Mix it up a bit

[Slothgoesrunning]

Today was start of week seven. I have day off work do I thought to myself why not mix it up a bit. I ran at lunchtime, a route I haven’t done in a long while and pressed start on a new playlist that had been recommended. Oh dear. I start warm up walk and then the run. Running after food (albeit 3 hours post food) isn’t something I’m used to. I realise I am much colder than I expected to be and start tensing up. Also now wishing I had gone for a wee before leaving house. Seriously fighting gremlins telling me to just head back to car and write this one off. Toxic ten is definitely happening. Right decision time! I tell myself ten minutes of mild misery will be worth it and if I feel worse after that I will reconsider. After 5 mins Denise is telling me I should be in a comfortable rhythm by now. No Denise I am not, can you just give me a bit longer!please! I keep going and as the ten min mark approaches I realise I am breathing normally and starting to listen to the new music (was not impressed with it at first as too shouty and just adding to my running anxiety). Ok I know I am going to be ok and just keep placing one foot in front of the other. Through the woods, over the footbridge and I reach the lake. There are not many birds on the water, not like in the woods which was loud with birdsong. It’s very quiet- a couple of mums with buggies and a few dog walkers. I’m taking in the scenery and just as I reach the only incline in an otherwise flat run the halfway bell rings and Get Up Stand Up (Bob Marley) starts up - perfect! Bob gives me the boost I needed and I continue singing along out loud with renewed spring in my step. I even had some juice left in tank for a slight increase in pace for last 5 mins. Run ended, that was hard work but I am pleased with myself. I now have a relaxing 15 min walk back through woods to car. I stop to take some snaps, watch the birds and a rabbit that is chowing down on dock leaves.

Sometimes the harder runs are the most rewarding! Keep going everyone! 🏃‍♀️🦢🦮🐿🐇🦆🦥

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

I love the tough runs, they build my mental strength far more than the easy ones. Great job out there.

[Slothgoesrunning Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Thanks and You are so right!

[Vespina Graduate]

That look like some fantastic scenery. Glad you were able to settle in and enjoy it.

I definitely know what you mean about the first minutes. I have variously decided my knees, legs, arms, lungs and heart aren’t working, I shouldn’t have eaten whatever, I drank too much, I haven’t drunk enough…

And then I think about this video: youtu.be/obdd31Q9PqA(Not working as expected?)

That makes me laugh and then I get on with it.

[Slothgoesrunning Graduate]

Haha- that video gotta work!

[Vespina Graduate in reply to Slothgoesrunning]

It’s my go to if it’s raining or I otherwise don’t want to go