Every run that makes you better is a victory

[Blackberrypie]

I have to say running has been tough going this last month - I can't get out in the daytime due to homeworking/schooling so am running in the evening, which limits me to fairly boring lit routes, the weather is cold and often wet/foggy, and I'm tired and stressed from busy days. It really brings home how good an experience running was over the summer, able to get out and run trails in the daytime and lit evenings, exploring new and beautiful routes and feeling the sun on my skin.

And yet I'm still going. I clocked up 30k last week, hoping to do the same or get close this week too. I'm trying to fit in hill intervals where I can to build up strength. It's more of a struggle to get out of the door than over the summer, but somehow I'm still doing it. I know I will feel happier, and sleep better, if I get out, and that's a powerful motivation, somehow more immediate than the satisfaction of becoming a stronger runner and working towards my goal of doing a half marathon at some point.

Over the summer I wondered if this running would be a fad I'd pick up, get a bit obsessive about for a while and then get bored with, but running in the dark and rain last night I realised that the habit was definitely showing signs of sticking. Last night's Nike Run Club was a conversation with Mo Farah and his words on every run that makes you better being a victory stuck with me. And it was a victory - no PBs but I got out there, did what I set out to do and felt better as a result.

And spring is coming...

[Fran6500 Half Marathon]

Well done. It is difficult motivating yourself to get out and just do it!

I listened to Eddie Izzard whilst running yesterday and found his words on running his many marathon stints very helpful. As in, it is 70% (or more) mental.

I will try and find the Mo Farah one for my run tomorrow morning. Thanks

[Blackberrypie Half Marathon in reply to Fran6500]

It's in the short run section (30 mins) and it's called "Just go with Mo".

[Fran6500 Half Marathon in reply to Blackberrypie]

Sorry if this is duplicated - I thought I had replied but cannot see it on the page.

Was just to say thanks, and will set this up ready for tomorrow.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

You are winning! No doubt about it.

In a similar vein, I keep seeing a Boy and the Horse drawing of the from Charlie Mackesy: 'This is getting harder sighed the boy. Then every step you take is a bigger victory'

Roll on!

[Blackberrypie Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Definitely

[Couchphoenix Half Marathon]

Great post, which I think other people will definitely identify with. The NRC Mo Run is a good one, I enjoyed doing that one. Well done for completing 30k last week, that’s impressive 👏🏻👏🏻

[Blackberrypie Half Marathon in reply to Couchphoenix]

Thanks, I am trying not to lose ground on my HM training so really tried to squeeze in that bit extra!

[Hidden]

A lovely and inspiring post. Thankyou for sharing.

[Blackberrypie Half Marathon in reply to Hidden]

Thanks

[Juliet202 Half Marathon]

Amazing that you are keeping going with evening runs !! I’ve got more flexibility for day time (I just work into the evening instead) and now plan my runs around the weather - is so hard to motivate in the dark and rain. No way !! Well done.

[Blackberrypie Half Marathon in reply to Juliet202]

When my son was in school I went out in the day too but the homeschooling is a bit more of a constraint.

[misswobble Marathon]

Good for you! If you can keep going, while life is making it difficult for you, just think what you’ll get done when we’re back to normal, and the weather picks up. It’s all to play for 💪👍😃

I love the Nike coached runs Coach Bennett is brill!

[Blackberrypie Half Marathon in reply to misswobble]

Oh yes, I am really looking forward to getting back to my favourite trails when things are better.

[misswobble Marathon in reply to Blackberrypie]

Yeah me too. I’m keeping off mine as they’re filthy - you just slip and slide everywhere 😃

[58soon]

Well done Blackberrypie - you're so right, if you can get out there and run in the wet, dark & cold, it's definitely stuck! You're a runner and an amazing one at that! 😍

[Blackberrypie Half Marathon in reply to 58soon]

Thanks, I am very very surprised by this but it does appear that I am indeed a runner!