Week 5 Run 2: The Shouty Man Cometh...

[Miles_Yonder]

Greetings of the morn, my dear fellow C25Kers; I trust the warm Wednesday morning finds you all in tremendous form and in running enjoyment.

As always on my runs, they start with the 0401 alarm wake-up, which I seemed to respond better to than Monday morning's alarm, which seemed to garner a dreadful display of tiredness from me. Today, not so bad. Wake up feeling reasonably good to go. Off to the kitchen with me for my pre-run snacking, which today consisted of three figs, a rice cake topped with crunchy peanut butter, three Brazil nuts and some sparkling water. om nom nom. Went for the rice cake to munch and knocked the plate to the floor, startling my furry feline kitty, who looked at me with abject disgust, although that seems to be her general demeanour anyway so I couldn't really discern whether or not she was perturbed by my launching plates about the place. Thankfully, said plate stayed intact. That little mishap behind me, it's time to get ready and then wax my moustache into its 1850s curly style. What-ho, dear chums.

Water bottle full, it's out the door, lock the door, check the door is locked, check again the door is locked and then check once more the door is locked. Five doors in one sentence; not bad. *nods* So, Endomondo running, I start walking and then go to turn Laura on, as I like to do early in a morning. Ahem. BUT WAIT! Where the hell is she?! She WAS there, but now yes, we have no Laura today. Where Laura is? After some hunting through various files, I still find no Laura; shy she hides? What a rum do this is; this is not necessary at all. Turn round, go home and I'll have to put her back on. Humph! This telephone of mine is most unnecessary at times; for reasons known only to it, it doesn't transmit sound properly through headphones. One works fine but the other cuts in and out a lot. Sometimes the shonky headphone works perfectly, others it's very choppy. Sometimes it chooses not to work at all. It's definitely not the headphones as it's the same no matter what headphones are plugged in there. Oh my phone!

Restarting my phone, just in case, it fires back up as I get back in the house. Before I start to faff with technology and acquire Laura again, I double check the phone again, but, alas, it's taking an age to initiate. 'Smart' phone indeed. Eventually it starts and joyous celebration: there Laura is! Panic over, off we go!

Warm-up walk under way and what a delightful morning it is. Warm, quiet and peaceful. That is. until my dearest Laura informs me it's time to run for eight minutes. I can do it. Apparently. And do it I did; it was nice and steady, my breathing at a decent standard and thus far not so tired. Seemed to have covered a decent distance and things are going well. Laura, very kindly, informs me that I may now go back to my brisk walking. Why, thank you most kindly, my good lady. As I do, something catches my eye and ears. Passing a local McDonald's, there's a fellow shouting. He's getting rather irate at something; the pedestrian closest to him chooses to ignore him, as does the lady doing some litter-picking in the car park. He catches my eye but continues remonstrating with someone or something unknown; it's mostly unintelligible and he looks a little inebriated although for all I know he could be having a blood sugar episode or something. But he looks quite angry so I'll pass on any interaction with him although I would like to approach him and tell him to kindly desist in his shouting as he's clearly unsettling the litter lady, but Laura said I mustn't stop and she makes no mention of dealing with shouty folk, so on I continue. I am slightly disheartened with Laura though for making me walk past this malcontented fellow; shall I run past him? I continue to walk. Maybe he just likes shouting early in the morning; who am I to judge?

Before I know it, it's time to run again. The start of the second eight minute run takes me up a long steady hill (terrible planning on my part; I shall refrain from blaming Laura!) which goes okay but half way through it starts to get tough. Breathing still good; heavy, but good, and I continue through. Relieved, I was, when Laura told me there was just sixty seconds left. Welcome, this news was. Seemingly, these eight-minute runs change your syntax into a Yoda style. Most puzzling, this is. Odd things, running does to you. Hmmmmmm.

And soon enough, Laura is congratulating me on my progress and telling me that I can now commence my cool-down walk. Hurrah! Two lots of eight minutes! Running! It's splendid, I'm really pleased. The last half of the last run was tough, but I got through and actually really enjoyed that run, even with the inclusion of Captain Shouty.

So then, it's onward to the big run on Friday! With positivity! This CAN be done!

