Weekly chat March 10th-16th: buddies 🍵🍪🏃‍➡️

[linda9389]

Hello lovely running buddies

Where would I be without you? All the pompom shakes and cheers, and all the supportive comments when gremlins got the better of me! Thank you, thank you, thank you 🙏

I thought I'd learned to stamp on my gremlins during my nine week C25K journey, but it seems a super variety of gremlin has been quietly mutating over the last few years! As the attack on Saturday showed, I am clearly not immune to them, despite eight years running, and getting on for seven years of actually thinking of myself as 'a runner' 💪

I have to say it was a pretty humbling dip in confidence, yet here I am with Lisbon HM successfully behind me (race report to follow).

Did I learn anything? Oh yes!

✅ I learnt that a dip in confidence is just that. It had no physical source or impact whatsoever. It was self generated mind games and nothing more.

✅ I learnt it will pass

✅ I learnt to reframe my thoughts and take control

✅ I learnt that in doing so, I would gain a feeling of empowerment

✅ I learnt I should have more faith in myself, regardless of whatever anyone else appears to be doing

✅But most of all, I learned that the support of fellow runners is absolutely invaluable and I cannot thank everyone enough for their kind words, for the pompom waving and for the overall support. For over twenty four hours, I was not alone 🥰🙏

I imagine it's not just me though. Do the gremlins still natter at you too? Have you gotten any better at chasing them away? Do you lean on others for support?

And how's your running going? Are you working towards a spring event or spring goal? We'll soon have more news on our own HU event on 27th April, and, with a variety of distances on offer, we do hope you'll join us. In the meantime,please do let us know what you're up to and how you're faring, in the chat below.

Whatever your week has in store for you, go forth with confidence and don't let the gremlins get inside you head🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️

From your team    Irishprincess ,   Beachcomber66  and me🥰 xxx

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[RunWillie Marathon]

Well done linda9389 for your awesome run & beating those gremlins.

I'm putting on my big girl pants & starting my marathon plan this week. I've got my new comfy long run shoes added to garmin & I'm planning to tick the first 8 miler off tomorrow.

Happy week everyone! ❤️

Today's run 🤩

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to RunWillie]

It sure looks tempting RW 🌞 I'll I can see is cloud, mist and rain out my Lisbon hotel window.My big girl pants kept falling down (and not because I've lost weight!), so take a belt and braces just in case (that's us, we'll come and enjoy the blue sea alongside you). Here's to 8 miles en route to 25k. Have a wonderful run 😊

[RunWillie Marathon in reply to linda9389]

It was certainly hot but the new shoes are fabulous & I made it. I was a little concerned about the shoes as the last version 26(after going through two pairs of Asics nimbus 25's) did not work for me at all & I had to retire them after 50 miles. They're expensive dog walking shoes now.

Asics nimbus 27

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to RunWillie]

And she's off!Big girl pants and a new pair of shoes - a powerful combination!

Well done RW 👏

[Kevin41 Half Marathon]

Despite years of running, I still struggle sometimes to get out the door. Confidence is a funny thing and also a fickle one. I know my legs can handle any distance I throw at them, after all they’ve done it before, but the hardest part of running is convincing yourself mentally you can do it.

I am in awe at your strength linda9389 - many would have used any excuse and just stayed in bed and watched the race from the sidelines. You didn’t. You faced those gremlins and absolutely obliterated them. Well done. I shall remember that the next time my mind starts telling me I can’t.

I’m annoyed at myself for letting myself get out of shape having been pretty fit around 2020/2021. My running is going slowly and steadily but I’m determined to get back into some sort of shape this spring/summer!

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Kevin41]

Thing is, not only had I paid for it but I'd paid to get to Lisbon too and dragged my 'not interested in running one bit' husband with me. It was Hobsons choice really. It was also much easier than the 24 hours that preceded it.But you're right. That memory is now banked - it may feel awful the day before, that disappears when the time comes, and the day after is full of joy.

