Tricked my cheeky mind: 8 + 5.1 + 8 = HM!

[linda9389]

I was all set to run 13.1 miles again this weekend - I succumbed to the Local Landmarks Challenge, hoping to run a virtual HM (and blame Stephen_UK for my finding it in the first place)!

When several people mentioned we should only be running for a 'reasonable' amount of time (something I had missed, possibly because I was so busy cheering the news that I could run at all) I was really sad. But what about my virtual HM? I really wanted to do the full distance (rather than 5k or 10k which are also being accepted). I'm afraid roseabi's suggestion of chunking up the distance into several short runs was NOT what I wanted to hear 😡. But after a bit more thought - slightly less selfish thought - I think I've tricked my head (I do that all the time for a HM) into not just accepting this idea, but deciding it's a great idea 👍.

To be honest, I'm not sure my foot is ready for another HM distance run, certainly not one at any pace. Plus, today was exactly a year since my first HM (LLHM 2019), so to take today's 8k as my first chunk is symbolic. I can add 5.1k on Thursday. Then on Sunday - the date of the cancelled LLHM 2020 - I can complete my chunked HM with another 8k run (really early perhaps, before anyone but runners are about).

That's a pretty neat solution I think. Thank you roseabi for stopping me from being selfish and possibly injuring myself again too!

Here's to happy, safe, considerate running for as long as possible 😍

EDIT: if you're interested, any distance over 5k counts for the Local Landmarks Challenge medal. The entry fee will help the official event charity - Tommy's - make up some of the lost funding llhm.co.uk/local-landmarks

[Decker Ultramarathon]

Good for you Linda. Sounds like a wise plan, all things considered in the current situation.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Decker]

I don't want to feel I'm responsible for any further tightening of our lockdown and I definitely don't want to damage that foot again 😱

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon]

Great idea Linda! 👏👏 We get good at tricking our minds don’t we?

Gosh you’re a toughie even considering another HM so soon after Bath in any case. 💪 With the route that I’m currently doing, no way could I manage one. I think 8-10k will be my upper limit on my gnarly hilly trails!

How lovely to recognise your HMiversary (!) 😀

Happy running and chunking! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

I was feeling guilty about doing another one, having promised to do just one in spring, one in autumn. The bone is very tender to the touch after a hard run, even tho walking and running are pain free, so I'm sure I ought to be careful. That's why I feel this is a really grea idea for me just now 🙂

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Perfect solution! 👏👏👏

[Runsome Marathon]

Sound like a plan happy running 😊 I didn’t know there was a time limit on how long you can run for, I wouldn’t have thought it matters if you see no one and if you do see someone give them a wide birth. In the countryside I saw 1 person yesterday evening on my run and they were on the other side of the lane, Perhaps it’s different in a city I’m not sure ? Now I’m wondering am I being selfish ? 🤔

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Runsome]

I haven't seen anything officially, but a few people have mentioned it. Living where I do there are a lot of runners on the streets - if we're all out for a long time it will get busy out there. I wish I lived somewhere quieter just now 🙂. Sounds much nicer where you are!

[Runsome Marathon in reply to linda9389]

I wouldn’t say it’s nicer I’ve seen all your beautiful photos its just quieter I guess 😊. I was planning to do my Hastings half virtual run Sunday but now I’m not so sure , Perhaps if I go early when nobody’s about .

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Runsome]

My logic is that if I'm early I should only meet solo runners; they are much easier to pass than family groups out with bikes and scooters and so on!

[Stephen_UK Half Marathon]

Ha ha! You can’t blame me for that! You were just being kind and helpful, as usual.

Anyway, good luck!

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Stephen_UK]

Hmm, I can't trick your mind then?

[Stephen_UK Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Consider my mind tricked!

[Ang33333]

Well done! It's a great idea. I did half of a Half on Monday and hope to do the other half over two short runs. 😎

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Ang33333]

Great! Enjoy 🙂

[Sandie1961 Half Marathon]

Good thinking! France has imposed a 1 hour limit so your 8k seems very reasonable. I am going to do a 5k (maybe with intervals or Fartlek) and a 10k each week which is about an hour. Mind you, I hardly ever see anyone on my route as I run out of our village on country roads. First 10k at the weekend just in case VRWC survives.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Sandie1961]

Against smaller European countries we need those kms! I do wish I lived somewhere quieter just now 🙂

[Granspeed]

So sensible ... and so creative! And even employing practical mathematics. 👏🏼An all around Renaissance Woman. 🎉👍 And setting such a good example. Maybe soon I will manage 0.5 + 1.0 + 1.5 = 3K as a set of come-back runs. 🤣 Can’t wait, actually.... 😄Look after that foot. 💕

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Granspeed]

Haha 😍. You have no idea how many times I checked those numbers before posting! Hold the faith, those comeback runs will be worth the wait 👍

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to Granspeed]

How are you Granspeed?

[Granspeed in reply to Dexy5]

I’m ok, thanks. Foot gradually improving. Mr GS is not so well, unfortunately. No relation to C-19, just anno domini and a dubious heart valve. No good timing for such a thing, but just now is spectacularly tricky!

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to Granspeed]

Sorry to hear that. I do hope Mr GS can get all the help he needs at this difficult time. Much love to you both 😘😘

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon]

Sounds like a plan Linda 🏃‍♀️🙂 and the fact that the foot is bearing up sounds good 👍

Happy HM runniversary too!

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

Thanks IP. Hopefully one day I won't even need to consider the foot, but I don't think I can take it for granted yet.

[roseabi Ultramarathon]

This is fabulous Linda!!! You are awesome xxx

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to roseabi]

Not so sure about that 😍😍😍. But give me long enough and I can usually work my way around a problem .

This is a better option than doing 21.1 on our treadmill 😱. If lockdown tightens at least I only face two treadmill chunks!!!

[Oldfloss Administrator]

Fabulous plan.... I tricked myself the first time I tried 10 miles before the real thing! Go you for staying safe and being sensible!