Week 7 - Done

[Jacqui-fit450]

Did my last run for week 7. I managed to run 26 minutes for run 1 - 27.5 minutes for run 2 - and 31 minutes last night. For some reason, I find it easier to count to sixty in my head as I run and use my fingers to keep track of minutes run (right hand fingers = minutes, left hand fingers = five minutes). I seem to count slowly as Laura's '5 minutes' and 'half way through' notifications come up before my own count. This cheers me up as I know I can end my run before my own count... if I want to... but each time, I feel good enough to keep running to my own count and last night I went beyond my own count and managed 31 minutes in total (real time). This has given me hope for the final two weeks.

Still too slow for 5k pace at the moment. I did just over 4k so I now need to up my pace, although I'm happy with 4k. Like a lot of people on here, I never thought I'd be able to run for 30 seconds, let alone 30 minutes, and I, too, never thought I'd actually 'enjoy' running. But I do. Well, I enjoy the euphoria when I end the run, not sure that's the same thing, but I feel proud of myself. I'm still huge, but I've lost 18lbs since week one, lost 5 inches off my waist, and gained hip bones, a smile, and a sense of achievement.

I have my annual diabetes check-up next week and, for a change, I'm looking forward to stepping on the scales and taking pride in finally taking control of my health issues rather than whining on about depression and just taking the pills. I aim to be less of a drain on NHS resources in the future and am very grateful for this non-patronising and motivational programme which REALLY works. Good luck and best wishes to everyone else getting their butts in gear.

I'm off to ebay to get myself a graduation hat... |

[Hidden]

Well done, you're nearly there now!

[LessToLose Graduate]

Fantastic results all round - well done!

[Chocbee34]

Well done !! 

[Suebguineapig Graduate]

Amazing. Well done you! Is there really a graduation cap?!

[Jacqui-fit450 Graduate in reply to Suebguineapig]

Fancy dress degree mortar board! I did have a real one once, but that was just hired for the day. Found one for a couple of quid or so on ebay. Tempted to wear it during week 9 run 3.

[Suebguineapig Graduate in reply to Jacqui-fit450]

You reall should do that. And post a pic!

[Hidden]

I count all the time too ! 

[Jacqui-fit450 Graduate in reply to Hidden]

I'm sure some people must think it's a crazy idea and that it might be better to disengage brain and just run and enjoy the scenery, but I run at 10pm so there's not much to see (I avoid watching the News... it's amazing how much nicer the world seems when you have no idea what's going on!)

I'm glad I'm not the only one counting down though. It seems a bit disheartening in the early stages but seems to help me keep a consistent rhythm and see light at the end of the tunnel. 

[Windswept1 Graduate in reply to Jacqui-fit450]

Well done- I too avoid the news!

[Mollydex Graduate]

Well done jaqui , you've inspired me, I am just about to start week 7 , I'm only up to a mile , but it's a good mile  like you I never thought I would run, and I still remember the pain of those first two weeks! I couldn't even make it lamp post  to lamp post .  I am sure you are doing great things for your diabetes as well 

[Jacqui-fit450 Graduate in reply to Mollydex]

Thanks. I have to watch where I'm treading. That's the problem with going out at 10pm, especially if it's been raining beforehand. All the slugs and snails take to the pavements at that time. I'm pretty sure I've squished a couple of slugs and I've definitely crunched a snail. I felt awful for the entire run. I blame the man and his dog that came out of a side footpath and made me jump and lose focus for a moment. Poor snail. What a way to go. I actually looked for it on the way back. Not sure why. It's not as if I was going to rush it to the vet. 

Enjoy your week 7. Keep it slow and steady, and don't kill any molluscs.