You know you can reach that level of fitness you had only a few years ago, its yours for the taking again. Hard work just now, but full of joy once you've got there.

I have the same goal. We just need to find - and hold on to - that determination. Good luck 😊

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon]

Simply awesome Linda! I may have stolen a quick peek at the results on the Lisbon website last night and so went to bed knowing that you would have a lasting smile on your face! I will await your run account patiently. I have experienced that “what am I doing here?” feeling when away on my own for a big run, but Pom Pom posts appeared by magic and changed my mood. The sheer scale of some of these events, and being surrounded by much younger and much fitter looking athletes(in my case), certainly made me question why I was there. But the bottom line is; we can do this! And you did! So happy for you 🙂🥇🏆

Off for a solo 10 miler now; not sure I am ready for it, but CB says I am so I will give it a whirl! Catch up later.

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

I had a look too BC 🙂

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

I'm so sorry IP. I meant to message you and BC yesterday, knowing you don't so strava, but I never got round to actioning that thought.

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

You weren’t going to escape our gaze 🙂

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

I wonder if you checked before or after they adjusted the results 🤔 Not that it really matters, but that's for the race report. Which I plan on doing as we wait on our - undoubtedly delayed - flight home 😍

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Looking forward to reading it 🙂

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

It will likely be long 🙈🤷‍♀️😀

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

No worries Linda. I think you had enough on your plate 😍

[RiceAndPeas Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

Hi BC, your support while I was riddled with doubt and torment in Malaga got me through. Just taking the opportunity to thank you once more! 😃

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to RiceAndPeas]

Love this 😊 It's so real.

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to RiceAndPeas]

That’s so kind RiceAndPeas. That is the beauty of this site; we all understand how it feels and know the value of support; you have done your share of the latter post Malaga, so thanks for that 👍

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

Hear! Hear!

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

Thanks BC. I'm so sorry. At one point yesterday I thought I should message you and IP as I know you don't use atrava. But somehow the thought never became action.Once there, standing among everyone, I'm much better, and once over the line habit takes over to a large extent. At one point I did question why I choose torun that distance though 😍

I hope you and CB had a good 10 miles this morning ... and I hope there's less wind and rain than we have on our last (not) sightseeing trip in Lisbon!

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Current view ...

Murky view from Lisbon hotel room

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

That looks pretty dire Linda. Not holiday weather at all 😕.

The temperatures dropped off here today to around 6 degrees, with wind chill on top of that, curtesy of a northerly wind. There was mist around too, so it was one underlayer and a thickish top weather. 10 miles at recovery run pace was what the programme said, so I took it pretty easy on the outlap. Coming back, my pace picked up, and the CB threw in some fancy fartleks towards the end, just in case I was feeling comfortable. Net result was a couple of minutes over my PB time, which surprised me (in a good way).10 miles at 6:57 average pace and average heart rate of 134bpm felt good for as a follow up to an injury interrupted winter, and suggests I could aim for HM in our April event 🙂. Now for a sandwich; then Molly’s cafe walk. Should be good for the legs, hers and mine 🙂!

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

That's brilliant BC. I'm going to add you now before you change your mind ... although feel free to change to Metric Marathon at any point ... 😍

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Ha ha !!!!! ….maybe though 🫢

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

I'm currently torn between running the 26.2k again ... or entering a 10k event. I'll be in Canada again. So for now I'm going to set up my plan to get to 26.2k. It would be good to have company on 27th, just saying ...😀

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

If I think I can manage it nearer the time, I will go for it. Good enough?

