When is a 10 mile run more than a 10 mile run?

[Sandraj39]

Answer: when you need it as much as I did this morning!🙏

First week back at school with all the children now back in - busy but successful!👍

Today, my eldest son went back up to Nottingham for his second year of Uni. It's been great having him around over the past few months and naturally, I will miss him lots. 😢

Plus, other "stuff" has also made this quite a tough week emotionally - so when I headed out for my run this morning, I just wanted that space away from "everything" and to just...run!🏃🏽‍♀️

There have been some inspirational, virtual 10 mile (and longer!) posts on here which have also helped. My last long run was a 14K, so I knew I was almost back at 10 miles.

I ran a mix of road and trails which worked well. I explored a route I had not taken before, some of which turned out to be a lot more hilly than I had realised! Ho hum... But it was a good run - slow and steady meant that I found the distance comfortable, although my left leg ( the one I had the nerve damage in) was understandably tired towards the end.

And I am now, for the moment(!) at peace with the world again - so thank you running! 💕🏃🏽‍♀️🙂

[David_G Metric Marathon]

Well done Sandraj39 it sounds like you needed that!🙂 I couldn’t agree more with the sentiments in the picture at the top of the post. Sometimes we just need to get out there and run and the world suddenly feels like a better place!😊 I’ve tried explaining it to non-runners but sadly it’s fallen on deaf ears!🤣

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon in reply to David_G]

Yep...you either "get it" or you don't, I guess!🤷‍♀️

[Dexy5 10 Miles]

What a lovely run you had this morning Sandra. Congratulations on getting back to 10 miles too. Although this year has gone incredibly fast, it seems ages ago that I ran 10 in the Great South Run last October.

Coincidentally I wore the GSR T-shirt for my 7k run this morning. A lot of local runners wear them to show that this Is their patch.

It sounds like children are loving being back at school again. I hope the teachers are too.

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

I wore my 2018 GSR tshirt today - it seemed fitting!🙂

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to Sandraj39]

Very appropriate. Are you deferring this year’s place to next year?

I feel a bit of a cheat wearing the New Forest Marathon T-shirt as I got it for the 10k race. Same T-shirt whatever the distance. Everyone knows you ran 10 miles with the GSR shirt.

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

Yes - I plan to be there! 🤞🏻I get what you mean about the tshirt - thats a bit annoying isn't it?!

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Sandraj39]

I gave mine to one of my boys!!!

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to linda9389]

You got the grey one didn’t you Linda? I don’t blame you!

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

Tough mudder do a fab grey and orange one - but grey and gloomy yellow? What were they thinking!!!

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

What a coincidence Dexy5 , I wore my GSR top for (Not) PR yesterday morning too - first time I’ve worn it for months! 🏃‍♀️

[AlMorr Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Regarding T shirts, I only wear my Vitality Parkrun T shirt for my Saturday morning (not) parkrun run, not any other runs or walks.

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to AlMorr]

When you get your red 50 shirt you will be able to swap Al. How many real Parkruns have you done now?

[AlMorr Half Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

I have ran 17 real parkruns, 13 at my 'home' parkrun at Dunfermline, 4 at Drumpelliier parkrun and 25 (not) parkruns, 42 altogether, of course I understand when I run my 50th in around 8 weeks I won't get a 50 T shirt.

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to AlMorr]

You are right. You only get a T-shirt for actual parkruns so let’s hope they return before the end of the year. I was hoping to get my 100 and a volunteer shirt by the end of 2020 but that’s not going to happen now.

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to AlMorr]

AlMorr , I haven’t worn my apricot PR shirt nor my 50 PR one at all since before lockdown. I’m saving them for when the real thing returns. 😀

[AlMorr Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Probably also the same reason that only about 5%* of official Parkrun runners only do (not ) parkruns as well.

*maybe a little more

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to AlMorr]

Yes, out of the 500+ that do my local, Eastville, I’m one of only 35 or so who do (Not) PR. Shame.

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Too many shirts to choose from now!

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

True, but I don’t wear most of them. I have my favourites!

[Hidden]

Really love this. You are so right. Firstly, well done on your week. I understand about school and having a son at University, so emotionally you can be drained. Secondly, as you write so eloquently, running can give us so much more than 'just a run.'

Well done on getting that 10 miles though. That is an excellent distance and you'll feel so much better for it. 'Roots and shoots' as I say. Look after the roots and your shoots will blossom 🌱⚘

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon in reply to Hidden]

I have been buzzing all day - and keeping my pace steady has meant I don’t feel wiped out by it as can happen sometimes!🙂

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

That's a momentous week. The first week back always seems to be tiring, but even more so this time around I'm sure (my daughter is absolutely wiped out). But the run sounds glorious - it's so good to understand how running can work for us, so we can make the very best of it isn't it. Certainly sounds like you made the very, very best of your run today. May the peace last until at least Monday morning 😘

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Thanks Linda. Yes it was a tiring week but I think there is a mental tiredness from work sometimes that seems to shout out for a good run!

