Lose some win some ....

[SmashedPotato]

Sunday woe. Well my mojo took a (well earned?) break in the Canaries and was no doubt sipping cocktails by the pool when I attempted my second consolidation run at Ashridge NT estate. It had to happen some time I suppose, and 5 minutes into my run as I started my first ascent my head said "are you having a laugh?", my limbs felt like lead and and I stopped running. I was spitting feathers.

As I walked (stomped) the rest of the 5 1/2 mile route I ruminated (as I suspect many a runner does) over the causes of this phenomenon. This is the first time since starting C25K I have experienced this lack of physical and mental commitment to at the very least plod on, albeit it slowly, during the harder bits.

Fuel prep? well I know I did not drink enough (water) yesterday and topping up this morning probably did not compensate. A strange diet last night of veg harvested from the allotment including sprouting broccoli, and leeks cooked with thyme, garlic and butter beans, had volatile results on my intestinal tract and a wakeful night, 'nuf said, and even my morning boiled egg and soldiers could not quell the unsettling washing machine revolutions in my stomach.

Mind prep? We alternate route direction and this was my first 30 minute run incorporated within anti clockwise perambulations. As I saw the first steep hill approach negative thoughts flooded my mind and that was that my run was over before it had properly started.

Fast forward to Tuesday's Test. This time I attempted the route clockwise to avoid the steeper hill, but I had something to prove today okay, and I was still feeling very nervous - had I been kidding myself - call myself a runner - huh? I incorporated my 30 minute run within the 5 1/2 mile route, and towards the end managed a second burst of running, which I did not think would jeopardise my aching calves, gently downhill through the golf course, past the guys unloading groceries at Aldbury village stores (it was 8 am in the morning) which helped as I could not contemplate stopping until I was round the corner, and I was so buoyed up I strode purposefully up Cardiac Hill to finish.

Best time ever for the entire route happy happy days! Mojo safely reinstalled and I have the confidence now to try anti clockwise on Thursday again. Though I am taking precautions, absolutely NO leeks and sprouting broccoli beforehand. Happy running! SP x

[SeeJillRun Graduate]

It’s good that you were able to pinpoint reasons for your mojo’s brief sojourn to the Canaries, it must have been very disheartening but stopping seems like a sensible decision given your lack of hydration

Glad to hear yesterday’s run was a success and that mojo has returned 😁

Best of luck luck for the anti-clockwise route on Thursday!

[SmashedPotato Graduate in reply to SeeJillRun]

Thanks SeeJillRun - yes I am really going to go for it this time. SP

[SeeJillRun Graduate in reply to SmashedPotato]

Keeping my fingers crossed for you 🤞😊

[primaballerina]

Hello SP - great read, thanks for sharing.... but could you kindly edit your wonderful text and put in some paragraphs... I'd very much enjoy reading it again!!! LOL

[SmashedPotato Graduate in reply to primaballerina]

Thanks primaballerina for feedback - point taken though I try and save space as I am very conscious that I ramble on and on and on ....... however, agree yes it would make reading a darn sight easier! Happy running! SP