Welcome to a whole new week and a new chance to chat! How’s your running going just now? Let us know in the comments. Let’s get this chat going 🥰
First off though - a big thank you to Hedgehogs123 for taking the reins last week 🙏
Right now my running is jogging gently along. I’m being cautious and pandering to a hip niggle that has been a running companion for over two months now. I’ve transferred my New Forest HM entry to the 10K in the interest of being sensible, so currently no autumn HM for me!
At least I’m now managing to run every third day (as is my norm), but the runs are short and rather slower than I would like. A 10K PB will be out of the question this time, which leaves me a bit rudderless to be honest; chasing PBs is my thing, it’s at the heart of what I love about my running, it's what I enjoy😍
I’m very motivated by pace and distance, and those are usually my own markers for success. But for now, my current measure of success is the degree to which my hip hurts (or doesn’t) in the day or so after a run! And my upcoming measure of success will be finishing (and hopefully enjoying) the New Forest 10K 🤞
We’re all different, and whilst some others share my goal I know plenty don’t! It made me think of the Guardian article on slow running that Dexy5 posted here recently: theguardian.com/lifeandstyl...
In it there was a quote from a lady called Bethan Taylor-Swaine, who has been looking at 'inclusivity in running' . The quote was this:
“We need to move away from pace as the sole marker of success and find other ways of interpreting or rating running experiences,” she says. “I’ve no problem with people chasing times, but let’s also talk about what else we value about running.” (Guardian article, July 24th 2023)
So tell us - what’s your marker of success? Has it always been the same marker? Or is it something that has evolved with your running, or even something that changes on a regular basis? Or are you, like me, currently measuring success by the absence of injury? Or perhaps, worst of all, by the degree of healing while you’re stuck on the IC.
So, let's talk about what you value about running, how you 'measure' that, and how it's going in general just now 😊
My marker of success is definitely consistency. I run for mental health so getting out there most days means for me that I’m practicing self care.
I always set myself goals within my running but they’re always moving due to life & protecting the mental side of running for me.
I’m well on track with completing my annual distance goal of 2023km (1285km completed so far) I’m currently not running longer distance as I’m still feeling quite stressed in other areas of my life. So I’m playing around with doing shorter longer runs back to back which I’m enjoying. So a 90min + 90min over two days instead of a longer run. I had wanted to be regularly running HM’s this year but I haven’t felt up to that. Currently, I like to run 30miles as a weekly base with a cut back week every now & again which seems to be working well.
My long term desire to run a marathon remains but when the time is right for me.
I can easily run 10miles so I know I can do a HM but it’s still a stretch. I think it’s due to my speed. There’s a big difference in a 2 hour run for me to 2.5hour+
Then your creativity is absolutely perfect 😊 Should the opportunity arise though, as TC says, those back to back runs will have prepared you very well to just go out and run a long slow HM 😊
Good morning Linda! I’m going to write something here before the busy-ness of the working week takes over!
Sorry to hear about your hip, that’s really annoying. I thought I hadn’t seen you up and about as much. I hope it gets sorted very soon 🤞
Katnap and I are just about to start week 7 of Amsterdam training. Yesterday was a 10 mile run and I wasn’t feeling very well so it was very hard work. I think my measure of a successful run is not feeling like I’ve drained every last everything that I’ve got, which is how I felt yesterday. However, for the fact that I went out and did it, I’ll give myself a pat on the back. It’s only because we’ve got a HM race on Sunday that I really pushed it.
Meanwhile, training has been going ok. I’ve got a new pair of shoes coming on Wednesday, so that’s something to look forward to. I can take those out on Friday for interval work. Flights and hotel are all booked and we’ve had our race tickets with start area inside the Olympic Stadium, so it’s all quite exciting really!
