Well today was my final C25k Run....... week 9 run 3! It was actually my 46th run (not bad for a 27 run programme) as I had restarted at week one after nine long weeks on the injury couch. Think that's made me a more confident runner though, and also more aware of injury and taking care of myself. My right leg is still heavier and tighter than the left and much more prone to twinges ! Five months to get here ! First run in March was a real struggle, couldn't do the 8 one minute runs... how far have I come!
Anyway all day yesterday and today I kept thinking about the run. Why is it that your graduation run becomes a thing to worry about instead of just enjoying? After all I had run 30 minutes twice now, so know I can do it! Felt rather envious of those heading out first thing today especially of @collywobbles53 who graduated this morning! But I prefer to run after work with a nice relaxed recovery evening ahead, so off to work I go. Quiet office day at my own desk, constantly checking this forum on my phone and thinking what lay ahead. Finished work an hour early (the joys of flexitime) and home feeling the wind buffeting the car. Changed into my running gear, drunk two glasses of water, checked the phone set correctly.. And I'm off,. After Saturday's key disaster hid my front door key in the cat shelter outside rather than take it with me,.. Nothing is spoiling this!
Five minute walk. I've had enough of you and Julie I sing. I'll miss her,, who would have thought? Up to the end of the village and time to start running. Usual faff with the phone to set Strava to measure my distance, and I am off. It's sunny. Was 16 degrees outside when I came home, but feels much cooler as it is windy. Not as bad as yesterday's gales though. I am lucky I think. How can people run in hot countries. Thank goodness for Scotland No rain likely either, plod plod up the hill( well gentle incline but it feels like a hill) passed the place where I dropped my key on the last run, and turn left down the overgrown track . plod plod. Following the same route as my last two runs so I know exactly what I am doing. Lots of puddles on the ground today to dodge round, and my goodness the plants at the side seem bigger and wilder than ever as they move round hitting me as I run past. Downhill here, but mustn't go too fast or I'll over do it. I can almost hear Laura warning me. Down to the ruins at the foot and turn round, looking up thinking why don't I just run on the flat! Up I go, grabbed a wild raspberry in passing first time!! My left arm - only wearing a short sleeved top today as it's warm- feels irritated by the plants pricking it so I swop sides so my right side gets ambushed instead . However the ground is muddier and puddlier there so I soon give up and move back. Half way there says Laura. Yay I think, all (figuratively ) downhill now. Up I go, reach the main road. Well I say main road as its not a track but it's still a farm road with moss and plants growing down the middle! But it's wider, so no need to caress the waving green things as I can run down the middle. ( it's virtually traffic free just an odd cyclist ). The big pink plants seem to be waving at me, I decide they are like all my C25k friends cheering me on and wishing me well., hello @Irishjohn I say, hello @McFitty! I'm off to join you on the very crowded Podium!
Down to the end and my pastel coloured hay bales. Turn round - ten minutes to go says Laura. Not long at all I think. Shall I speed up?? No no don't be silly you want to finish! Plod plod. And finish I do, stop Strava , and see I covered just 2.3 miles (3.7k) so a long way of the magical 5k but hey ho, who cares... I've done my best and am now one of the C25k graduate gang !!
I shout this out - no one is around but I am sure you all heard me - and take a photo of my shadow with my thumbs up, as I am now a shadow of my former self! I can officially run for thirty minutes!!!! Thank you Laura and thank you fellow C25k ers past and present who have inspired me, advised me and encouraged me on the way. You are all amazing!
I'M A GRADUTE i'M A GRADUATE I'M A GRADUATE
I'm a Graduate!!!
Christmas Graduate
Move over Book of Revelations...
The end of a beautiful relationship