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

Plenty 😊

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

You can do 26.2k Beachcomber66 , the way you’re going at the moment it wouldn’t surprise me if you made it to a FM at some point too. 👊

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

I will both surprised and delighted to make 26.2k. I can definitely say “Never” (capital deliberate!) to a full marathon. I was pleased to get through today’s run with a 134 average heart rate. I feel tired now, but was quite perky after my run. 42+k feels like a huge risk given my age. I do know a guy called Tom from up here who did the 2024 Berlin Marathon in his eighties (and only started running in his seventies) so such people exist; but he is a one off. I know my limitations.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

Oh my, that is some guy!Limitations BC? How can you be so sure? You know how to look after yourself. If anyone is safe to give it a go, surely it is you 😍

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

I did ask my physio about this; she was ok with 26.2 but suggested that FM was a step (or a few steps) too far. Never argue with some who sticks pins in your piriformis and pokes trigger points with fingers of steel!!

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

Ahh. Yup, you don't want to get on the wrong side of that lady!

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Come to think of it Cheeky ... you'll already be at 21k with several weeks to go ... just saying ... 😍

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

😈!!

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

And what does that mean? 😍😍😍

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Temptress !!

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

🤷‍♀️😇😍

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Linda! You’re bad, very bad! 😂😂😂

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

🤷‍♀️😇😍

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

It sounds ridiculous to say, but the thought of having Metric Marathon next to my name is so tempting …… a lot depends on Sunday! 😂😂

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Is there any bling involved ????🙂

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

There might need to be ….. I wonder if it’s possible to get those wooden ones we had last year? linda9389 ? 😈

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

I think that Linda has, probably wisely, gone down for dinner!!🙂

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

I just thought I'd sit back a while and see what happened! No dinner for me... queuing to board our flight. So far no delays!!! 🤞🤞🤞🙏🙏🙏

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Speaking to them is on my to do list ...

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

You are so worth it!

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to Beachcomber66]

Well done on your 10 miles Beachcomber66 / you are doing so well.

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

Thanks Dexy5. I seem 🤞🤞🤞to have got on top of my usual winter injuries, thanks to my physio. Going from 10k to 10 miles in a fortnight seemed a bit of a leap…..but I may have got away with it. Changing to Cascadia trail shoes, with added heel cups, has helped a lot. Much more stable for my high arches in the mud! I think you said that UTS had done similar only he went for a full insole. Certainly this year has started better than last despite the miserable weather; great if it continues.

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to Beachcomber66]

Yes UTS found the PF insoles sold in the running shop provided him with the most support. I’ve tried a few insoles but find it better without in my peregrines. I think I’ll try cascadias next time but mine don’t get worn as often as yours.

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

The Cascadia soles came as a bit of a shock; quite rigid, but they work fine, in fact my trail pace has really picked up without additional effort; or so it seems. I got the GTS which has a goretex covering on the toe box. No more wet socks!

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

Great stuff BC 💪 It must be all those Flat Whites 😂

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

Hope the influence lasts until the April challenge.

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

🥰

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to linda9389]

Such a shame when it has been so lovely here

Sunny March Weather

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

For direct comparison ... therw are lots of buildings in the distance that you cannot see. There is a pond in the grass ... that you also cannot see ... that was not there when we arrived four days ago!!!

Lisbon March weather ...

[Week7 Half Marathon]

Sounds like you had a happy ending to your latest adventure. Really looking forward to reading all about it!

My Gremlins have really been active since the HU 10 mile. This post is so perfectly timed . It reminds me that my Gremlins are just that: sneaky little energy sappers who tend to sneak up when real life and running life are forced to share head space!. Basically they are bullies. So as with all bullies -time to get on those big girl pants and face them - or-runaway from them with a comedy podcast and all my VRB's for company- Either way, I win , they lose!!

Just getting the big girl pants ready . Today's run looks like its going to be a wet one so here goes....Happy 🏃‍♀️ all!

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Week7]

A happy ending and some valuable lessons too Week7 😊Gremlins can be brutal if we don't stop them in their tracks. A comedy podcast and a run to enjoy sounds like a perfect way to show them who is boss. But if you can find your big girl pants, even better.