I’m getting Saucony Speed 3s to replace my 2s. There was a discount code for SportShoes.com and there was one pair left, and in my size, so it would have been rude not to 😅
I think I’ve got the first version . Like trampolines! They’re light and fast 🌪. Mine wick water at the toes though which caused me shocking blisters during my winter marathon
my current weatherised Pegasus Shield has lost its oomph so looking for a replacement or a new shoe for my winter marathon. Looking at the Puma Velocity Nitro winter version. £70 🙂
They’ve got a very good reputation misswobble, as well as being very good value. Never had a winter-proof shoe, I’ve just got wet feet. My feet must be more blister resistant than yours.
Love my Speeds. The 2s were such a lot of fun, so bouncy! But the right one wasn’t very stable and has irritated my hip (I suspect). The 3s are supposed to be more stable but I’ve heard a couple of people say that they’ve given them plantar fasciitis, so I’m going to make sure I rotate my shoes more often.
How can you be on week 7 already! Time is just whizzing by!!! Sorry you didn't feel good yesterday - hopefully a bit better today? A 10 mile run sounds like a very long way to me right now, as does 10k, but everything is headed in the right direction. If only I'd discovered running when my muscles/tendons/ligaments still had a little elasticity left!!!
New shoes and race tickets - very nice! Does it get any better?
I know Linda! How did that happen? It’s getting towards the serious bit 😬 so I need to do shopping to take the edge off! Thankfully, apart from the long runs, the plan I’m using isn’t as scary as the last one. As for not feeling great, I got very wet and cold at parkrun on Saturday whilst timekeeping then trudging into town afterwards; I think I got a bit of a chill. Still not 100% today but better than yesterday, thank you 🤗
I know exactly what you mean as well, but you do so well when you’re 100% We probably just get more niggles now but wouldn’t it have been nice to have found out how well we could have done years ago? Still, we can do it now even if everything is just that bit more of an effort!
Sunday should be…interesting, can’t say I’ve really trained for it at all! I just hope it’s a better run than yesterday, thanks Linda 😍
Such an interesting question. One that I didn’t immediately know the answer to and still can’t absolutely pinpoint my answer.
My marker for success moves and changes based on my current fitness levels or what I am working/training towards.
That said it is still usually time or distance related. Just that the times I am ‘happy’ with do change based on my own expectations of myself at that given moment.
I don’t chase PB’s particularly but I do have a fairly set marker of times for my 5k and 10k that when trying to run fast I expect to get under or I am disappointed. However, I don’t often go for it and much prefer an easy pace.
When training for a HM I am happy to get to the distance In whatever time it takes. Of the 4 or so half marathons I’ve run I am absolutely not primarily concerned about time - I’m only focused on actually finishing. I see this solely as a success marker when going that far.
Definitely something that I will ponder a little longer as there is much more than just time and pace for sure. I value running with others, the friendship of other runners and celebrating each others success, I value the great feeling of completing a run and the boost it can give your mood and confidence…….so many more things that come with sports and fitness the list could go on and on.
You're so right! There are many things that running brings us, so many things to enjoy. And you're right - not every run is going to produce a PB or even be within our target times.
But for me, almost every run fits into the 'scheme' to run a PB - I probably run about 80% of my running time from a plan with an event in mind. Being forced to drop back is making me wonder whether I really should be targeting two HMs each year ... or whether I should spend more time being creative (and accepting the limitations of aging legs and lungs!!!).
All food for thought. I guess so long as we continue to enjoy our runs, the 'why' is neither here nor there really 😊
Hi linda9389 and all of you! Well done getting out there! Like you my measure of success is that I'm getting better, my 1st run since June 27th yesterday! Only a little down the Rd and back but 2k done,foot felt OK and not puffed up this morning so definite success! Am going to try run club for a short one tomorrow night. Lovely day off work today after working most of weekend, the sun is shining and I'm off to do some gardening!
Foot still a bit puffy this morning but OK overall ,spirt massage weds as a treat (a painful one but sure will help xxx ) my gardening morning has been lovely! 🥰 xxx enjoy yours too!
