Monsters don’t sleep under your bed, they sleep inside your head

Week One, Day Two: 27 March

My excitement from Day One has turned into trepidation (noun, a feeling of fear or anxiety about something that may happen). I realise now that on Day One I had no idea what to expect; the difficulty surprised me, but this also led to feeling exhilarated (adjective, very happy, animated or elated) once I had completed it. But now I knew how hard it was going to be it began to nag at me last night, and again this morning. I got up and Dog and I headed out to another beautiful cold, sunny morning. I was a little more prepared today. I remembered to do my stretching in the warm house rather than thinking about it at the last minute. And then set out feeling a little anxious. However, it wasn’t as bad as I had built it up to be. The biggest problem I had was my brain or, as Terry Pratchett would have put it, my second thoughts.

This is how it went;
My first thoughts said ‘Look at that beautiful blue sky…sunshine…duck, etc.)’
My second thoughts said ‘Yes, this is all very well, you can do it now, but what is going to happen next time            when the weather is forecast to be freezing with wintery showers; how are you going to do it then?’
My first thoughts said ‘Shut up, and enjoy the crisp air and sunshine’.
My second thoughts replied ‘And what about week two? Yes, you have proved you can do this – just – but                 what about next week when it gets harder?
First thoughts ‘Will you please shut up!’

And then the voice in my headphones says ‘It’s time to run again, 3,2,1, Go’ and then all my thoughts are saying ‘Lungs are burning, legs feel wobbly, keep going, when is it going to end?!!’

I didn’t feel quite as good as I did the first time, but I am glad I did it and proud of myself. I am determined to think positively, and when doubts creep in I will acknowledge them but refuse to be driven by them.

If you are thinking of doing something similar take care to stay safe.

To do this I am:

• Keeping social distancing. I aim to get out by 6.30am (I am a lark not an owl), so there are very few people around, and if I do meet them I stay 2 meters away.
• I have my phone with me, and someone knows where I am going and when I am due back.
• And, of course, I have Dog with me.

Top tips to keep you safe and well during this strange time.

• Keep to the self-isolating and social distancing rules.
• Keep in contact with friends, family, and, of course, Restore.
• Find a routine and stick to it (I can’t emphasize enough how important this is)
• Every day do something for your physical and mental well-being. On the days I am not running I go out for a walk. I am also doing a 21-day meditation challenge with 2 friends. This benefits my well-being as well as keeping me connected every day. There are plenty of meditation apps out there, but if that isn’t your thing then find something that nurtures your soul. This can be as simple as listening to the birds sing or gazing up at the stars.
• Set yourself a challenge. This could be big or small, it’s entirely up to you.

These are just a few ideas and there are plenty more out there. The Restore website has a directory of useful and trusted websites with information, tips and ideas, here.

The Reluctant Jogger and Dog