Hope you have/had a great ru, and if not ... well that happens too. In which case I recommend letting off steam here, then trying the NRC Suckcess guided run 😍

You've got this Week7 ... and you've got 27th April as a goal too 😊

[Week7 Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Thank you. Big girl pants and comedy podcasts joined forces against those pesky Gremlins to complete 12k progression run from the Garmin HM plan ✅

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Week7]

Big girl pants, comedy podcasts and YOU 💪💪💪

Excellent!

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon]

We all had immense faith in you linda9389 , never a doubt that you’d smash that gremlin-infested HM. But smash it you did, with knobs on! 💪 I’m so glad it all worked out for you, and I hope you’re glowing today. 🥰 Can’t wait for your report, and photo of your bling. 😍

My turn for gremlins now. I’m cross that my running miles have been so few this winter. I really wanted to run the Bath Half and feel like I was the best prepared I could be. Far from it. I’ve only been running on average twice per week, and the mileage has been puny. My longest runs for months have been 10k - I did one yesterday, and much as I felt like I could go on and I’ve been doing more strength training, I’m not convinced it’ll be enough to counteract the lack of miles.

Also, and I don’t want to whine, whilst the gym has been my saviour (or I might not have run at all some weeks), it hasn’t helped lose my one pace fits all style! I believe it’s actually made it worse! 😅

But hey, I was whining and I’m no quitter. I’m not worried about my time, but what I really wanted to avoid was the feeling of doom after 13-14k which always hits me! Even the “only a PR to go” at 10 miles seems like an eternity when your hips are screaming at you!

So let’s see what happens on Sunday. The weather looks perfect (please stay that way Weather Gods 🙏), and I really want to enjoy the occasion. There’s bling to be had when all’s said and done!

Send me a swift boot up the backside please pals. 🙏

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

You can do it Munks. Last year both my knees hurt right up to the day of Bath and my training was bad so I wasn’t prepared at all. But, as you know, the lure of the bling is strong 🏅

The crowd support in Bath is fab and will urge you on and of course your VRBs here 🤗

Not least, you are a very determined chipmunk so I have no doubt you will cross the finish line and grab that bling 🥰

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

Thanks IP, yes the power of HU and the magnetic pull of the bling will get me there won’t they? 🙏

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

You will do it cheeky; you always do. I have just jumped up to 10 miles from 10k over a couple of weeks, and there was plenty of fuel left in the tank (tailwind) today. A fit determined chipmunk will find that extra Park Run no trouble at all. Based on all of the years I have known you, I would say that you are incapable of allowing a run to beat you! 🐿️

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

Got to agree with you there BC. You've got this Cheeky. I know it xxx

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

Thank you  Beachcomber66 , I suppose I’m just disappointed my training was so luke warm. I’ve never trained for a spring HM since work got so busy, and I simply haven’t had the time (nor inclination) to get out this winter! But you’re right. I’m stubborn as a 🫏 and there’s bling. Wild 🐎 won’t stop me crossing that finishing line!

Well done on your 10 miles too. 💪

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Thanks Cheeky. I wasn’t sure that I was ready for 10 miles, but CB knew best. I have taken a leaf out of your book with 30 mins Yin yoga this afternoon.

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

Ahh a spot of yoga is wonderful BC. So relaxing and, like most runs, you never regret doing it. Hope your body is thanking you after your long run today.

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

It certainly helps with flexibility. Maybe it makes me keep falling asleep, although that could be the run!

[Week7 Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

I have no doubts tgat you will succeed. You are the ultimate in keeping on keeping on -especially with the bling sparkling at that finish line in Bath . The magpie in you will do it if nothing else..

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Week7]

Thanks Week7 , I’m not prone to gremlins as a rule, but March 16th is coming round very quickly all of a sudden, and the realisation just how little running I’ve done is hitting home! 😳

[RiceAndPeas Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

You've got this, you definitely have got this!

