I took a couple of weeks’ break for health issues, then restarted back at week five day one a week or so ago. That was easy, so now I’ve done a couple of day two runs – the eight minuters. Are you confused yet? Eight minutes is now a fairly easy run for me, especially if I keep it slow, but I just don’t feel ready to move onto the long 20-minute run of week five day three, especially while it’s hot and humid like it is at the moment.

I’ve added new components to my running though, and I’m finding that they make it even more enjoyable and uplifting. Inspired by a Tony Robbins CD HA and I got from Freecycle, I’ve taken to spending the warmup walk doing an energising breath pattern and some EFT-style tapping (on the finger points). Then for the first run I think of all the things I grateful for – amazing what plops into your head once you start. Then for the second run I incant (in my head or out loud, depending on who’s around) affirmations, affirming my increased confidence, health, happiness, fitness, all-round awesomeness and so on until I feel really really really really ace. This routine seems to make the runs go by quicker, and definitely helps improve my mood even more than running on its own.

Feeling pretty good at the moment. Yay!