Step out

[BarryLad]

Not run any distance for 40 years: first 5k run of Week 9 finished today. Yes, some physio and rest has been needed since starting in January, but if you are from the era of Spangles, Buttons A&B  and Panda Cars then maybe you can do it too.

[JoolieB1 Graduate]

Well done, 5k is a very decent distance and I did that for some time after graduating, what are u planning?  I recommend going cross country, so much fun running in the woods, fields and tracks now u r going longer distances! 

[BarryLad Graduate in reply to JoolieB1]

Hi JoolieB1

To be honest I'd just like to get a running routine first: I'm glad to have got here at all. I like the idea of a bit of gentle hill running (plenty around here) but when I'm hauling myself along the pavements I wonder if that's a bit unrealistic. You're obviously enjoying your freedom running and I bet looking forward to some better weather for cross country. Thanks for the reply - I've done the running alone, so good to have an encouraging word! 

[JoolieB1 Graduate in reply to BarryLad]

I'm all alone too LOL.  Tried a couple of running clubs but after being a free runner (running when I want in the day) and where I want (in the woods and fields), doing endless timed laps of a track in the dark was horrible - and they charged me four quid!!

I found getting into a routine of 3 times a week was so helpful and 30 minutes is a great starting place.  I ran longer one day and did a 5k and then did 3 X 5k for many weeks.  It was pretty challenging and sometimes I did some hills.  I didn't worry about speed, just ran at a comfortable pace.  One thing worth thinking about is the surface u run on.  I found as I was running more,mi was getting some impact niggles so switched to running on grass or mud as much as I could.  I also did strength and flex exercises every day.  Keep us updated, exciting to be a free runner!!

[Rignold in reply to BarryLad]

anything is doable once you have the basic running base - cross country, longer distances, hills etc, as long as you build up to it gradually. Consolidating your aerobic base by just carrying on with gentle 30 minute runs for a few weeks or so is the best next step, especially if coming back to running after a layoff of many years. It gives your joits and muscles and so on a chance to get stronger and catch up with your new cardio capacity.

[Rignold]

Exclent work BarryLad, well done.

[Jaxsy_runs]

Congratulations, that's a very modest post after a determined effort - many of us are from that era so you're in good company Barrylad.

[Shivani05 Graduate]

Well done! Good luck for graduation.

[PippiRuns]

Well done, Barrylad. Such an achievement. I hope you find a good way forward. Keep us posted.

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

Doing great Barry - you should be proud. Us oldies rock!

[BarryLad Graduate in reply to Ullyrunner]

Thanks for that Ullyrunner. Small question if you don't mind: Is 'Graduate' status something that the App can give you? I used just the MP3 podcasts instead of the App. No mention of graduating in those....not that it matters really, I know what I've managed and can remember Blue Peter well enough to make myself a badge....now where's that sticky-backed plastic...?

[Ullyrunner Graduate in reply to BarryLad]

Graduation is conferred by the lovely administrators on this site when you have completed all the runs in the programme - ie can run for 30 mins ( doesn't have to be 5k)

See the pinned posts for the graduation requirements and how to request your graduate tag. You can buy real badges and T shirts too - no need to dig out the sticky back plastic ( do they still make that stuff?)

[BarryLad Graduate in reply to Ullyrunner]

Great, much thanks for that, will go and take a look. Might not need that elusive sticky-backed plastic then

[poppypug Graduate]

Well done Barry , excellent effort !

I remember Spangles and Panda Cars , but what's Buttons A and B ?

That's got me flummoxed now ! xxx

[BarryLad Graduate in reply to poppypug]

Thanks poppypug, great to have these encouraging replies. There was a time, and I do remember it, when to use a phone in a phone box you needed to put coins in the phone and then press a large silver button marked A, then dial. If the call didn't get connected you had to press button B to get your pennies back. All very metallic and mechanical. Googling "Button A and B" will probably show I've not remembered quite right...but not far off I think.

[poppypug Graduate]

Ooh Ive just googled that Barry ! I don't remember buttons A and B , it might be a little before my time.

I remember ringing " Dial A Disc " without putting any coins in and just hearing a tiny bit of music before it cut off . Ha ha ! xxx