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to RiceAndPeas]

Thank you RiceAndPeas , a nice swift boot, just what I needed! 🙏😅

[Kevin41 Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Just think of how good it will feel when you get to the finish line, which you will!!!

Finish lines not finish times will no doubt be the order of the day but conquering a race when we are not at our strongest can be as satisfying as any pb.

Just know we will all be rooting for you and willing you to the end. Hope the weather is perfect for you

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Kevin41]

You’re so right Kevin41 ! It’ll all have been worth it. The power of a HU boost is worth its weight in gold. Thank you! And yes, that phrase is going to be key for me this weekend. 😀

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

No boot from me Cheekie, but instead, a swift and hefty vote of confidence in you! You've been under prepared before and it hasn't stopped you. The doubts at 14k? The feeling of physical strain at 10 miles? They're largely down to expectations and I suspect they still rear their head when you're fully fit and prepared. I can feel like that on a 3k run! Just don't give them head space. Remind them you've done this before and you're doing it again, so they may as well budge over! The extra strength work will make a positive difference.My hip flexors started to burn yesterday around 10 miles. I tried to change my pace and gait for short bursts ... emphasising lifting my knees and 'cycling' my legs. A physio once told me I wasn't bending my hips enough, so they got tight in an almost straight position throughout the run. That's probably still my natural gait, but changing it up briefly seems to give them some respite. May be worth a try... if nothing else it's a distraction 😍

You'll smash Bath, and we'll all be there cheering you every step, especially loudly at 14k and 10 miles!!!

And anyway ... the bling is waiting at the finish line. Only one way to get your hands on that!

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Ahh that’s so interesting about the hip flexors linda9389 . That’s exactly me; running the same pace the whole time. I’m not sure I want to go experimenting too much during a HM, but I might well see if I can switch things up/down every so often to give them a break. It makes so much sense. I’ll be drawing on the well wishes of the HU bunch from 14k onwards! A virtual dragging in crew! 😂

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Literally just a few different strides every once in a while. Nothing too much. Almost like a stretch on the go 😍 We'll be there from 1 to 14k too!

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Right, it’s a deal. You guys bellow at me and I’ll throw some variety in! 🥰

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to cheekychipmunks]

I remember you doing the Great South Run with very little training and still suffering the effects of a chest infection cheekychipmunks . I was amazed how you managed to achieve it, but you are one determined chipmunk and I am sure you will do fine at your steady pace. Plus you will have us all waving pom-poms for you.

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

Yes you’re right Dexy5 , I have done a few foolish things like that. My first Cardiff HM was on limited training too. I don’t know though, this time it’s bothering me somehow, but thank you, I’ll engage chipmunk trot and see how I fare. ❤️

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon]

Go Linda!! Can’t wait to read your report and see the shiny bling 🤩 You overcame all those gremlins and took charge 💪

Generally my gremlins only pop up when I’m injured. Then I ask myself if this is it for my running, am I too old to be doing this? Will I recover ok this time? Blah blah. But I have pretty strong self-belief and get huge inspiration from my pals here with their posts of epic runs and overcoming hurdles and doing amazing things (like you!) that I can turn off the gremlin voices and get on with it.

My running is ticking along nicely atm. I’m at the airport now having had a few lovely days in Seville and managed two treadmill runs.

When I get home I will get back on the bike and do another session of my strength training each week. Also I’m going to book a physio session as I keep getting a tightness around my hip flexors and I don’t know why and can’t seem to get rid of it.

But all is good. I need a race to look forward to so must get looking at that too 🥰

I hope you have managed to see something of Lisbon tourist-wise before you fly home.

Have a great week x

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

Ahh yes! The 'am I too old for this' gremlin!!! I am right at the end of my age category ... I'm hoping to still be running next year to make the most of being youngest in category 😍Normally I can overcome my gremlins alone, but on Saturday morning they came rushing at me and knocked me over before I worked out what was happening. I figured it was time to seek help!!!

