I posted on Wednesday about my W6r2 run with the metropolitan runners at Willen Lake, Milton Keynes. It felt great to have joined the running premier league: I described myself as a 'proper' runner in amongst the lycra.
I am now back in leafy, green, rural West Berkshire, and had been apprehensive about today's W6r3 - 25 minutes (gasp!). I used up every delaying tactic that I could - dry the dishes, read a bit of my book, 'it will be cooler this evening', MP3 player needs a charge, it's been only 90 minutes since I had my 'pre-run banana' (too soon to go out), can't find my socks...
Oh wow, when I finally went out, it was 8pm, overcast, cool, there was a gentle breeze and it felt great. My early pace was right, I felt relaxed and I had no niggles, twinges or other irritations. Laura keeps quiet for ages, and I actually enjoyed the music, had a good think about a number of issues and took a completely different route from normal on the spur of the moment. Tonight I ran through some bridleways and green lanes and it was beautiful. Can running be relaxing? That is how I felt. And when Laura said '60 seconds left, you can run a bit faster to go out on a high' I did as I was told... and then ran on for another 5 minutes during the cool-down just because I could (30 minutes!!!).
My different route left me a little way from home, and I then had a 10 minute cool-down walk, meaning that as I came through the front door, Mrs MD had grilled cajun chicken, steamed rice and heaps of fresh green beans ready for me. Heaven.
C25K you are fantastic, this program really does work: Laura confirmed tonight that I am now officially a runner. As I write this, I have no idea at all where that energy tonight came from. As I set out I was apprehensive more than any other run, but I don't actually remember thinking much about running whilst I was doing it. I think I experience the mental state of 'flow': W7 beckons.
Written by
MarkyD
Graduate
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Well done Marky - sounds like one of those runs where everything just comes together! Onwards to week 7. I think you are already totally addicted......
Can totally empathise with those delaying tactics, but yes, once you get out there running can be very relaxing. Sounds like an oxymoron - I'm going for a "relaxing run" - but it's so true.
Brilliant run and yes, you ARE a runner
Just be a little bit careful and don't get carried away by overdoing things - just 9 more runs till graduation and you don't want to have to delay it because of injury.
Fantastic Marky! Sounds like one of those perfect runs where everything is just right somehow. If you ever doubted it, you've heard it from the lady herself - You are a runner
Well done Marky, sounds a brilliant run, mine made me laugh this am, I had random music on that a younger friend in USA had loaded, just as I was running thru town thinking hope no ones about " what you being a dick head for " blasted into my ears, had to chuckle , now I keep singing it 1
Hi Granny Judes, what on earth are you listening too??? Sounds like some urban 'down wit' da kids' street music. But if it helps you through a run that's great. C25K has been playing a track this week with the lyric "So easy, not so easy now". How true, I'm sure they were having a laugh at our expense
Excellent Marky D - you're definitely a runner now! I'm starting to find my runs more relaxing too (although it's still an effort to get through). There's something quite calming about it when you're 'in the zone'. Onwards and upwards....
These long runs are daunting aren't they? But you went and did it! I've only recently graduated and still find them a challenge. So I would recommend, as Laura says, to keep calm and a steady pace.. then you will graduate
just remembered one thing she used to say which made me smile.. something about running a little bit quicker in the last minute and 'finish on a high' - hey, every finish is a high I say!
Great achievement, Mark and already running for 30 minutes non stop. It always amazes me how sometimes we can have our best run when we least expect it. Maybe because when we are putting off a run we stop putting pressure on ourselves and we end up running more relaxed and with little expectation of doing well? Who knows Good luck with w7.
W7 is 25 minutes, W8 is 28 minutes and W9 is 30 minutes and I know, now, that I can do it. 'Shoulder gremlin' that whispers "you can stop any time you want" has been defeated. Well done on your W7r3 too.
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Good luck with w7. 
W6R3 - I AM A RUNNER!
W6R3: I'm a runner...thank you Laura!
I know Laura said I was a proper runner last week, but this week I really feel like one! Yay!!!
W6r3... apparently I am a runner! Yippeee!
