Yesterday I posted about my fears after agreeing to go along to a running club tonight. (Thanks for all the replies). healthunlocked.com/bridgeto...
Well, I felt sick all day at work today every time I thought about it. But I duly left in time (just) to get changed in the public toilets at the meet-up point and resisted the strong urge to get right back in the car and go home.
I found the slow group and was encouraged when I heard the planned route as I've run all of it before - except for The One Hill in the route which is not huge but beyond me at the moment. I voiced my concern that the hill part of the route was too hard for me and was reassured that others would take walk breaks too which turned out to be true.
We set off and I was reassured by the pace which was fine for my capability.
I was amazed to find out that my fitness has improved sufficiently from the last time I tried it that I can now in fact chat while running if called upon to do so!
I was surprised when it was announced we were stopping for a photo. That's when I realised what a relaxed group they are and I thought it was all going to be just fine after all!
In the end I wasn't last or even second last. I was third back in our group. It wasn't a race and people weren't competing but I wouldn't have liked to be trailing in at the end feeling that they'd all had to keep waiting for me.
We did 7.9km.
So, in short, I loved it and am looking forward to next week. I was so happy and proud afterwards that I was in danger of giving the royal wave to everyone at the petrol station I stopped at on the way home. Almost up there with the high after C25k Week 5 Run 3!
Re the photo, I'm the vision in orange second from the right. And more interestingly, the guy crouching in the foreground is "Andy from Bath", who was visiting Perth and out for a run on his own. He saw us, thought we looked friendly, and asked if he could join us.
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AnneDroid
Graduate10
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Sounds like you had an excellent time,so glad you enjoyed it and also did so well! I knew you would be able to run and chat from following your strava! You're doing great!😆
That is a happy post and a happy photograph! What a run and how great that you were able to do it in such a speedy way too!
They look a friendly bunch and are clearly aware of how a newbie may feel. I am so glad it all worked out well for you and you were really up there at the end of the run! We are truly our own worst critics sometimes and our fears do hold us back.
As Edison said, "If we did all the things we are capable of, we would literally astound ourselves."
Thanks for the update Anne, sounds a terrific group to be a member of. 8k in the bag too! I am encouraged to give my local group a go!😃
Now about the two Parkrun newbies Oldfloss and McFitty , when can we expect a Parkrun post and piccie do the two of you think? Teehee, (Rubs hands in glee). 😃🏃🏼♀️🏃🏼♀️👍🏼
Mrs. Awesome Oldfloss already has her barcodes (love u Floss) but being a cantankerous old McFitty, I am claiming a pass until after 25th March! (I do have good reason)😊😊😊
Excellent, we like a plan McFitty! You can register anytime if you haven't already. Some parkruns have free parking if you put a spare barcode on dashboard....... but check as it depends on the council involved x
Oops..now people know..yes.. you have had a few curved balls thrown at you.. x
I am claiming this week and next to recover fully from the Lurgy ( us old folks need to take care)..hoping to be back up to at least 5 K by the middle of next week!
Ooh that sounds fab Anne. Lucky you! I didn't reply to your previous post because I had a disastrous running club experience and I didn't want to put you off! But your club sounds so lovely and friendly. Great photo too 🤗
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