Happy running, all; hope everyone out running today has a blast. And for now, cheerio, good, fine folk. *waves*

[runner56 Graduate]

Ahh, miles. You put it so much better than I can.

W5R2 dawned to a cloudy, murky morning and I felt that today may indeed be my first handshake with a run in the rain. Out I went with the dog and did the warm up as instructed, set my mental finishing post for the first 8 and off I went.

Before I knew it Laura advises that I am doing great and am half way through. As I approach the finishing post and sail by Laura pops up and tells me to slow down to a walk. Noooooo!!!! I want to continue!!! This running is great fun (did I actually say that??)

I do as instructed and slow down despite myself. Laura knows best.

I recover quickly and am ready to run again but Laura has insisted that I walk for 5. Does Laura know best?

Second 8 goes well but the last 2 mins seem to take a bit longer but its done. Week 2. Laura does know best.

Wow. 8 minutes running! Twice!!

The big run now looms large but I approach it with a little less fear than I did at the start of the week.

Good luck to all others today but especially my fellow fivers.

[Miles_Yonder Graduate in reply to runner56]

A very very very big WELL DONE to you, Runner56! Sounds like you had a really good run this morning too. Did you enjoy running in the rain? I love it; there's a huuuuge storm on here now and it's so tempting to throw my kit on and go for a run (!) but alas, sticking to the plan. I shall not!

I felt the same as you on the first run this morning; wanted to keep going - and I recovered really quickly too. Laura does know best, you're right; as tempting as it is to keep running, it probably is best to stop when instructed.

You did say that yes and I could not agree more; it really is great fun, this running business. I wish I'd discovered C25K much earlier than I did. The big one on Friday then; I'm actually so looking forward to it and am not dreading it like I too was earlier in the week. All the very best of luck for it: you'll do brilliantly!

[AncientMum Graduate]

Great post Miles-yonder, as ever. Morning runs are the best aren't they? You're going to love r3- the sense of achievement is immense. Good luck!

[Miles_Yonder Graduate in reply to AncientMum]

Thank you! Yes, they really, really are. I do enjoy getting up early and going out for a run; I love the nice peaceful, quiet, calm atmosphere. I'm so excited at the prospect of running for twenty minutes; (!) that really will be a huge achievement, you're right!

[GoogleMe Graduate]

Although I generally advocate doing what Laura tells you, I did once in the early days pause the podcast to have a conversation with a birder about a two barred something or other (rare migrant) he was looking for and to share my recent hawfinch sighting with someone who would understand.

I love the richness of your experience.

[Miles_Yonder Graduate in reply to GoogleMe]

Thank you. Ah yes, I think that may be allowed as long as Laura has been put on pause, I just think it's dealing with shouty men that may not be allowed. And talking about such a subject to someone who understands is most important; that's why I love this here forum. I can talk about my experiences and new-found love of running here without boring everyone else I know with it!

[spoonierunning Graduate]

Great write up.

I am still surprised that there is in fact a four am and I fear my cats would just be disgruntled that I had disturbed the only few hours they get to be reasonably sure they won't be attacked by giant rabbits, who are safely locked away behind bars at night as they are young hooligans and who knows what they would get up to. Not to mention the dog would be most put out at have his sleep disturbed after coots sleep is his next favourite thing.

A properly waxed moustache is definitely key for a fine gentleman runner (random question where do you get your wax I'm always on the look out for my husband).

Ummm I can't help but feel that maybe your phone is rebelling and just can't take the 'music' that is offered to 'motivate'! Or maybe it's like my phone and barely able to function certainly it's an insult to call it smart and I'm even sure it's doing a disservice to the word phone. The relationship started with such promise and now heading towards the break up 'it's isn't you, it was nothing you did, I'm sure you will find someone new' !!!

I do sometimes feel that Laura's singleminded determination to run is a shame - sure she gets us there, but where was her compassion she could have surely suggested you stop and see if there was anything wrong with Mr Shouty-Man or if indeed he was just pissed as a newt. I'm sure a few words of encouragement to the litter lady would have been welcomed. But follow Laura's orders we must.

Well done on a most splendid run.

Time for a cup of tea and a slice of batternberg in celebration.

