Well it was another hot run ๐ฅต๐ฅต, but the thought of those scrummy cakes was definately a big motivation!!
This was my third attendance at this race and as you can imagine its always a popular one with lots of the local running groups and clubs.
A few days earlier I had attended a learning festival and one of the workshops had been focused on embedding alternative learning. To de stress and calm the mid and body, the facilitator did a short meditation exercise for breathing , which asked us to focus on imagining the energy centre being deep within our stomach. She said to imagine it was your energy pack and when you need a real extra bit of oomph to slow your breathing and really focus your attention to that area.
So, as funny as it sounds, at regular intervals as I was running, I did just that, smiling to myself and saying 'right come on battery pack do your thing! ๐. It was hot and I never find races easy (does anyone??) but I swear that helped me. Given over the last year Ive had some health issues and injuries, I did it in 55:53 a minute quicker than last year, so although Ive done I did 55:23 the first year, Im beginning to think maybe I can get back to where I was last year.
So, if you're ever struggling in your race, try it, slow your breathing and focus on your battery pack for an extra bit of oomph! ๐๐๐ช.
Shame I didnt manage to get a pic of all the cakes before we were all let loose on them!!
Written by
Hedgehogs123
Metric Marathon
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Thanks. Re the breathing, I have been trying out different breathing exercises as I tend to mouth breath, but keep reading its not the most efficient way, just not easy to change, takes lots of practice.
Great tip there ! Thank you.... sometimes a phrase just is what we need to give us that boost!
You did brilliantly, again! You have run on so far, since you began and I am in awe of your strength and determination, through some very tough times, too !
You and your cake... a reason to run... wonderful :} HUGE well done to you!
Thank you, I did think I was getting back to where I was, but have had problems again with my health particulary the anaemia which has affected my breathing, Really frustrating, but like we always say to everyone else, running isnt going anyway, it will always be here.
You may remember when I did the Yorkshire 3 Peaks last year I did it for Alzheimer's. Well unfortunately now, my other half has just been diagnosed with Parkinsons and Lewy Body Dementia which is moving at such scary pace, so as well as working full time, Im now his full time 24hr carer. Running has had to take a bit of a back seat, hence Ive just not had chance to get on here. Ive missed reading everyone's posts but will try now and keep up when I can.
Brilliant time Hedgehogs. Cake is off limits for me, but you certainly earned yours. Fastest hedgehog in the world!!
I will try that breathing trick. I have found that touching the roof of my mouth, just behind my front teeth, with the tip of my tongue converts a mouth inhale to a nose one. It just happens.
Why I even tried it I donโt know (just weird) but it works ๐คท๐ปโโ๏ธ
Well done HH! ๐ค๐๐โโ๏ธ๐ ๐ฐ. Sounds like fun ๐. Apart from the heat of course. You did right well considering ๐ฅ๐ฅต.
So pleased there was cake! The thought of good eats at the end keeps me going! Iโm a right grumpy cow if thereโs deficiency in that department โน๏ธ
I hope youโre feeling good today and your systems are topped up ๐ช๐
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