Graduation presents to me.

[Trixamme]

My plan all along the program was to treat myself at every big milestone so with only two runs left until I graduate I cheated and treated myself early. I've had the socks back in week 3 and trainers at week 5 so for week 9 I've brought myself a whole new kit (leggings, top and bra) and a tomtom watch. I would normally wait but tomorrow I go on holiday. With this in mind I decided that after running all my runs on my treadmill my first proper run is going to be by the sea. I've had a look on the Internet of runs people have done and the elevation etc and feel that I can do this after all no one knows me there and confidence is growing slowly but surely.

I can't believe that I've nearly made it! Yes it's taken me so much longer than I thought but I've developed a good habit and I feel sad when I don't run. My best friend (who I'm going on holiday with) thinks I'm crazy but she is so proud that I've very nearly completed something I never thought I could do.

Any wise words of advice from the runners who have ran by the sea? I won't be running on sand that's for sure but finally I get to use my trainers outside.

[McFitty Graduate]

Oh what a wonderful feel-good post! Loving your choice of graduation presents too. How amazing to have your first outside run by the sea. You so deserve this. Happy running and here's to your graduation 🎁

[poppypug Graduate]

Brilliant ! Oh that watch really looks the business , and Well done you for treating yourself to lots of running goodies, very well earned !

Have a lovely holiday and enjoy your run by the sea ( Me ? jealous much ? ) I'm sorry I cant offer you any tips but it is my dream to run by the sea .One day Pug, one day

Enjoy that first run outside and tell us all about it when you come back ! xxx

[Trixamme Graduate in reply to poppypug]

I'm taking you all with me!! I don't plan on taking my phone on my runs but will upload a photo of where I run so you can see. I've just got to try and stay away from the wine!! 🙈

I'm sure you'll run by the sea one day. Maybe we could have a C25K meet by the sea 😉 xxx

[poppypug Graduate]

Ha ha Yes ! That would be amazing !

I think youre allowed a coupla glasses ( bottles) of vino collapso whilst youre on holiday , its the law y'know

Have fun and yes, photos would be great xxx

[MarkyD Graduate]

Please expect running outdoors to be much harder than running on a treadmill. Enjoy it, but don't be disheartened if you find you don't cover the distance you would on a treadmill. But, by the sea you'll have great views and lovely fresh air. Enjoy!

[Trixamme Graduate in reply to MarkyD]

I totally expect running outside to be harder, if it wasn't hard everyone would be doing it. My mind is in a good strong place and the majority of the time it a mental battle rather than a physical one so as long as I keep moving for 30 minutes then I will be pleased as punch. I'm really looking forward to the views as I've seen nothing but my kitchen wall for a long time. As for my journey so far, it's never been a problem with my legs as they just keep on going regardless of the gradient or distance. For me the problems have been with learning how to breathe correctly and the occasional stitch. What's the difference with outdoor vs indoor running? I'm guessing fresh air (which I'm looking forward to) and the wind resistance? Along with the weather and it not been flat/even ground?

[MarkyD Graduate in reply to Trixamme]

Depends upon the surface, but you'll find it much harder on your ankles and calves. Running on a treadmill - you know that the surface is flat and smooth. Outdoors, there are ruts and uneven ground, cracks in the pavement, kerbs, puddles, dog mess - loads of things to dodge. And people to navigate around. You'll be responsible for setting your pace, and it is much too easy to set off too fast. And rain, and a stiff sea breeze that will always seem to be in your face

[melly4012 Graduate]

What a great post!! I LOVE my tomtom watch so I really hope you love yours too! It takes a while to work out all of its capabilities but is definitely great once you do!

How lovely that you are going to run on holiday too!! Try to make a conscious effort to go very slowly at first to give yourself time to adjust as it may feel different and it'll be important to pace yourself. Enjoy the distractions around you - it's such a lovely way to experience somewhere new. Obviously go careful with the heat and make sure you're hydrated. Sometimes it can be very windy by the sea so try to pick a not so windy day or if you can't help it then try to run against the wind on the way out and with the wind on the way back (or if you can sort a route that circles inland then you can run with the wind along the front and the rest of the route sheltering you a little bit). Even if it feels a bit harder than you're used to, you CAN do it!

Photos are a must, let us see where you're running! Have a lovely holiday and a great last couple of runs til graduation!!!

[Irishprincess Graduate]

Nice watch. May you both have a long and happy future together 😊

I've run by the sea on holiday many times and I love it! I assume you're going somewhere hot so run early morning if you can, wear sunscreen and a hat, take water with you and tell your friend where you are going and when you should be back.

For your first venture outside run very slowly. It's easier to pace yourself on a treadmill and most people run too fast when they transition outside. Also, if it's hot then you'll want to slow way down.

Enjoy the views, breathe in the sea air, take nice pictures and post them for us. Enjoy your holiday and your graduation run.

[Trixamme Graduate in reply to Irishprincess]

I wouldn't really call Wales hot but who knows with this weather. I was thinking of going early morning but plan on taking the kids and friend on a walk before hand so they will know my route.

Thanks for the good advice and I promise to take photos.

[dddd4 Graduate]

Hope you enjoy running by the sea. No advice to give but rather jealous! Lovely idea to treat yourself now. You'll be able to graduate in splendour with all your new kit☺

[LonelyWalker Graduate]

Ooh, loving your new tech! I've been looking at running watches as a graduation present for weeks, most people seem to recommend Garmin but I just can't find one that fits the bill and the price. I'm off to look at Toms...

[Trixamme Graduate]

This one has the run or treadmill option or a timer. It also has GPS and a HRM.

There is a better one that includes swimming, riding etc but for me and the price that I got it at from Argos on sale I couldn't really complain. Its really simple to use and the app looks easy to understand so I'm sold. I'm sure people who have tried out loads of watches prefer the garmin ones but for me, I like it. 😊