W7R1 - I felt like a runner today

[Dunder2004]

Up until now, I have felt like a novice plodding along, often glancing at my watch desperate for it to tell me that I can stop for a walk.

Today felt different. I never felt like I wanted to stop, I wasn't puffing like a steam train and was even able to forget about breathing, running form and, for a while, even how fast/slow I was running.

My route didn't allow me to cover 5k today but I think I could have done that without too much trouble, instead I put in a little bit of a 'sprint' finish over the last 400m or so.

I hope you can excuse the trumpet blowing element of the above, I think the main point here is just how effective this program is. Just 8 weeks ago, I wouldn't run 50yds to catch a train and hadn't done any serious exercise in the thick end of 20 years. The truth, of course, is that I am still very much a novice but the progress I have made in such a short period is ridiculous.

Linkie to Garmin Connect

connect.garmin.com/modern/a...

[jules50 Graduate]

Well done Dunder, great pace aswell!! don't feel bad about blowing your trumpet, you deserve to be proud

[Dunder2004 Graduate in reply to jules50]

Thanks jules. Not long until graduation for you.

[jules50 Graduate in reply to Dunder2004]

I know, 2 more runs!! Can't wait

[agedsnailspace Graduate]

Well done! It's a great feeling when it all goes right. Brilliant run.

[Dunder2004 Graduate in reply to agedsnailspace]

Thanks ASP. I know there will be bad runs to come but I guess they are worth it for days like today.

[Sazzle44 Graduate]

Well done! That must be a great feeling. I can't wait to reach that point where I'm just running and not having to think about it - although I have seen glimpses of it

It really does work, doesn't it? - although I'll get back to you after I've done my W5R3 tomorrow

[Dunder2004 Graduate in reply to Sazzle44]

Thanks Sazzle.

Just take it easy and you will be fine. W5R3 looks and sounds scary but it's bark is worse than it's bite.

[Sparkyifhungry Graduate]

That's the runners high making you blow your trumpet and rightly so I think! Isn't it amazing when you hit the right pace, wonderful just bounding along and alls right with the world. X

[Dunder2004 Graduate in reply to Sparkyifhungry]

It is a lovely morning which I think probably contributed Sparky.

Congrats, again, on the graduation.

[millwalki8 Graduate]

Great Run. Its fantastic when the run bug hits you

Not fantastic when you forget to charge phone fully and you can only track half your morning run

[Dunder2004 Graduate in reply to millwalki8]

Bummer indeed.

I am part of the Garmin clique (you will join the dark side) and thankfully haven't had that problem yet. Runkeeper did cause me a bit of grief when I used it but I think that was because I had it installed on a 5yo smartphone which probably didn't have sufficient 'power' to cope.

[millwalki8 Graduate in reply to Dunder2004]

Drooling over a 610 on my other screen as I type

[AdamB Graduate in reply to millwalki8]

I can thoroughly recommend the 610. Because it's a last season's model you can get a very good price on it at the moment. It's quite a capable watch.

[Dunder2004 Graduate in reply to millwalki8]

Looks like a nice piece of kit!

[poppypug Graduate]

Well done Dunder, nowt wrong in blowing your own trumpet !

Id even go the whole hog and get the complete brass band in for your graduation ha ha xxx

[Dunder2004 Graduate in reply to poppypug]

He he. This is Kent m'dear, the neighbours would have a fit if I interrupted afternoon tea with that racket.

[mfamilias Graduate in reply to poppypug]

Time to get that backing group together. Get the girls together with the triangle and the tambourine. Tom Jones can wait till we've finished.

[poppypug Graduate in reply to mfamilias]

Ha ha Yeah !

We can say " Not now Sir Tom, we're busy ! , Get in the queue " xxx

[PrincessStef Graduate]

Hay blow away - You did great. Those times are to be proud of. Not long till graduation now. Then the world is your running field. Well done have a great weekend

[Dunder2004 Graduate]

Thanks Stef. You too.

[runner56 Graduate]

Well done dunder. You blow that trumpet for all you are worth. It sounds to me like you entered that ever elusive and mysterious 'zone' that we all seek.

[Dunder2004 Graduate in reply to runner56]

Thanks R56. I wouldn't quite go that far but it was definitely a different experience.

[AdamB Graduate]

Good one, Dunder. You've proved to yourself that you can run.

[Dunder2004 Graduate in reply to AdamB]

Thanks Adam. Needless to say you run in a completely different timezone to me in terms of pace but small steps and all of that........

[AdamB Graduate in reply to Dunder2004]

Dunder, it's only a few months ago that I would have been very happy with the time you've recorded. Once you reach the 5K and consolidate your times will start coming down. I started a bit earlier on the programme than you did - that's all.

[Dunder2004 Graduate in reply to AdamB]

Good to know Adam but endurance is my primary goal, specifically a 4:30 marathon on April 17th next year. As I say, small steps...............

[Tiaralou Graduate]

good on you Dunder the runner !!!

[Dunder2004 Graduate in reply to Tiaralou]

Thanks Lou.

[Hidden]

It's great when it all comes together and it's effortless, it makes all those other unpleasant miles disappear into the darkest recesses. All progress is down to the effort you have put in so far, just don't get carried away ! Very well done anyway.

[Dunder2004 Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thanks. Well I wouldn't quite say effortless henpen but it was so much easier than my week 6 efforts. I won't get complacent though, my next run will be my first proper effort on a trail so that will slow me down and keep me on my toes.

[hilbean Graduate]

Trumpet blowing definitely allowed! It's such a great feeling when you get a good run like that and lovely to read about it too. Well done!

[Dunder2004 Graduate in reply to hilbean]

Thanks beaner.

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

It's just lovely when it all comes together like that!

[Dunder2004 Graduate in reply to Ullyrunner]

Indeed it is Ully.

[mfamilias Graduate]

Yeee- hah! Dunder is the bestest. Whoop whoop! Loved reading about your exploit - and chuffed to bits for you. I am very impressed by your wiggly chart thingummy jig- that upward trend is the complete opposite of mine at the end of the same run (mine was digging a hole under the base line ) As you say, it's seeing how far you've got since those first chest-heaving, gasping one minute runs that is just incredible.

[poppypug Graduate in reply to mfamilias]

Ha ha M, you are one helluva crazy gal ! I love ya to bits xxx

[mfamilias Graduate in reply to poppypug]

I'm a grade A nutter, but hell, I'm happy this way.

[poppypug Graduate in reply to mfamilias]

Yes you are , I have to agree ! xxx

[Dunder2004 Graduate in reply to mfamilias]

Thanks. Yes quite proud of the wiggly thing and genuinely amazed that I could finish that strongly. I wasn't really confident prior to heading out this morning.

[Wristy Graduate]

You're covering the distance in a good pace there! Keep up the good work!

[Dunder2004 Graduate in reply to Wristy]

Yes sir. Will do sir.

[AncientMum Graduate]

Great post Dunder and lovely even pace too. Not long now to graduation, blow that trumpet as much as you like!

[Dunder2004 Graduate in reply to AncientMum]

Thanks AM. Graduation does seem a lot closer now.

Fingers crossed that you can see progress with your ankle soon.

[aliboo70]

Thats brilliant dunder ! What a great pace,glad you had a run that made you feel happy! 😊

[Dunder2004 Graduate in reply to aliboo70]

Thanks ali.