I did! 😀Picked a bowl of tomatoes which look fab in the middle of the table, fed and watered greenhouse stuff. Furtled for some goodly Charlotte potatoes for me casserole 😋
Oh I bet that felt good Ali! Although I know that ... 'well, what happens next?' feeling! Good to read that the run didn't cause too much of a setback for you, you obviously judged it right. Fingers crossed you make that club run and your foot holds up after that too. Steady progress in the right direction - heading for success 😊
It's a bit puffy tonight, have my sisters electric massage foot gizmo on currently! Going to give club a try tomorrow I reckon! Onwards and upwards for both of us 🤞xxx
Good to hear you are progressing Linda.🙂 I wish I could say the same but I’m unfortunately, still on the injury couch with back/hip discomfort.
Whilst out walking this morning I decided to try a gentle jog but knew pretty much straight away that things are still not right. I am slightly concerned that this is still the case, especially as I had been feeling much more comfortable before attempting to run again! As a result, I popped in to the village on the way home and went and made myself a physio appointment. 👍Unfortunately the lovely lady, who has helped me in the past, is on holiday at the moment, so it is not for a couple of weeks but I shall just continue on my running ‘break’ whilst doing what I can to stay fit in other ways! Feeling a bit flat about it all if I’m honest but dreaming of my return to running once whatever I have done has settled!
The Great South Run is not looking hopeful this year if I don’t get back out there soon - but at present I realise that it’s all about just being out there for me - running on the trails and enjoying my 5 and 10ks.❤️🏃♀️
Happy running this week for all those who can - and hope you’re back out there soon, to all those who can’t!🏃♀️🏃🏽
Oh no Sandraj39 , sorry to hear that😫😪 Hope your appointment comes round soon and really helps 😘I have a scheduled sports massage on weds that I booked before foot issue to going to go along and see if she can revatalise legs and foot! Xxx my foot is and bit puffy again today but only a little xxx
Sorry to hear you are still struggling. I know that disappointed feeling, when you think things are improving but instantly know you aren't there yet ☹️. Hopefully another couple of weeks rest will put you in a great position by the time you see the physio. In the meantime, try to hang in there and stay positive; imagine how great it will feel when you finally get to run again.
Great South Run? I'm down for that again too. Like you, it seems a bit of a stretch just now, but hopefully I'll go anyway and take my time and take in the views. If you do make it (and there's lots of time yet) I'd love to say hello 😊
Yes, if I am feeling better in two weeks, I will still see her anyway to discuss how to rebuild strength etc. Good luck with your running Linda - don’t write off the GSR just yet..but I suspect I will be cheering for this one! Hubby and son are hopefully doing it still! 🤞
Really sorry to read you're still on the IC Sandra. Could you try another physio perhaps? It’s so frustrating when your favourite go-to physio is not immediately available. I mean, why aren’t they on speed dial? 😂
Sorry to hear that you are still suffering pain Sandraj39 . Only 10 weeks to GSR, doesn’t seem possible. I hope the physio can work some magic for you.
Have you seen a doctor for a diagnosis Sandra? It would be a shame to ruin your summer holidays, if someone could pinpoint the cause. I think my latest problem is either sciatica or piriformis syndrome but hope to get confirmation and exercises to help tomorrow. Also hips and back pain .
oooh bad news on the hip pain but let’s hope it just a niggle and you overcome it soon 🙂🤞.
I’m less bothered now about paces and times than I used to be. I just tick a run off my current plan, which if I complete, count it as a success. Easily satisfied I guess. It’s more about how I feel on and after the run. It’s an age thing I suppose 👵🏻. I’ve not done the speed sessions for a few weeks as I felt dead sluggish post holiday weight gain ☺️ Back on it now though but finding it a bit hard going 😤. I’ve set my stall out for two autumn HM’s and a winter marathon so have incentives to keep me focussed 👀
Have a great week everyone. I hope we can stray dry 😁🙏
Definitely a niggle, and definitely improving even though I've starting running again. I have adapted the NRC 10K plan to hopefully get me through to the New Forest 🤞
Ticking off runs on a plan is a nice way to mark success, I like that!
