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As promised, here is part 2 of the questions you asked me on my Instagram. Apologies that it didn't go up last Sunday but I had an exam on Monday so was cramming slightly and didn't have time to edit this. This 2nd half of questions I actually found a lot harder to answer and not ramble on for ages. I swear each question could have it's own post aha. Q7: What are your running tips to keep going and finishing a run? When I first started running (and coming back from injury) I found it hard to keep going through the run and not keep stopping, of course this is ok if you need a break but there is a difference between needing a physical break and thinking you need a break/stop. If I feel like stopping I will always aim for something a bit further ahead like a post or hedge or something to reach, if I still want to stop at this point I will but if the feeling has surpassed I will carry on running. I have found this works quite well for keeping going mentally. I also think of how I will feel after the run, cutting it short or giving up can make you feel disappointed but even if you just carry on for a few more minutes or 1km etc after the giving up feeling, you will feel a sense of accomplishment. Q8: How do I stay motivated? This was a very common question yet was the last one that I answered in this post. The real answer is I am not really sure. I think I’ve always strived to work hard, challenge myself and achieve - both in training and in my studies. A few years ago I would put my consistency in training down to my compulsive exercise thoughts and behaviours but now I would say that my motivation to train is almost for my own sanity, enjoyment and accomplishment. Sanity – honestly, I think I would become insane and a very grumpy bitch if I didn’t exercise/train. It is often my time to myself, to think and focus on what I love. Enjoyment – I don’t just train to stay fit or achieve my goals, I just love it… nothing more to say there! Well there is… there is no point trying to run if you hate it, find something you enjoy doing! Accomplishment – nothing beats the feeling of finishing a hard session or getting a new PB. Being proud of yourself for no one other than you and nothing else but your own hard work and time. Q9: How is my running going at the moment? I don’t want to jinx it, but it is going pretty well at the moment. I hit a wall at the end of January/mid-February, my foot and ankle were playing up pretty badly to the extent that I couldn’t walk without pain, with some rest it cleared up and I am back on the comeback train. My shins are still very sensitive, but we are working on that. I managed a fully continuous run last week, but it was only very short so hopefully will be able to improve soon. I am always gratefully for the little achievements now. Q10: How to come back from injury sensibly? It’s all about patience and time! That is the main way to successfully recover. Of course, focus on your weaknesses and lots of S&C but don’t overdo it and constantly try to make a comeback. That was one of my issues I kept trying to get back into running and racing without dedicating proper rest and recovery time.
Q11: How do you reduce the urge to overtrain/have a high mileage? This has taken me years to get over and sometimes I do still have urges and struggle quite a bit but it is making sure you don’t give into these thoughts and acknowledging them. I could make this into a whole new blog post on strategies to overcome disordered thoughts so I’ll try to keep this short.
My physio checks my training diary to make sure I’m not exceeding the volume of training I should be doing.
That's the end of the Q&A!
Lots of love, stay home and safe everyone! Immie <3
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It is easy to fall into old ways, feel more down or have a negative outlook on the situation during this worrying time but it is so important to remember the things we are grateful for and enjoy doing. Let's spread some positive vibes!! These blog posts are actually one of my favourites to write, not really sure why heehee. I hope you enjoy reading them too. 1. Cycling I am absolutely loving this sunny weather and being back in the countryside to ride some of my favourite routes. At Christmas my ankle was still not tip top or ready for longer rides but I have managed to build up to 60km now which I am so happy about. My goal is to continue increasing the distance and finding new routes, lets hope the sunny weather stays! 2. Reading in the sun at breakfast This is the perfect start to the day! We have been so lucky with the weather recently and I am trying to make the most of it even if we are in isolation. With the business of university I haven’t managed to read at all and I have really missed it. Getting stuck into a good book in the sun with a peng breakfast is the best! I am currently reading a book called 'The Next Together' by Lauren James, at first I was a bit skeptical but now I am half way through and am really liking it. 3. Our Girl Our Girl will always be one of my favourite TV shows and I’m so happy that the new season has come out, especially for this isolation period 😉 4. Cheerios I have mentioned this on my story but coconut milk and cheerios is a fabby combo and I 100% would recommend. It’s been a snack, a pudding and of course breakfast. As Emma and Laura will agree, any time is cereal time. 5. Tik Tok As I said in my previous blog post, TikTok is an isolation essential; whether you need cheering up by some of the most ridiculous videos or want a new challenge to learn one of the many dances. There is almost everything on the app, from motivational videos, to workouts, to memes to dances… you name it! Wow I can't believe I am recommending TikTok on here but hey ho aha. #YOLO 6. 1SE
At New Year I loved watching everyone’s ‘1 second a day’ so I though why not try it. I meant to in 2019 but failed epically. I have managed to keep it up this year, although this lockdown period will be an interesting section of it. Sometimes I think I shouldn’t watch back what I have made so far but it makes you realise how many memories you have made and it’s not even half way through the year! 7. Support for the NHS I cannot express how lucky we are to have such an amazing team of healthcare professionals who are putting themselves on the line to help battle this pandemic. The 8pm clap is the a small thing we can be doing to show how grateful we are for all the work they are doing day and night. As Laura said in one of her Instagram posts (https://www.instagram.com/p/B-PI1MbpfNO/) there are so many thank you’s and respects to pay + there are never enough times you can say it. For every person who is offering to help, battling tough times and doing what they can when they can. Spread love in times of corona xox Immie <3 |
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RACE RECAPS TRAINING BESIDES RUNNING SELF CARE BACK TO SCHOOL OVERTRAINING THINGS I AM LOVING LATELY TRIATHLON NEW YEAR Month/year
August 2023
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