Riding the rollercoaster

This week, my running adventures have had a few ups and downs, not in terms of the undulations of the routes but in relation to how I felt and how I ran.

I've had two runs where I felt like I was running through treacle - sluggish, slow, desperate to stop - and two runs where I felt great, enjoying the fresh air, finding a comfortable pace, running up hills, smiling! I even managed a progression run, getting quicker with every mile.

I've thought a bit about why. What made the tough runs so difficult and the other runs seem so effortless? Was I more tired before I started? Had I done too much during the day? Had I slept badly? Was it too hot or too cold? Had I eaten enough or too much? Was it because I was on my own or in a group? Did I have a plan or no plan at all? It's been my birthday this week... is this just an age thing?

Birthday card from my sister!

And then I took a step back... does it matter? I can't really expect every run to be easy. Or that I will feel at my best every time I step out of the front door to run? That's an unrealistic expectation.

And then I thought about it some more... even though those two runs were difficult, I still ran. I enjoyed good company whilst I ran on Thursday even if every step felt impossible. In the muggy warmth of Saturday morning, I completed another parkrun (just 3 to go now until I reach 250 parkruns) and it was a beautiful morning in the park.

So I'm not going to worry anymore...

Just so long as I keep running.

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