Ugh. Holiday weight gain! I had around six months of holiday when I retired in December ... and weight gain crept up on me relentlessly. Such slow progress getting rid of it ... but we know we can do it, right? and we know how much better we will feel for it too!
You have one busy autumn/winter ahead - plenty to focus on there, enjoy 😊
I wondered how you got a Guardian article from 1923. 🤣
I'm definitely slower than I was this time last year. That's mainly because I've gained back a bit of weight (about 5kg, but it's not showing) and have been running shorter distances. The two are probably linked.
I overdid things earlier in the year when I did almost three months of runs with no rest days. I pulled something in mid February, which meant it was uncomfortable to run more than 8km. And then I had the fall on the last day of March which scarred my knee and put me out of action for a week or so.
It's only in the last few weeks that things have felt fully right again and I've been extending my runs. The hot weather of June meant I was overdoing things and having to pause mid-run to get back my breath. It took me a while to restrain myself sufficiently that I could run continuously the whole distance of a run again.
My target is to get back to the distances I was doing last year, but not necessarily at the same paces.
Oh blimey! I've edited that now 😍 Not sure whether to blame my age or all the work I've been doing on a family history project 😆
That's quite a list of challenges getting in the way of your running, but I love your pragmatic approach to getting back. It's clearly working too, and isn't it a great feeling when things finally start falling into place 😊
Hi Linda, so glad you are out running and hopefully your hip holds up. Markers for successful running, hmm, I've been very down about running lately, running or jeffing I just don't seem to be able to go faster. If I run faster I have to take walk breaks, end up no faster overall and get fed up and tired, so this week I'm just going out each morning and running for 20 minutes, slow enough that I could keep running for longer if I wanted. It's working well so far, I've done this twice. Once I feel more comfortable and can up the pace a little I will increase the time to 25 minutes.
Mind you, I'm fickle and if a run is going well I might just carry on and see how far I get, but for now my marker for successful running isn't pace it's keeping running without going so fast I have to take walk breaks.
You're running such a lot these days. Has your mileage increased or is it my imagination? I'm just wondering if your legs are getting tired 😆
A great way to up pace, if that is your target, is to mix up your runs; include some speed intervals and/or hills, include short runs and include some slightly longer slow runs. That mix works everything, keeps it fresh and stops us making pace comparisons every run. After a few weeks, you could then try pushing yourself at whatever distance/time you want to improve, and put the theory to the test! I firmly believe that mixing it up is absolutely key to both progress and continued enjoyment 😊
Thanks Linda, I have been mixing it up a bit, my mileage increased in June, but went down in July partly due to the high winds we had, I ran 2 parkruns where I struggled against the wind, this week I'm just doing short runs, hopefully parkrun on Saturday and will then decide where to go next week, the run I did today went up over the railway bridge and back, not much of a hill but I used to have to walk it. Yesterday was a steady gentle up and then down to get home. Friday I jeffed fast runs and brisk walks but tired after 3k. I'm probably due a long slow run 😁
Firstly boooo that your hip niggle is affecting your running Linda. I know how zippy you are, so it must be very frustrating. 🥺 Your PBs will be there for you when it’s better, don’t you fret! 💥
I deleted my first reply because I read it back and thought ‘how dare I?’ I’m fit, healthy, never been injured in my 5 running years (I know, *touch wood*), but I came across all Woe is Me when lots of my friends/VRBs on here aren’t in a great place. In a nutshell, I was grumbling because I’m rudderless even with several races looming. My running is stagnant. I’m still enjoying it, but I’m going nowhere really.
But here’s another reason why I got cross with myself. I know, even with sub-optimal preparation, I’ll be able to happily trot around my 10k, 10 mile and HM races. How fortunate am I to be able to do that?
I have a part time job which has got lots busier, so my long runs have suffered. I’ll rephrase that; they’ve been non-existent! I’ve had several very social weekends which has ruled out Sunday mornings too.
