A run of firsts.

[Plinth]

We really neaded a run this afternoon. Yesterday we flew to Edinburgh and back for my hubbies aunts funeral then today it was my beautiful young friends funeral (both from cancer). Felt drained emotionally and the physical excercise was exactly what was needed.

So the firsts? First run post graduation, so first run with my own music (lovely). First run without Laura (not as bad as I thought). First time we overtook someone! First time not going round and round our field. First time round the golf course. First hill (only grade 5 according to map my run , but still!). It went better than I thought.

I did find having my own music helped take my mind off my breathing - still not easy but better. The slope was hard. We'd gone the way round the track that meant there was a longer more gradual slope (the other way would lead to a couple of shorter steeper climbs). We had picked up quite a good pace prior to the hill but slowed right down at the steepest bits! It was fantastic once we hit the top and saw the lovely view! Then we had the steeper bit downhill and had to concentrate on not going a over t!

Obviously as there were ups and downs our pace varied a lot but overall it was about the same as last week : 8 mins per km. the overtaking happened early on , the poor chap was struggling - an early stage c25k person perhaps? Later on we got overtaken by a speedy lady - I didn't hear her coming until hubbie said so had to leap out of the way with a sorry, to which I got an its ok (so not everyone running is unfriendly).

I still can't believe we've got this far! I feel so proud of us! We couldn't have done it without the program, and the support of this community! To anyone at the begining of this, go for it! We were the laziest most unfit couple ever, if we can do it so can you!

[Oldgirl Graduate]

So very sorry to hear of your sad losses and so close together too. But your blog just proves that running is a wonderful stress buster. Well done both of you, your run sounds lovely, just my type of route too. Just enjoy being able to run for a while before you start to tackle speed and/or distance it will help you appreciate the freedom you get from it. Good luck and well done.

[Jany]

I don't know about you, but I almost find the long slow hills worse than the quick steep ones? At least they're over quickly! The gentle slope just goes on and on and on! By the end of it you're thinking, there's nothing gentle about this. It's deceptive and evil and torturous! Sorry... having a little rant. Think you may have picked up on the fact there was a gentle slope during my evening run tonight :s x

[Beek Graduate]

Dear Plinth, So sorry to hear of your recent losses. Hopefully the running will help to keep you grounded. I am in a similar boat and managed a very feeble 'run' yesterday and had to smile at Laura's song telling me 'both feet on the ground' - how does she expect me to run like THAT eh? Made me laugh my way round.

Be kind to yourself and enjoy what you have. I am realizing how much I have that really matters and that is a big comfort. Enjoy your times running, I'll send you positive happy vibes!

[Plinth Graduate in reply to Beek]

Thanks. Just been over and seen your blog too. It does really make one thankful for what you have, when faced with tragedy. Do sorry to hear of your loss too. It's wierd how running does help with stress. 10 weeks ago I would never have believed I could feel that way. We are determined that at some point we will do a charity run.