[Oldfloss Administrator]

Absolutely perfect.

Running...beautifully simple and yet capable of have so much of an effect.

Glad all is settling back into a new reality and that all are happily there .

You had a super run and it has clearly soothed your soul xxx

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks Oldfloss - it really did. 🙂x

[SueAppleRun 10 Miles]

Lovely to be able to run off the busyness of the week, it clears your mind and allows you to get ready for the next week, lovely to read your post

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon in reply to SueAppleRun]

Thank you!☺️

[Buddy34 Half Marathon]

I'm glad your run helped and I totally get what you mean . I don't know about you but when I run thats all I'm thinking about that and my music.

Well done on your 10 miles 🤗🤗

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon in reply to Buddy34]

I love to listen to my music too (it was 10 miles of Kate Bush yesterday!) but also its just time to process everything sometimes, that helps.

[Irish-John Marathon in reply to Sandraj39]

Although I unashamedly have every KB single and album, including the rare Japan ep :), and had some great laughs playingdarts a couple of times with her - I simply cannot listen to any of the tracks while running lol. The rythm just completely throw me off and I always feel I'll get my feet tangled up in each other with disaterous results

So - very well done on all levels ❤️

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon in reply to Irish-John]

😂I ran my first HM distance three years ago, entirely to Kate Bush!!

[Irish-John Marathon in reply to Sandraj39]

I am very doubtful if she'd dedicate "Running up that hill" to me lol.

Actually, within a very small circle for a very short time a very short-lived rumour involved another of her songs and myself.

Unfortunately, not true...but if she ever writes one about a Dartslinger...😉

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon in reply to Irish-John]

Yes, you will always have the darts match💕 John - happy days!😀

[Irish-John Marathon in reply to Sandraj39]

A very nice lady and very nice memories

[Decker Ultramarathon]

Wonderful post Sandra. The magic of a great long run cannot be underestimated. I hope it can continue to help you manage the stress and exhaustion of this world we live in.

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon in reply to Decker]

Thanks Decker - I think we are so lucky to have running to help us just now...so simple - so powerful.🙂

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon]

Ahh, just the ticket Sandraj39 , what a wonderful run. It sounds like you needed it and I’m glad you’re feeling better. 🥰

Aren’t we lucky having such a “simple” pastime? It’s amazing how it makes us feel, whether long or short. Well done! 👏 🏃‍♀️

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

So lucky, cheekychipmunks ! 🙂

[Guinea70 Marathon]

Love your post <3 it fits perfectly with how I feel at the moment and I understand totally with one son starting uni, one starting college and my daughter back to primary next week. Congratulations on your 10 miles it sounds like it was just what you needed

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon in reply to Guinea70]

...I have my youngest starting College tomorrow too! Hope all goes well for all your children. That first one at Uni is a wrench but they are ready to fly...💕🙂

[aliboo70 Half Marathon]

Wow well done Sandra sounds perfect 😊 xxx

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon in reply to aliboo70]

Thanks Ali - hope all s good with you?🙂

[aliboo70 Half Marathon in reply to Sandraj39]

Foot still not brilliant but doing odd runs here and there 😊bit puffy still 😕xxx

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon in reply to aliboo70]

Ouch! What happened?...hope it settles soon.🤞x

[aliboo70 Half Marathon in reply to Sandraj39]

Been hurt since June ,think it was digging my dads veg plot😕 the doc thought tendonitis but although not as sore still puffing up 😕

Just had xray last week but not had results yet,poss stress fracture hope not xxx

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon in reply to aliboo70]

Really sorry yo hear that.🙁I am sending healing vibes your way Ali - fingers crossed for those x-ray results too.🤞x

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon]

Sounds perfect Sandra and it sounds as if it was a healing run, just the best 🙂

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

Thanks IP, that's absolutely what it was - healing💕🙂

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon]

The highest of runners' highs, Sandraj and well deserved. It can go the other way with me....sometimes when I am wound up, that is when muscles tighten up and I end up with a niggle, but mostly it reduces the cerebral strain and puts things back into proportion. Hope you peace of mind is enduring. 🙂

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

Thank you.🙂

[Cantstopmenow Half Marathon]

Thank you for the quote and your post. It makes me want to get out of bed and run, even though it's 11.35pm! Running is so good for our well being. I hope you have a good week ! 😊