YESSSS! W6R3 done (even tho I broke the cardinal rule to do it!)....

[Suelyn]

I never thought I would be so excited by the clocks going back which meant that it was lighter earlier, I would be up an hour earlier – and thus – be able to go out running earlier.

I actually did W6R2 only yesterday but when I realised that I wouldn’t be able to go out running again until next Saturday I decided (after much google research) to run on consecutive days. I thought that if I took it slow, did a really good pre-run stretch and another long post-run stretch I may get away with it. I did.

I really can’t believe I have done this. Even as I type this it doesn’t seem real. I struggled with week 1! If this 52yr old can do it with 35yrs of fags in her body and only 6 mths off then anyone can.

The advice on this forum has been so instrumental in me getting this far. I cannot thank the posters enough. I am not sure I would’ve got this far without them. Some mornings I can think of so many excuses not to go out/ gym but I have never once regretted hauling my (ever decreasing) backside out the door.

I actually did 27mins! Laura’s motivational chats disappeared! She told me when to run at first, my music came back on – and she never came back. She must have got annoyed about me changing to using my own music and went for a cup of tea. I don’t think I have got the hang of this new app / own music combo yet. So I had to gauge where 25mins was. It was same route as the 20min run so wasn’t that hard. And I had mapmyrun on in the background which told me I had been out for 34mins. And I stopped for a minute to sort the app/ music out during brisk warm up.

I ran for 25mins…

Does this mean I can call myself a runner?

This is rather bad to say but as I neared the home stretch I met a good friend (who didn’t know I was doing this). She was popping out to get the Sunday papers, in pjs with coat on top..and there’s me RUNNING!! I obviously couldn’t stop – but it made me run a little bit faster – and I felt a bit smug. Which is bad. But I’ll be honest…I did feel good about it.

I am evil cruel runner….

Who is apparently still on a high given this rambling post…

Oh rain? What do people put on their heads?

[Natalie01 Graduate]

Wow, well done, yes you are definitely a runner! I was excited about the clocks going back too! I cannot believe i just said that! Too many exclamation marks....still on my post run high too but just finished week 4 so a long way to go yet.

I bought a little hat from aldi that was with the running gear, sort of waterproof outside, fleecy inside. I've heard other people talk about peaked caps too, good especially for people in glasses. Haven't tried that yet, always shove in the contact lenses.

[CherryBakewell]

Woo well done!! I did my week 6 run 3 last week, and just back from week 7 run 2 (which is the same - 25 minutes) and it does feel good doesnt it!! I've never seen anyone I know, but whenever I pass another runner, or other people I always tend to speed up a little. My GPS mucked up and said I ran 7.69 K (which I so didn't!!) but still, regardless of distance, 25 minutes is a bloody long time and you should be proud!!! (again lots of exclamation marks here...)

[Poppy2010 Graduate]

Well done! Not long now and you'll be proudly displaying your graduate badge!

Hats? I have a Karrimor baseball cap (£5, Sports DIrect) which I have only worn a couple of times (too hot for me so far; but may use it in the snow if we get any!) I ran all through the winter last year and didn't wear a hat (and have only put a jacket on once but got far too hot and sweaty in that too!)

[Kittychops]

Go on! Feel smug. It's part of the feeling of euphoria. Well done. I'm about to start week 7 : D

[Suelyn]

Thanks guys. I was wondering how hot I would get in a hat. I wear a thin rain jacket now but I could happily take it off while running.

The body is fading fast this evening tho....

And after all the drama I can now work from home on Tuesday and Thursday anyway! Not sure there's another 25 min run in me!!!

[Joanne44]

What a WONDERFUL post. CONGRATULATIONS on your amazing achievement. It's reading posts like this, that inspire & reassure me I'm going to be able to complete this amazing program. Good for you, again. Well done, well done! Gloat as much as you like, YOU DESERVE IT, J

[mhussain Graduate]

If your a rebel................rules are there to be broken lolll. Great post. Im pretty certain you wont need this particular advice but Im sure you appreciate the need for rest days (more relevant when running longer/further in future). However, it must be great to know you have run well on consecutive days. You most definitely are a runner. Well done. M