My hip flexors started to burn yesterday, a it must be horrible if that happens regularly. I'm a sure a physio will be able to loosen those off and give you exercises to keep them that way. Fingers crossed for you.

We fly today too ... weather permitting ... but not til later in the day. By then I can only imagine what delays have built up 🙈. I hope your journey is trouble free and there are lots of nice 'loose' runs waiting for you at home 😊

Do let us know what event you choose 🥰

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

That’s the thing with gremlins, they can come at a moment’s notice from nowhere! Pesky bothersomes 🤬

I’m just catching up here and have seen that you've posted your race report so will make another brew and settle down to read it 🫖

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

Best get lunch too!!!

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

😂

[RiceAndPeas Marathon]

So glad you got through it Linda, you had us or more accurately yourself really worried there! I must confess, I do this to myself all the time. Even before going out for a Sunday long run I have to give myself a pep talk to get out the door. Before my only marathon i was in such a state I nearly didn't turn up to the start line but the support I got from this community really kept me going. I thought about the virtual pom poms when the going got tough and it really was a massive help!

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to RiceAndPeas]

We can be our own worst enemies can't we? So often on a long run I think to myself 'I'm not going to make this'. Yet if I count the number of times I've 'made it' vs the number of times I haven't? Well there is no case to answer!!! Yet still I doubt myself 😃🤷‍♀️You too now have the knowledge that nerves almost got the better of you, yet that's all they were ... head noise ... because you went right out there and crushed your marathon. Never forget that valuable experience 😊

[aliboo70 Half Marathon]

Big congratulations to you linda9389 ,that was a great result yesterday and glad the pompoms helped ! Yes definitely still gremlins😪, on Thursday I was going to club for 7pm but when I put my light on it failed as I forgot to charge it. So I didn't want to risk falling again , and went home, found another light. Set off, breathing awful, legs awful, a very dismal run so I just did round the long block. Plus stopped to catch breath several times ! Where as yesterday I did a run with 14 others and managed nearly 7 miles, plus a walk up to Tennyson of 3 miles! Was lovely to have a day free of any responsibilities 😊☀️

Dad had his memory test last Tues and they think he has Alzhiemers at moderate level atm . Sad to hear but I guess we know what we're dealing with now. I'm only working afternoons as helping with making lunch etc and some evening shifts, so life is hectic , plus Kenny daughters operation coming up (rescheduled) soon . Which makes days like yesterday extra special 🥰

Tennyson monument after the climb up ! 5k round trip

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to aliboo70]

Thanks Ali.These gremlins are a pain! At least that night you got out and ran. As coach Bennett says in his Suckcess guided run, even that bad runs contain successes - we just need to look for them.

Sounds like yesterday was a real tonic - and you most definitely deserve that 🥰

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to aliboo70]

🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞 op is done this time Aliboo 🙂

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to aliboo70]

It’s good that you are running Ali for your own space. As you say, at least you know what you are dealing with with your dad. Fingers crossed for Kenny’s daughter and that the op happens soon. Sending a big hug 🥰 xxx

[aliboo70 Half Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

Thankyou 😘xxx

[Dexy5 10 Miles]

So glad to hear that you got to run in Lisbon, despite the conditions and gremlins  linda9389 . I look forward to reading your race report.

I was pleased to be signed off by my physio for the rotator cuff injury. It’s not completely perfect but so much better . It’s now up to me to keep doing the exercises. I can’t believe it’s been 2 years since I hurt it.

I have been having steady runs this last week. A 5k to test  UpTheStanley ’s new parkrun route (perfectly measured by him). Then with upcoming Monsal Trail 10k in mind I did a lovely 8k near the wake park. I say lovely but I found the 7th km a struggle. 8th km was pretty quick though. Must have been the lure of coffee. All followed by a purple parkrun to celebrate International Women’s Day.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

Thanks Dexy. Wow, that's a long time to be stuck with an injury like that. I remember mine took forever to heal, but at the time it never occurred me to seek help 🙈So a third run route for Southsea parkrun? Hopefully ending by the cafe?

