This week is our first Runniversary! I started c25k in semi-secret, but quickly came out, as it was going to be difficult to conceal. To my surprise, M fancied having a go too, so a week later I restarted week 1 with him. We both graduated in November. As Peter said earlier today, it’s the best thing I’ve (we’ve) done. Physically much fitter; mentally much stronger, calmer and sharper.
It’s such an achievement to do something you’d always imagined impossible. There’s still a bit of me that’s aghast that I am a runner. And then to go beyond c25k too. M has had a few blips along the way, but is currently back up to 5k. Earlier this year I gradually extended my runs, eventually seguing into the last few weeks of Ju-Ju’s Magic Plan to reach 10k. I’ve just started the NRC HM plan, intending to take it slowly and up to 16k/ 10 miles. I’m doing this primarily for the plan’s structure and guided sessions, and for the reboot. (Absolutely loving it!)
As Runniversary was approaching, it was time for new running shoes. That itself, was quite something to reflect on: I’ve done enough running this year to wear out a pair!! I also finally treated myself to a Garmin, which is helping me understand more about my running (and walking) and my body’s responses. After some testing and research, I’m pleased to find that my earlier experiments with nasal breathing have gauged me really nicely to heart rate zones. It’s fascinating to correlate the intuitive with the tech. (Cripes, you know, this is how bad it is: I’m even tracking my runs on different HR-zone systems! So interesting.) Learning to *really* slow down my easy recovery runs and to peg my paces in speed sessions is still a work in progress but I love that I’m seeing progress.
Thank you to c25k! And to the HU forums and running buddies. Wouldn’t have gotten here without you!! 💕💖👍👍💖💕