Pictures from this mornings 10k - after an early breakfast, I managed to head out at 8am. Although initially sunny, it clouded over as the run progressed (and is now sunny again!).
I get so much from my running. It helps massively with my mental well-being, and of course my physical fitness. It has taught me I can do hard things and given me a sense of pride in what this (not so young anymore) body can do! I have the bling to prove it!π€£ It helps me manage stress after a hard day, regulate my emotions, hormones and of course I have some great playlists to listen to along the way!
Last but not least, it helps me connect with nature - the lanes I run down, the mud I squelch though, the nettles that sting me, the hills I trudge up, the wildlife all around me!π¦π¦ββ¬π°π¦I feel at peace on runs like this - and that is not something I always feel. So for me, I guess - to run is just to be free!
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Written by
Sandraj39
Half Marathon
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Running really heightens the senses doesn't it, you feel alive and at one with nature. My runs are still progressing as I find my way back to some sort of fitness, but they are me, working and pushing a little and doing my best, my runs, my experience, my successes.
They mean a lot to me βΊοΈ
Sounds like you had a great one this morning, well done you!
What a great post! I have to agree. My 10k was later, it was hot, I was thirsty and tired and it all felt like hard work. But at the same time it felt so good to be out there, just doing it. My choice. My freedom of choice. My freedom.
I agree with all your sentiments Sandra. For me, running is fun. It needs to be, or I wonβt do it (same with anything I do). I certainly donβt do it to be competitive - that would sap the fun - and I always trot along being passed by faster runners, at the same time passing walkers. Itβs brilliant π₯°
I listen to my guilty pleasure music, chuckle out loud at cheesy Coach B, marvel at how I, now aged 60, used to literally despise running six years ago, and I can now run non stop for hours on end. How did that happen? I run to reach my personal goals (currently HM training again), I run to justify the food I love, I run to have time for me in my busy life! Plus I run for bling (yep, itβs that important! π π
Great topic Sandra. Today was my first holiday run for two years in our favourite place in the world, the Isles of Scilly. I couldnβt run last year because of an injury following a fall, and a strange balance issue. So today was really special.
My 5k today incorporated the route of my week 5 run 3 effort on St Maryβs. No telephone, no commentary, no distractions, just me and my legs, set free after long journeys and a rather wet first couple of days. It was slightly misty, but definitely warm enough for me.
I walked up a steep hill to start with (warm up walkπ) just as I did six years ago, and then I was off! This run was all on roads, but I was early enough to avoid what passes for the rush hour here. The first section has high hedges either side, and that gives way to a section where the trees have formed a roof over the road providing much needed shelter. The run felt very personal with just my thoughts, and birdsong, for company.
Next I approached the duck pond. As usual ducks were strewn about on the road, apparently in a deep sleep as none of so much as flickered an eye lid as I weaved my way through them. Then I hit the hilly stretch, but this is nothing like my roller coaster at home; I can breeze up these inclines. I recognised the spot where I hit 20 minutes on W1run3, and remembered how surprised I was at how much further I had run that day compared to earlier C25k runs. I had to run the entire route twice today to fit in 5k; negative splits and a finish with a flourish hurtling down βwarm upβ hill towards the flat we stay in every year.
It was good to reflect on how far I have come since C25k, the part these islands have played in my running, and lots that has happened over this 6 years. Coaching and commentaries have their place, but the sounds and scenes of the countryside and space to think are unbeatable companions.
Thank you cheeky; it will do me good to think for myself! Holiday is playtime. No PB attempts, just plod around and take in the atmosphere. The negative splits were an accident; I just steadily picked up pace as I went.
I was reflecting on the dolphins we saw on the way over, and an oversize grey dorsal fin following the ship; it was definitely a shark. Wonder if Mrs BC is planning to take a dip? π¦π¬
πShe knows about it cheeky. I donβt think that it will put her off. I always act as lifeguard when she swims in the sea; never tried shark wrestling. What is it with this family? Sharks this year, grizzly bears and polar bears last year! Completely mad!
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