I just tried to change my Monsal entry to 10k but they said no! Despite me reading at the time that I could change mid run ... illness rereading when I get home! If not, it'll be another HM for me, and it definitely won't be a PB 😍

If your legs could speed thru the final km, the struggle must have been mental. These pesky gremlins! Four weeks to get to a smiling 10k

You can do this! 😊

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to linda9389]

Yes most of the promenade is being raised to improve the sea defences and they have now finished the section at our old start. We can’t do it exactly the same as before because they have introduced a play area and a narrow accessibility ramp. No doubt we will need to tweak a few things after our first few weeks but we’ve got to try it out first.

I don’t know where they are going to start the GSR route this year because that area is closed and being worked on now.

That’s a shame about the Monsal Trail run, I guess the 10k is fully booked, but they are bound to have some people who can’t do it on the day.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

That's what I thought Dexy. I may ask again. I guess it's hard wnough movinf parkrun, but definitely not so easy to move something the size of GSR!

[SueAppleRun 10 Miles]

So lovely to read that you kicked those gremlins out and learnt that you can do it and then did do it Linda.I don't know where my gremlins have gone, it's quite scary but I'm full of enthusiasm, it may be that I have such low expectations now that the gremlins can't be bothered 🤣🤣🤣 .

The support I received here last year when I honestly couldn't imagine walking a kilometre let alone running one still amazes me, it made such a difference, and now, having people say well done when my snail pace covers a few kilometres is wonderful.

I'm really looking forward to the HU spring run.... After 5k slow I feel great and want to go further so am sure I will in another month.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to SueAppleRun]

Haha, I love your method to beat the gremlins 😍 You have been through so much in the last year, but on the other hand you have come so far too. And it sounds like you've found a new joy in your running. Possibly not worth the price you've paid, but a massive bonus 🥰

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon]

So glad you smashed it linda9389 👏👏👏💪- as we all knew you would! Please do post that run report, as I would love to read how it went.

Yep, I frequently get attacks of the gremlins👹 - the longer the run, the more likely they are to bite! Sometimes I have missed races because of them 😕 but more often I go and then wonder why I listened to them at all! 🤷‍♀️

The important thing is that we still keep turning up, rain or shine - to do what we love doing!🙂❤️🏃‍♀️🏃🏽

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Sandraj39]

Thanks Sandra. They have a lot to answer for don't they, and it's all the more annoying knowing they are self generated. All we can do is keep trying to remember the positives and use every tool in the box 😊

[Curlygurly2 Half Marathon]

Oh Gremlins.... never believed in them personally... been running 9 years this year... Gremlins don't exist do they? Until these last few weeks training for my HM...the little b*ggers have been by my side, whispering in my ear on so many of my runs. Hard to deal with them...

I'm looking forward to reading your race report xx

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Curlygurly2]

Haha. I'd love to not believe in them 😀 You just showed them who's boss though CG 👊

[Curlygurly2 Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

They are still with me 2 days later telling me I was rubbish. I know I did my best and loads of runners did the same as me or not so well,. most of them many years younger than me...I wish I was less self critical!

[Tessie66 Half Marathon]

Well done on beating your Gremlins, I always have self doubt and always have unfortunately I still don't think I'm a runner and my son in law goes mad at me lol. This week Well tonight 13.1k so starting to build for the Manchester marathon if my foot let's me

Building the miles slowly does it for me

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Tessie66]

Slowly building is perfect.I'm going to venture that, deep down you do believe you're a runner - or at least you did when you entered the marathon. Let yourself believe it ... because it is patently true 😊

[Tessie66 Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Thank you and your right