does sound like you found some fun anyway, probably a really good call I think there are a few flat trail HMs (my Windsor River trail one was definitely flat) - I prefer them to town running because the scenery is altogether more calming and therapeutic (towns just remind me of busy life!).

I know having an event booked gives me lots of focus and motivation (although it also gives me plenty of angst when anything goes wrong and the plan slips 🤣). Keep looking, I hope you find something that really appeals, and in the meantime keep enjoying your free runs

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Thanks Linda - yes, plenty of time to ponder on my next goal! 🙂

[Madge50 Marathon]

Can I just say, I’m with you there 🙋‍♀️, we’ve overdone it recently 4 events in 4 weeks, then got (surprise surprise - doh!) for me a calf strain, and OH back, sciatic issues......really felt we’d lost the love, annoyed with ourselves, down in the dumps, we passed on an event we’d booked in to, then the local HM emails came out for registration for next years event, and we were thinking, no , leave it.....but some uuhming and ahhhing, plus a reminder from the HM! And we’re in for next year.....

Reflecting, we’ve had a fab year, done the most we’ve ever done - including 4, yes 4 half marathons....... (did I just say that?, really, me?) and still one more event to do before years end - a Christmas 10k.....not bad for a couple of members of the over 50’s wobbling club.....

We’re currently on the build back up concentrating on ‘short’ 5 k runs and parkrun, mixing it up a bit, and trying a new little plan......that mojo is out there somewhere.....it’s just hiding slightly out of view.......we’ll find it....

Happy running Sandra and all 🏃‍♀️💪😎

Mx

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon in reply to Madge50]

Thanks for your thought Madge. It's good to ease up on the training and enjoy running 'in the moment' sometimes. We are moving into the quiet season for events now - I am sure once those event emails start dropping in to my inbox, I will be tempted once more!🙂

[Decker Ultramarathon]

No need to feel regrets Sandra. There’s not a whole lot you could have done to combat the back and sinusitis issues, and most importantly you sound like you are enjoying your runs splashing about in the mud A Spring Half sounds like a great plan and gives you something to look forward to over the winter too!

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon in reply to Decker]

I do enjoy the muddy ones Decker - and you are right; sometimes we have no choice but to take a break ( I guess I am quite hard on myself sometimes). Thank you.🙂

[aliboo70 Half Marathon]

I agree with Decker, you can't help it when illnesses crop up and plans change! You're still out there and splashing along is trails is very therapeutic!

If you fancy an early summer HM on the trails one year then the Needles HM over here is a fantastic one to do. Amazing scenery . There are hills but flatter at the start. And a really friendly not too big event!! 😊 xx

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon in reply to aliboo70]

Ha ha! "There are hills but flatter at the start"! I have read your race reports Ali and I know what your landscape is like over there!😉x

[misswobble Marathon]

The desire to race might well return. Meanwhile, trail running and having fun is fine. Softer trails and feeling chilled about stuff might help with your back and your mindset. Enjoy these runs! I like being out on chillier days on the trail. today it was positively balmy out there. Just been out with the dogs and got quite toasty

i'm taking a racing break to see if my recent psoriasis outbreak will benefit. So, my hometown 10k is being put to one side. I love doing it but feel like a rest

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon]

Yep, I think the desire is still there misswobble - just not important for me at the moment. I am with you on the chillier trail runs too! It's gone all mild again down here but I think the weekend is looking better (i.e.colder again!). Hope your psoriasis settles down - I've had similar problems in the past but it does seem quite settled at the moment.

[skysue16 Half Marathon]

I prefer trails too Nice to hear from you. All the best

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon]

Hi Sandra, nice to hear from you. 👋 It’s hard juggling life and running, but it sounds like you’re managing ok - apart from the no-show of course. Never mind, there will be plenty more events should you want to enter them! And yes, why not enter a spring HM? It’ll give you something to work towards. I find that helps me. 😀

I did a super muddy puddly 10.5k yesterday myself. Like you, I felt awesome afterwards! And my dog ........ 😳😅

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Thanks cheeky - and well done on your trail, too!🙂