So there you have it. Whining chipmunk decided to get a grip and be very thankful for everything! I’ll have a good laugh at the gym tomorrow during one of Coach B’s speed runs. Running is amazing and we should enjoy every step. ❤️
Thanks Cheeky; it's definitely improving, I'm no stranger to coming back 😍
If you are really enjoying your running why do you need to go anywhere else I wonder?
I am certainly grateful for my new found retirement, so I can really sympathise on the demands your work is making on your own time; today was warm and sunny and I had nothing I had to do. I stripped and laundered beds, cut the grass ... and still had loads of time to ride and walk and even do a bit of jigsaw too 😍 I am valuing this time so, so much.
As you say though, you have running friends, events (and bling!) to look forward to, no injuries, a dedication and determination to keep Coach B happy ... what is it over the fence that you think you are missing?
I suppose I’m stagnating because I’m used to running whenever I fancied (always the mornings), but now I’m busy with work I obviously prioritise Flossie and her walk rather than go for a run - running behind my house is horrendous and something I avoid like the plague. Pretty fields, vile footing and extremely hilly! Going to the common means hopping in the car. I don’t work on Thursdays so I make sure I get one in then.
I enjoy my job a lot. It’s my bro-in-law’s company and it’s growing like a weed (great news). The selfish downside is that I’m not as free as I used to be!
So as you can see, I really don’t have anything to whine about really. Maybe I was in a sulk - a trait I don’t like so I’ve snapped out of it now! 😂
Coach B and pals keep me accountable, and I make sure I do my speed run at the gym on Tuesdays. Such a hoot! 👏👏
No runs, although the hotel organises two per week apparently. Too busy with the purpose of our visit. We have returned from our journey to the wilds of Alaska (Denali) safe. Great wildlife encounters and Mt Denali appeared on each of the three days we were up there, which is pretty rare. We were very lucky to see so much. The sea food in Alaska and Vancouver is amazing! Only two days to go before we head homeward with mission accomplished. I can see why Jill loved Denali where she did her PhD research. She was desperate to get that back there; now she has.
Oh linda9389 , so sorry to hear that your hip is still a pain, literally. But reducing your NFHM to 10k sounds a great idea. Me, UpTheStanley , and Mudita11 are doing 10k so you will be in good company.
I feel your pain though, as I am just suffering with sciatica. I thought it was just a pain in the butt, but is now butt, hip and back. Having read about it on the nhs website, it has not been helped by sitting down watching the World’s football, cycling and netball on the TV over the last weekend! I’ve got a race at the end of the month so hope to be right for that.
In fact I’m just coming up to an autumn of races and really want to be at my best right now, and increasing distance for the GSR. What a pain, but I think I am not alone, going by other posts on here.
Motivation changes for me. I love seeing a PB on my watch, but it’s not my main aim as I realise that at my age times are going to go down rather than up. My peak was pre-pandemic, a year or two after c25k graduation. That’s fine, I also love doing races and parkrun for the thrill of just being with other runny people. As far as my everyday running is concerned, I’m lucky to be able to run by the sea and that alone is sometimes the reason I get out there, no distance or pace in mind.
Oh no, so sorry to hear about the sciatica, that sounds nasty for sure. I hope movement will ease it out for you. It's no fun having events stacked up when you're below par. I think my GSR will be a great deal slower than last year - will need to find a different marker if success this year (it might just be actually crossng the line🙃).I agree, running beside the sea is reason alone to get out there. I'm off to NWales for a few days and will be tweaking my plan to make sure I get a long run along the coast 🥰
There is something really special about running along a seafront isn’t there. I love it too and am really grateful to have it close enough to run often
Hello Linda, 👋 thanks for hosting the chat this week and thanks to Hedgehogs123 for stepping up last week. These chats are very useful as catch up and food for thought. So thank you again👍
It’s good to read you are back to your usual running routine, albeit slower for now, as it should be. We both know how hard is it not to push the pace and hold back 😅
I will be posting my recent race report hopefully soon but thought I’d quickly jump on the chat to say hi to all and wish you well in your recoveries and running. 👍
Hi Linda, I’m sorry to read that your hip is still giving you bother. But it’s good that you can run albeit not the distances you’d like. But you know you’ll get to that place again. It’s that old snakes and ladders thing isn’t it?
