On Reflection......

[sparky66]

So..

I was thinking ... Oldfloss's post really had me reflecting today.. of taking care of ourselves, being kind to our bodies

Let's face it.. without our health.. running at our best or not at all depends on it!

I've been so lucky this past year to have exceeded my expectations for my running goals..

Took part in my first few race's which were amazingly fun... Ran a few HM's since August... Continually beating my PB's ..which yes..I'm immensely pleased and proud of 😊

But.. I think I've reached pretty much where I want to be with my distance and pace ...

And have decided..the winter months will be about.. keeping fit, healthy, with focus on nutrition, strength training, mental health and keeping a good level of milage without aiming for speed..

Snow and ice are not great for pushing yourself anyway 😂

I've learned after my time I'm, enjoying my running so much..as long as I'm out there running, having fun.. then I'm happy with that..

Think this post is about admitting to myself stats are beginning to take over too much from what I want my running future to be ❤️

😊 happy Running all 🙌🏃‍♀️🏃 ☺️

[AlMorr Half Marathon]

A very inspiring post from you Caroline, C25K and running have helped many people, especially over the last 18 months, its not a good idea, especially for new runners to increase their pace or distance during the colder months, better to consolidate what they have ran over the last 5 months since the end of last winter, we should all take care of ourselves and try to avoid injury.

[nowster Metric Marathon]

Since the first lockdown and my starting running, I've not had anywhere near as many colds or other minor illnesses. I attribute it partly to the isolation and partly to my increased levels of fitness.

My own plan for the approaching winter months is just to keep getting out there and doing much the same as I've been doing in the last couple of months.

Actually, that was my plan anyway, whatever the weather. I feel like I've hit a good level to consolidate at. A half marathon distance once a month and other runs to keep me in a condition to be able to continue to do that. I'm now looking more towards varying my routes.

I might add a few more km to the long run if I'm feeling really adventurous. There's always that Metric Marathon badge...

[sparky66 Half Marathon in reply to nowster]

Good plan Nowster very similar to mine.. I'd like to try a new route.. there's another near that I've only tried once and got lost for ages..that frightened me but I may explore it a little more soon.. I've got lovely routes I run regular but a new one would be great 🍁🍂🏃‍♀️🏃🙌

[misswobble Marathon in reply to sparky66]

….to boldly go 👍😃 Enjoy new routes 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[SueAppleRun 10 Miles]

Getting out there enjoying ourselves running is what’s important

[Hidden]

Oh great post sparky66 , stats can become an evil of running, the same goes for the tech it's nice sometimes just to be able to run carefree 😎

[nowster Metric Marathon in reply to Hidden]

The only time I take notice of my watch is to check the time or to tell myself off for running too fast (again). For my usual routes I know where the kilometre points are and where I would normally stop.

[Peter44 10 Miles]

You've done so well with your running, our virual 10k seems a long time ago now! 👏👏

[sparky66 Half Marathon in reply to Peter44]

Hi Peter,good to see you again, hope you well and still running? Yeah still really enjoying my running..

Thanks ☺️

[Peter44 10 Miles in reply to sparky66]

All good thanks 😊 try and get a couple of shorter 6/7k runs 🏃‍♂️ most weeks, dont really have the time at the moment to do longer ones! 😃

[sparky66 Half Marathon in reply to Peter44]

Brilliant, 😃 I had wondered and hoped you'd still be running 🏃 👏Take care ☺️

[GoGo_JoJo Ultramarathon]

Spot on! It's so easy to get wrapped up in stats and progression that we forget to just have fun and enjoy it. Great decision 👍🏻😁

[misswobble Marathon in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

I don’t do stats but I like to play about with words on the run I did a list of negative and positive words beginning with W and ending with G the other day 😁. I was Wobbling at the time ☺️

The time just flies by 🏃‍♀️

[RunWillie Marathon]

That sounds like a great plan sparky66

One of my favourite running quotes is “consistent beats epic” ❤️🏃‍♀️

[sparky66 Half Marathon in reply to RunWillie]

Like that,thanks..I may use this as my new mantra 😉😁

[Hidden]

Cheers to finding yourself! And I think it's wise to focus on those things during winter and not on increasing distance or so. Better to stay healthy, than to push and get injured or strained. Keep staying healthy!

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon]

That sounds very sensible Sparky . We want to be in this for the long term so enjoyment is key.

Happy winter running and strength training to you! 🙂

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

It is so good to stop and remember to simply enjoy running! Great outlook.

[Blackberrypie Half Marathon]

Yes, I think pushing yourself to go faster on dark/wet/icy streets isn't a good idea. I am planning to shift my focus so I do slightly less distance and more strength and conditioning over the winter months. I do still want to get faster, as I feel I'm along way from reaching my limit yet, but varying the type of training I'm doing seems sensible.