Did anyone else run on Thursday evening in the mist that descended over Stoke-on-Trent?
If I'd had my headtorch and was running on trails or through the woods, I wouldn't have thought twice about it. I love a headtorch run and the night laps at Thunder Run are always my favourite.
But somehow, as I set off after work at about 5.30pm on Thursday, it was an incredibly eerie experience - even on well lit streets, visibility was minimal and pedestrians and vehicles seemed to appear out of nowhere, along with cyclists riding on the pavement with no lights (but that's a rant for another time).
I wouldn't say I was scared but I was definitely uneasy... and then I began to enjoy myself. Searching as I am for my next big challenge, not being able to see where I was going began to feel comforting. I decided to turn left at every junction for a while then changed direction and turned right. My tiredness faded. I made pretty patterns for Strava.
And this one little run on a Thursday evening on a misty night in January is a reminder to challenge myself in simple, smaller, quieter ways in preparation for the bigger challenges to come, whatever they may be. I need to stop thinking about big goals and just run to the next junction instead.
Strava segments
I've set myself a few Strava segment challenges on routes I run regularly.... the Ivy House Dash, the Canal Trent Path Loop, the Cromer to Ivy House, Lichfield Street Climb, City Road. I've managed one new segment PB already, although felt like I was running through treacle as I tackled the Ivy House Dash today. Oh well, it's good to try. 5 goals set for the end of January. Whether I beat my target times or not, the key for me is to get out of my comfort zone and try to run a bit quicker, especially on the ups.
Run before work
At least once a week, I'll run in the morning before work. I left it late last week, as late as possible. I got my kit ready on Thursday night and when my alarm went off on Friday morning, I knew it it was now or never. So I got up and I ran, out of the door in darkness yet again. I did it and the cold shower at the office definitely woke me up. I'm not a morning person, so this is likely to be a much tougher challenge that most, but I also now that a morning run does set me up for the day. So I'll give it a try.
Double figures
At least once a week, my daily mileage needs to hit double figures. I managed that one last Sunday and today as well... 8 miles including parkrun and then an extra 3 at lunchtime. If I decide my challenge involves running long, I need to start building up my mileage again. I've had great company on my longer runs so far this year - thanks to fantastic friends from Potters Trotters - and that's helping my running mindset to return too.
Run a race
Stand on the start line, have some fun, laugh out loud. I've actually found two possible races in February, both involving a little travel adventure too. I've entered one already - it's a new race in an iconic location with a ridiculously complicated route. I'm hoping for a funky medal too! I'm still deciding on the second - we will be nearby anyway and you can enter on the day.... watch this space.
Little goals, big challenges.
Amongst all these things, inspiration will come. It always does.
If I'd had my headtorch and was running on trails or through the woods, I wouldn't have thought twice about it. I love a headtorch run and the night laps at Thunder Run are always my favourite.
But somehow, as I set off after work at about 5.30pm on Thursday, it was an incredibly eerie experience - even on well lit streets, visibility was minimal and pedestrians and vehicles seemed to appear out of nowhere, along with cyclists riding on the pavement with no lights (but that's a rant for another time).
I wouldn't say I was scared but I was definitely uneasy... and then I began to enjoy myself. Searching as I am for my next big challenge, not being able to see where I was going began to feel comforting. I decided to turn left at every junction for a while then changed direction and turned right. My tiredness faded. I made pretty patterns for Strava.
 |
| left, left, left.... right, right, right! |
And this one little run on a Thursday evening on a misty night in January is a reminder to challenge myself in simple, smaller, quieter ways in preparation for the bigger challenges to come, whatever they may be. I need to stop thinking about big goals and just run to the next junction instead.
Strava segments
I've set myself a few Strava segment challenges on routes I run regularly.... the Ivy House Dash, the Canal Trent Path Loop, the Cromer to Ivy House, Lichfield Street Climb, City Road. I've managed one new segment PB already, although felt like I was running through treacle as I tackled the Ivy House Dash today. Oh well, it's good to try. 5 goals set for the end of January. Whether I beat my target times or not, the key for me is to get out of my comfort zone and try to run a bit quicker, especially on the ups.
 |
| One of Julie's motivational quotes from Race to the King |
At least once a week, I'll run in the morning before work. I left it late last week, as late as possible. I got my kit ready on Thursday night and when my alarm went off on Friday morning, I knew it it was now or never. So I got up and I ran, out of the door in darkness yet again. I did it and the cold shower at the office definitely woke me up. I'm not a morning person, so this is likely to be a much tougher challenge that most, but I also now that a morning run does set me up for the day. So I'll give it a try.
Double figures
At least once a week, my daily mileage needs to hit double figures. I managed that one last Sunday and today as well... 8 miles including parkrun and then an extra 3 at lunchtime. If I decide my challenge involves running long, I need to start building up my mileage again. I've had great company on my longer runs so far this year - thanks to fantastic friends from Potters Trotters - and that's helping my running mindset to return too.
Run a race
Stand on the start line, have some fun, laugh out loud. I've actually found two possible races in February, both involving a little travel adventure too. I've entered one already - it's a new race in an iconic location with a ridiculously complicated route. I'm hoping for a funky medal too! I'm still deciding on the second - we will be nearby anyway and you can enter on the day.... watch this space.
Little goals, big challenges.
Amongst all these things, inspiration will come. It always does.
 |
| Quote from Brave Enough by Cheryl Strayed |
There are so many little Strava segments where I am, not that I can run with my plantar fascitis at the moment
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