And what a great question you’ve posed this week! I’ve given it some thought and what I value most about running is how it makes me feel in all areas of my life not just when I’m running. I know that running has made me, not only fitter, but stronger mentally and when I finish a tough run I feel invincible 💪 During tough times in life I recall that feeling and it helps so much. I guess the logic is, “if I can run x miles then I can come through this”.
My measure of success varies depending on where my running is. At the most basic level, if I’ve been on the IC, it’s being able to get out to run at all. That’s always such a blessing and relief (“ooh I can still run”) It goes without saying that staying injury and niggle-free is the ultimate measure of success for me. The next measure of success is the racing and the bling 😍 Of course 🤗
Thabks IP. I do belive I'm currently on a ladder - that will do for me 🥰I love your path to running happiness 🥰. I also love your mention of feeling invincible- it really is that good sometimes isn't it.Reading this it strikes me that there is always something to celebrate where running is concerned; a view, an opportunity, recovery steps, great times, physical strength and mental positivy ... so many markers for success 🥉🥈🏅
I now measure the success of a run by how the Hamster Wheel in my head either slows down or maintains its usual rapid rate :)A "great" run has me surprised that the alloted time has been reached - it means I totally zoned out and my otherwise eternally hyper vigilant brain has had a good "nap".
The only "bad" runs were the ones where I got an injury, thankfully gew and dar between, and one horribly organised hm.
Usually, I end a run wishing it would last a bit longer though, and a wee bit wishing I had started this running lark decades earlier
Quietening the mind is so valuable isn't it - what a great way to measure the success of a run 😀Ending a run wanting more has to be a great feeling. I too wonder how different it might have been if I'd started running a little earlier, though maybe I'd not have been as determined as I am now 😀
Thanks for hosting linda9389 ! I'm rocking up extremely late due to yet more internet and computer hassles.
Markers of success? Tbh I have no desire to replace pace as a marker of success with other markers of success. I'm much more interested in exploring the other aspects of the quote: "other ways of interpreting or rating running experiences” and "what else we value about running.”
Personally I don't see running as something that always has to be evaluated, assessed, judged, quantified, discussed in terms of markers of success. Sure, it can be, and that's clearly what many people value about running. But I don't. It's exactly the opposite that appeals to me: I don't have to time it, measure it, stick to a pre-determined duration, participate with others, compete to win, worry about letting down the team, and so on. I can simply go for a run and choose to challenge myself or not.
When I think about what I value about running, I think about the aspects that I'd miss if I had to run without them. Most of those are experiences and attitudes, none of which is easily quantifiable. I love being outside, meeting people and animals and seeing places and things I wouldn't otherwise, enjoying scents, sounds, sensations, textures. I love running hills and trails for the variety of terrain, which means I have to think and adapt. In all honesty, if I were confined to a gym for all my running, I'd most probably give up.
I value the time and headspace that running gives me to listen to music or speech podcasts or the natural environment. Running's also made me more confident about my body (as long as I don't go weighing or measuring it) and what it can do. It's given me a shared interest with my brother on the other side of the world, as well as with people on here, even though I spend much of my time being the oddball.
If I have to put a marker of success on a run, then doing what I set out to do, and coming back physically and psychologically unharmed, is the closest I can manage.
To me the marker of success is achieving the thing I value!😍 I too couldn't bear to run in a gym - it's the very 'outdoorsiness' of it that makes it bearable sometimes, and it's definitely the icing on the cake for every run. Coming back physically and psychologically unharmed should be in the C25K Things you should know document 😆
I agree with you on the body confidence thing - I'm not only more confident about my body, but I also value it far more highly these days and, although injury evidence may suggest otherwise, I look after it far better too 😊
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