I'm a runner! (well, Laura seems to think so...)

[EverTheOptimist]

W6R3 - 25 minutes! Really? 25 minutes, non-stop, gentle jog, picking up speed during the final minute (at Laura's request), feeling absurdly proud of myself.

The good - this was a triumph of mind of matter. Admittedly, the pace won't win me any medals at the Commonwealths this year, but I don't think I've EVER run for 25 minutes straight. not even in the dreaded school cross-country lessons, when we were sent off to run around Wormwood Scrubbs while our PE teacher nipped off for a quick one in The Brewsters...

The bad - nearly didn't make it through, though! For some reason this was a real brute of a run. I thought having done W5R3 (which was a big mental hill to climb for me), adding on another 5 minutes wouldn't have been a problem. Wrong!

The ugly - after about 10 minutes, my calves felt like they were going to burst. After 15, my right shin took on a life of its own and decided it really wasn't happy, and wasn't going to go any further. Having given my lower limbs a stern talking to, my feet went out on a sympathy strike. The five minute walk at the end was agony!

To all of you who've made it this far and beyond - you're magnificent!

To those of you who haven't got this far yet - you're also magnificent for taking this whole thing on in the first place.

Only 9 more runs, and I'll have graduated. Then I'll have to learn to run outdoors...

[Suzie40]

I don't know what I'm doing reading this - I'm a week three baby! But I had to reply as your post made me laugh out loud! Thank you! X

[EverTheOptimist Graduate in reply to Suzie40]

thank you, Lucy, and congrats on making it to week 3. The programme really does work, take it from one who was having trouble in week 1 back in November.

[P1glet1 Graduate]

That moment where you finally realise that you're a runner is amazing! Take a well deserved rest day

[EverTheOptimist Graduate in reply to P1glet1]

Isn't it ridiculous to be beaming from ear to ear when Laura says you're a runner?

[misswobble Graduate]

Could you not run outdoors now? It's more fun as you get out into the blue and the scenery changes, making it less dull than running like a hamster

Well done on what you've achieved thus far! It's good!!! Keep going! Your medal is within touching distance

[EverTheOptimist Graduate in reply to misswobble]

I know. I really should pluck up the courage to get outside. My plan was to complete the whole thing in the gym first, then venture out and drop down to week 5 to see how I do. Might need to revise that now...

[P1glet1 Graduate in reply to EverTheOptimist]

don't drop down!! Just go outside and enjoy it

[EverTheOptimist Graduate in reply to P1glet1]

LOL! (I'm far too old to say that...).

I think I've decided I'm a morning runner. I definitely seem to do better going to the gym before work rather than after having spent 8 hours glued to a chair!

[misswobble Graduate in reply to EverTheOptimist]

I don't do gyms as they're beyond my finances. I love being out on the trails. It was lovely out today! Some days it's not so nice but you soon get warmed up. Happy running

[fitnfiftyish Graduate in reply to EverTheOptimist]

I'm just behind you - going to do my W6 R3 tomorrow. I've done most of mine on the treadmill and felt like you, thought it would be harder running outside, but decided to get outside last weekend and - surprise, surprise - found it easier!! You def won't need to go back to week 5!! Good luck with the rest... right behind you!

[runningnotwalking Graduate]

Well done on the completing Wk6 R3 and you are indeed a runner and deserving of that mythical pint from the Brewsters. Maybe not while on the treadmill though, unless you leave it just out of reach for motivation.

Good luck with week 7.

[Jenner78 Graduate]

Such a fab milestone, well done you.

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

Congratulations! It feels unbelievably great doesn't it?

[Barbyk Graduate]

Isn't there a Wormwood scrubs parkrun?? Something to aim for ....well done you !!! x

[Turtle525 Graduate]

Hilarious.....oh my God!!! this post is too funny!....It's unbelievable that you sound like you could be my twin, I experienced the same thing you did around w5 & 6....talking to my feet and finding it to be agonizing during the 5min cool down. lol It's well worth it, it just shows you that you are pushing your body out of it's comfort zone, getting the muscles stronger for next challenge. Congrats to you for becoming the runner that you are! Remember this "Whether it is a 14 minute mile or a 7 minute mile...it's still a mile.