[Miles_Yonder Graduate in reply to spoonierunning]

Thank you most kindly, Spoonie! Ah yes, I fear if that were to happen to you, you'd have most unhappy kitties to deal with, waking them during their precious, well-earned sleepies! Your gargantuan rabbits do sound mildly terrifying! :oP

Oh yes, most definitely; the thought of running without a properly waxed moustache is unthinkable. I use Captain Fawcett's Moustache Wax; you can buy it (along with other cool and useful things for the hirsute gentleman) from the Good Captain's website: captainfawcett.com/ and it's also available on Amazon and eBay too. It's the best wax I've tried! The sandalwood scented one is my personal favourite.

Tee hee! My telephone could well be rebelling against the music but I really find a lot of it quite enjoyable! If I'm still a bit of a way from home on my way back I put my music on and love that too but Laura's choices aren't THAT bad, I don't think. I do admit to having thoughts this morning about hurling my phone into the road or in a river or something. But what would Laura think?! Well it was her fault anyway: she was the one hiding and causing my thoughts of telephonic destruction!

I do think the shouty chap was mullered, to be fair, but one must never assume fully on these things and he may well have had some form of medical condition. I think the litter lady would have took a swing at him with her litter picking contraption had he continued!

Thank you once more; the battenberg is so very tempting as I love it, and not just because pink and yellow are my two favourite colours either. It really is truly delicious cake. I adore marzipan though so must be very careful around it lest I eat it all. All of it. I have some 90 percent cocoa Lindt chocolate that I will have a square or two of as a reward after dinner shortly.

My hearty regards to you, Spoonie.

[spoonierunning Graduate in reply to Miles_Yonder]

Thank you for the link

[GoogleMe Graduate in reply to spoonierunning]

Try Strength and Flexibility in which she tries to persuade you to hug a tree.... or do implausible things with your thighs and ankles...

[spoonierunning Graduate in reply to GoogleMe]

I have actually just started the strenght and flex, no strange implausible tasks yet but I'm only on week one

[Miles_Yonder Graduate in reply to GoogleMe]

Hmmmm, I think I may have to give that a go; sounds very intriguing - a whole different side to Laura!

[GoogleMe Graduate in reply to Miles_Yonder]

I've just done 1.1 and rather interestingly it was not quite as difficult a challenge as it was last time I started it, so that 5 minutes of yoga every morning must be doing something. Still involves tree hugging, real and imaginary though...

[misswobble Graduate]

4.01 am! That's jolly precise!!! LOL Waxed moustache man ey. I used to sell those tache and beard snood things in a former life. They went like hot cakes in the Arab states! Ah that takes me back. Happy days. LOL

Glad to hear that everyone is enjoying their running. Keep up the good work folks!

[Miles_Yonder Graduate in reply to misswobble]

Ah, Misswobble, I must admit to having quite a bad case of alarm clock OCD. I cannot, simply cannot, set the alarm time for a round or even number. It HAS to be an odd number. Why, I have no idea, but I can't bring myself to do it.

Yes, I am in possession of a finely waxed moustache. Sometimes I have it curly as in off of Victorian days, sometimes like a villain who would tie damsels in distress to railway lines in days or yore. Or Salvador Dali, perhaps. Oh, how interesting! How refined, a moustache snood! I quite like the look of those specially designed moustache cups to stop oneself succumbing to a soggy 'stache. I negate this danger by drinking most things through a straw.

[Redskins03 Graduate]

Good Morning Miles. I too was awake at 4 this morning but chose to drift back off to sleep til 5 then got up. A quick weigh on the scales (Weigh in Wednesday as I call it - not that I am doing this to lose weight (Although it is helping) and out the door by 5.15.

A foggy morning today but still warm(ish) and looking forward to the runs. Not a soul around when I start running and an eerie calm surrounds the park. First run over and felt good, then the 5 min walk and then start running again - wow this is hard trying to get the legs jogging again, but they do - knees hurting a little but not too bad - just keep a nice steady pace.

Just 60 seconds left, do I increase my pace - not this time - just carry on as before. And then its done!!! Not too bad just completed 2 and a bit loops of the park which equates to 1.3km non stop and the realization that we have now passed half way on the plan woohoo!!!

