W7R1 completed - sort of

[Olivia78]

I've been doing the programme so far in the smelly little gym in my workplace which has two treadmills. This is partly because I'm nervous about running outside, and partly because I have a dodgy disk in my lower back and was told a while back not to run as it could aggravate it, and I thought the treadmill would be softer to run on and have less risk of jarring it. But today I got to the gym and two frighteningly fit-looking young people were running on the treadmills and looking like they were going to be a while. I hung round for a bit and then decided, s*d it, it's a lovely day, I'll run outside. So I did.

The bad news: after precisely 15 minutes I had to stop because I felt sick, so I sat down on the pavement for 5 mins to recover. I did then manage the remaining 10 minutes. So I did 25 minutes, but not in one go. And how on earth did I manage to be running INTO the wind both there and back?!

The good news: it felt wonderful running outside in the sun, even when I was knackered and a bit hungover. At times this 12 and a half stone lump felt like she was flying! And I didn't care about passers-by, though one swan gave me a funny look as I ran along the river. I've definitely decided it's the way to go and will run mostly outside from now on.

The even better news: Back is fine.

The best news of all: mapped my run when I got home online, and it looks as though I've gone from doing a pace of 7.55 on the treadmill, to 6.35 outside (or, gone from running at an average of 7.58 km/hr to 9.12!). I'm not entirely certain about this as I wasn't precisely sure where I turned back, but I think it's right or very nearly. So I'm running a lot faster outside. No wonder I had to have a break!

So now I feel great, and hope that the next run I will manage the full 25 mins without stopping, especially if I slow the pace a fraction. I will certainly keep at the outside running until I can.

And I have started ogling Garmins online ...

Off to the shower, all glowing

[TeaAye Graduate]

Congrats. Keep up the good work. I only run outside but as I have Reynaulds I only run when it is dry or I get too cold. I will need to I vestige the gym for the autumn/winter.

Mind you had to stop for a short while today to clear midges from my throat...throwing up running isn't a great look; I run in fields but would love to run by a river...say run...I could walk faster!

[Beek Graduate]

You must be pleased with yourself today. And I am pleased for you. I doubt if I would do it on a treadmill, they make me feel very woozy and I fall about a bit! I run outside and one day didn't put my glasses on (I don't need them in the house) and found it very difficult to pick my way ahead before I got there. Riverside running is ok but you do get a lot of tree roots which may cause you problems. Hope the shower was good. I thoroughly enjoy mine! Best bit of the run.

[Olivia78]

Thanks guys, yes I do feel proud of myself. Laura told me at the end of W6 that I'm now a "proper runner", but it was only today that I felt it