Struggled through most of that run...

[Redcello41]

Wow that was a hard long run this morning! Struggled through most of the run but I eventually got through it! I ran the last stretch of what the Bath Half race route was and I remember that it was during this part of the race where I was nearly at the end, in a lot of pain but I endured and finally got to end. I was thinking about those difficult moments when I was struggling through my run today and it really helped me to keep on going!

Absolutely rubbish time for a 6K but running is not all physical training, a lot of it is mental! Difficult runs like my run today train your mind to become stronger in the face of discomfort and keep on going regardless! Endurance and persistance! It's this very principle that is at the very core of my running and why I run! My mental muscles definitely got a workout this morning!

Also I think the heat had a lot to do with it too, I've realised that I don't do too well running when it's hot. I wanted to get my run done early this morning to miss the heat of the day but it was already 19 degrees by 6:30AM! No wonder I found it difficult!

Oh and tip of the day - squirting water over your head and arms while running really helps you to feel a bit cooler when it's hot! I'm so glad I had my water bottle with me! 🥵😀🥵

[AlMorr Half Marathon]

A very inspiring post from you RC41, don't worry about that time, I hope you enjoyed your run very early in the morning at half past six.

Yesterday morning at that time I ran my 10th 10K.

I bet that run brought many happy memories to you reminding you of your first Bath Half Marathon, you do see many runners sqirting water over themselves when the weather is hot like you did yesterday when the temperature was almost 21C, when I ran my 10k the temperature was only 13C so it wasn't necessary to sqirt water over myself.

You enjoy playing the cello, on Monday I heard a lovely version on Radio Swiss Classic of Yo Yo Ma the celloist playing Schubert's Ave Maria, I am sure you could play that as good as he did, as well as running I hope you are still enjoying your bike rides.

[Redcello41 Half Marathon in reply to AlMorr]

Thanks for being so encouraging, we can't have great runs all the times otherwise we wouldn't be able to improve! It did indeed bring many happy memories, it was a brilliant day! I love that piece, it's very beautiful! I've played it once or twice for a wedding and it is always very popular! Yes, I am loving my running and cycling at the moment (cycling a bit more perhaps at the moment hahaha), hope you are too?

[AlMorr Half Marathon in reply to Redcello41]

I used to cycle on a Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday, I gave up cycling on a Saturday and Wednesday and started 🏃🏾 running on those days, but I still cycle 🚴 on a Sunday..

[Redcello41 Half Marathon in reply to AlMorr]

Ah it's good that you still cycle on a Sunday! It's such a great sport, I've even been watching races on YouTube! 😀

[AlMorr Half Marathon in reply to Redcello41]

👍 🚲

[Buddy34 Half Marathon]

It's very hot out especially when running. It doesn't matter how long the run took the point is you got out and did it. Enjoy the rest of your day 🌞🌞🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[Redcello41 Half Marathon in reply to Buddy34]

Exactly! Thank you for reminding me of that! It's still 6K! 😀

[PurpleFish59]

I’m no expert but I believe these are the runs that make us better. I also went out at 7am this morning and did hill repeats, not sure what I was thinking in this weather 🙈 but feeling good now having done it! Hope you have a great day after a positive start.

[Redcello41 Half Marathon in reply to PurpleFish59]

I whole heartily agree! It's during the hard runs that we learn the most about ourselves! 😀

[Nevvy Marathon]

Yes to the water! I also pour on my legs too if they hurt, (although not good if you're wearing cotton socks as the friction caused blisters).

Endurance and persistence are very important qualities when you are running, especially alone......very well done.

[Redcello41 Half Marathon in reply to Nevvy]

The water was a life saver for me today, such a brilliant hack! Thank you very much, they are very important qualities and I find through practicing those principles in my running, I can apply endurance and persistence in other areas of my life and especially during this pandemic!

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon]

Yep, the heat makes it so much tougher Redcello - well done for winning the mental battle though. As you say, these are the runs that make us mentally strong! 💪

[Redcello41 Half Marathon in reply to Sandraj39]

Yes was very hot but glad I managed to get through it! The hard runs are the most important runs sometimes 😀

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

Fabulous. It was tough out there this morning. I'm rubbish at getting up early but did make more effort this morning. Thank goodness because, as you say, it was already schorching out there. And you were out a long time. Great perseverance 👍

[Redcello41 Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Thanks! And well done for getting up early! I've got to do the same tomorrow for a bike ride! 😀 🥵

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Redcello41]

Riding in this weather is wonderful 😊

[Redcello41 Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Yeah I'm really enjoying it actually, especially in the cool hours of the morning 😀

[RunBrianRun Half Marathon]

Well done on completing it. To stay cool when I lived in Bahrain I used a lightweight neck cloth and a small bottle of water. Every so often I would soak the neck. It made a huge difference to my running.

[Redcello41 Half Marathon in reply to RunBrianRun]

Thank you! Yes it's so important to stay cool when running in heat, isn't it? Sounds like a great idea! 😀