Looking forward to the run on Friday now

[Miles_Yonder Graduate in reply to Redskins03]

Good day to you, Redskins, sir. Sorry to hear about your achey knees. I was suffering with varying aches too but they've calmed now, thankfully, for the most part. Was worried I'd done myself a mischief but I just think it is still my body getting used to it all.

You had a good run earlier too I see, which is good to hear. I've said it here on numerous occasions but will repeat myself again: early morning running really is fantastic and just the best time to be out running. I do fully understand though why you opted for the little extra lie-in; the thought does cross my mind every time the alarm goes off at that time, I must admit.

You did well again today, very well done. The same again on Friday now! You sound similar to myself; I'm not doing this for weight loss either, as such, but it certainly is helping. My fitness (or inherent lack thereof!) really needed improving though, which this programme is doing. It's fantastic, I can't believe it's not publicised more; I only stumbled on it by accident.

Good luck for Friday!

[Redskins03 Graduate in reply to Miles_Yonder]

Thank you Miles. Knees are not too bad today. Must get some deep heat to rub in (mmmm love the smell).

My work is only a 15min walk away so its not too bad if I get up later. May have to be more disciplined when the longer runs come along.

I was looking back last night thinking of the 1st week and how much of a struggle it was and to see where we are now and I can't quite believe the change. How much further we are running, how much quicker the recovery time is and how much fitter I feel - in fact Wednesday after the run I was able to do some work rather than recovering on the couch for a time.

I only found out about this as my brother mentioned it, but I have recommended it to others.

All the best for tomorrow, hope you have a good long run

[ju-ju- Graduate]

what a deliciously wonderful blog.... lovely prose...and well done on the run, you put me to shame with your pre run snacky snacks...mine usually consists of chocolate, and then Randoms mid run for sugar...I really want to make those healthy high energy balls but not got round to it yet!!

[Miles_Yonder Graduate in reply to ju-ju-]

Thank you, JJ! Mmmm, chocolate! I'm on a choccie ban at the minute, but I allow myself some of that really, really, really dark stuff each day. Randoms are nice too! I can recommend the rice cake/peanut butter combo. Plus figs too. I got some nice looking energy bars the other day but as yet haven't tried them. Might do on Friday; I'll need the energy, I feel!

High energy balls; I confess to not having seen these circular wonders of energy of which you speak, but they certainly sound intriguing!

[Miles_Yonder Graduate]

Hey Kitty. Thank you very much! Yes, I will have to really put the effort into turning Laura on, on Friday. She was playing hard to get this morning, the cheeky minx she is. Hiding like that indeed!

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

Great blog! I vicariously enjoyed your early morning run ( whilst in reality being tucked up snugly in my bed). Good luck to you and others here tackling 'the big one' next run.

[misswobble Graduate]

I make the no-bake energy balls, and little bundles of wonder they are too. So moreish though! I made WW energy bars the other day though. I have to wrap em individually and bung them in the freezer so I don't keep eating them. I defrost one before running day, but have to hide it so my old man doesn't snaffle it (he's got no morals in that department!) I can find the link to the balls recipe for yous all. The energy bars work out expensive as the ingredients are so lush. Dried fruit is always a bit pricey but they work out cheaper than bought ones and there is no crud in them!

[Hidden]

Well done on completing your W5R2. Don't worry about the third run - it's not as bad as you think. Keep calm, go steady and you'll ace it. Good luck with the run and best wishes.

[Miles_Yonder Graduate]

99 percent! Egad! I want some! I'm going to look online for that now; I do love the really really dark chocolate. I treat myself to a chunk or two each night. *scurries off to find some* thanks, Kitty!

[Miles_Yonder Graduate]

Ordered two bars from eBay! Not cheap you're right but I bet it's divine. Always liked dark chocolate but since I started eating much better I've gone on to the very dark chocolate and really enjoy it. Looking forward to trying this!

[Miles_Yonder Graduate]

I'm sure I'll love it. It'll take some getting used to, like the 90 percent stuff did, but I'll persevere! I know what I'm getting into; I don't expect it to be sweet at all. I'm looking forward to it!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

You seem to have most things settled for W5R3, so good luck, but please don't be too excited, or you may disturb the very nice, peaceful and calm morning into which you venture.

Another thing, have you ever considered that your phone may be functioning perfectly, but your ears have bad connections.

Keep running, keep smiling.