Things that happened and that I learnt today...

[IAASA]

Few random musings on todays run if thats ok? I completed week 6 run 3, so 25 minutes straight.

Its the first time I've run in daylight on the pavements. Normally if I run at the weekend I go to the park but I wanted to try out a new route to see how it will be first thing in the mornings in the dark so I decided to brave it and gave it a go.

Firstly, turns out that I didn't care that people saw me running (or rather waddling but you know what I mean). I was too busy trying to get my breathing in check that I didn't even notice cars or other people.

Apart from the dog walkers that is, I encountered a couple and they moved out of the way for me! The first time it happened it co-incided with their dog wanting to sniff so I didn't think much of it. The second time another chap clearly moved out of the way for me! I thanked him and made a joke about me not being that fast! He laughed thankfully!

Secondly when I've encountered other runners/joggers I've tried to make eye contact to say hi or whatever because I'd like this to become a social thing as well if you know what I mean? Well none of them have ever looked back or said hi or anything and I put it down to the trying to concentrate on what you are doing/breathing/putting your feet. But another lady runner actually said hi to me this morning. That simple thing made me feel quite nice, like I was 'in the club', but not the pregnant kind. Although I am a larger lady so probably some days I do look it...... anyway I digress.

Lastly, I knew Laura was going to say it because I've seen people write about it, but do you know what when she actually said the words "you're a proper runner now", I nearly cried!! Was feeling quite emotional!!!!

The route incidentally was quite nice, lots of badly lit paths sadly but could work. My current route of running up and down the same stretch of road isn't really long enough anymore so I'm going to have to stretch my boundaries a bit!

And it still hasn't bloody rained. Onto week 7!!!!

[pinkangel16 Graduate]

Well done and welcome to the world of being a runner! It's great isn't it? I love saying that I go running

If someone says hi or gives me a nod, then I will always respond - rude not to I say. But I'm a little bit reserved so don't make the first move normally, although having said that I will give a nod from time to time nowadays.. must be getting confident!

Apart from the dogs it sounds like a nice run.

Good luck with you remaining runs to graduation x

[Hidden]

well done it is an emotional moment for us new runners you shoulod be very proud of your achievements onwards to graduation

[runswithdogs Graduate]

Ah I still remember the day Laura said I was a runner. I welled up, and I felt it was as really BIG moment on life. About getting fit and taking control. Congratulations on finishing that run.

[Clara29 Graduate]

Well done! I still can't talk when I run so have adopted a sort of embarrassed royal wave to share with fellow joggers!

[Clara29 Graduate in reply to Clara29]

PS I actually LIKE running in the rain!

[Rob_and_his_westie Graduate]

That pretty much mirrors my own experience - the dog, the couple, the other runners, the proper runner emotional bit. And you're right by the way, no one is looking at you and if they are its only because they wish they could do what you're doing! Oh, and I make a point of doing the 'we're both runners aren't we?' wave together with that slight raising of the eyes skywards that says 'why do we put ourselves through this?' as I pass people running in the opposite direction. I don't know if they appreciate it, but I always do.

Running on the road is quite different isn't it? When you graduate (and of course you will graduate) you'll want to plan some routes and mix things up a bit. If you're a member of the Garmin fraternity, their website allows you to do this and there are many apps out there that do it too. I've got to run through some places that I've completely missed from the car before. It's all part of the fun.

Well done!

[Rob_and_his_westie Graduate in reply to Rob_and_his_westie]

P.s. I forgot to say.... If you're new to road running, then do take care, particularly if there are no pavements to run on.

[NickyUk Graduate]

Haha I love the.. And it hasn't bloody rained.... Made me chuckle. Goooo you... I'm doing day three of week six tomorrow... Yikes