W9 R2 ✔️ ( I really just wrote that WOW 😝)

[lightweightkate]

So, a sleepless night, up at 2.30am, off to work at 6.00am and a 6 hour round road trip later, I decide to go out, in the sun and 24 degrees heat 😂

The minute I started my run my calf muscles tensed up and hurt so I slowed down and keep going....met a walker intent on a chat with me and tried to explain I was on a running programme as I ran on the spot 😮 eventually escaped shouting "C25K" over my shoulder "look it up"!!

Down the hill and many many gremlins attacking me from all sides telling me I was tired, shouldn't be out there today, it was too hot, you are too fat and slow, look at your shadow, you should be ashamed, call that running? blah, blah, blah, bloody blah 😡

Ran past some people who looked at me disparageingly - you know - that look that says "Crikey, should she be doing that?" - so I waved and smiled at them 😂😮

Changed my music so had a sing song, wrote this post in my head, told myself this was my penultimate run, no stopping me now, and how cool would I look with a shiny new badge 🎓, thought about all the journeys I've followed on this forum, chatted with my gorgeous dog and.........just kept going

Up the big hill, down the other side and into my new area downhill under the trees.....feet felt better today but boy those calves - not achey - just tight - all advice welcome please as this is new to me....

Due to graduate ( Did I say graduate?? Oh my!! I think I just did 😃) Saturday but I might push that to Sunday to have 2 days rest instead of one

Today was my first run on my "my marathon" challenge during September and I did 2.2 miles. Only another 24 miles to go🏃 but 30 days to do that in so easy does it 😄 really don't want that IC at this stage!

I am tired and I ache but I am happy and I guess that's enough x

[RunaroundSue]

Ooh, nearly there. Don't rush it, have an extra day rest if you need it. Looking forward to your next post

[Inspiredmum Graduate]

When I went to see my physio and he said how tight my leg muscles were, he recommended a foam roller. Basically the foam roller gives you a sports massage at a fraction of the cost. They can be purchased online for around £10 and there are many YouTube videos showing you how to use it. I found it worked a treat (even though I did prefer the leg massages! )

Well done on your run, you're doing really well.

[Ellymeg Graduate]

Well done you! ✨✨✨ in the bag, what a great effort, what a great run. Slow and steady, just right - keeping going, just right!✨✨✨

Most of all what a great attitude, keep the dialogue going! Beat down the negative and on you go.......

Stop, look back and just ponder, you made the decision to start this adventure and you have done the hard work - look back with pride and a great deal of celebration😳😡☺️🙃🙄😩🙂☺️🍾 😀

One more run, when you're ready.......then off you go! ⚡️

Waiting to see you safely in, and my, the sparkly badge is worth the effort - it'll suit you.........

[lightweightkate Graduate in reply to Ellymeg]

Thanks Ellymeg

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

Great -well done. Nothing to stop you now.

Inspired Mum has suggested a foam roller which works well. Perhaps you are just stiff for some reason - been hill walking or up and down steps.

No harm in a longer lay off if it helps - and of course, lots of good stretching!

Good luck for the graduation run!

[OldPossum]

So close and you're putting those gremlins in their place. 😀

Tight calf muscles is a problem I developed since graduating and is worse if I try to speed up too much. My osteopath says I have short calf muscles so lots of stretching is really important including on non run days so go for a walk to warm up and then stretch. One important stretch is standing on the edge of a stair and dropping your heels, hold it to feel the stretch but do it with both straight and bent leg. Tight calf can also be linked to plantar muscle (think I've got that right !) which runs along the bottom of the foot so massage the bottom of the foot too - a frozen small water bottle works well for this.

If you can feel it starting to hurt when you run, slow down. The advice has helped keep me running. 2 days rest has helped me recover better between runs. Good luck.

[Cianalas]

A sleepless night, an early start, roasting hot weather, walking obstacles and gremlins...NOTHING has the power to stop you!! Hope you get your calves sorted out and enjoy your graduation run. 😊

[lightweightkate Graduate in reply to Cianalas]

Thanks Cianalas - going to be doing lots of stretching!

[poppypug Graduate]

Great stuff Kate, you are soo close now !

Good Luck for your Graduation Run ! xxx

[Irishprincess Graduate]

Enjoy your graduation run 👏🎉⭐️🤗

[Jingle_berry]

Fabulous! Well done - you're almost there 😊😊😊😊

[BigGirlJogging Graduate]

Brilliant post, made me laugh, great attitude, well done and enjoy the next run 😁

[McFitty Graduate]

Oh enjoy your graduation run! We'll be under the tree waiting with the bubbly Foam roller and stretching did the trick for me (and the odd slather of ibuprofen gel). Can't wait for your next post! 😃😆😃

[lightweightkate Graduate in reply to McFitty]

Never did get the gel - on a mission today to get some - along with OldPossum 's stretches that should help!

[lightweightkate Graduate in reply to McFitty]

Got the gel Thanks

[Simmypie Graduate]

Well if you can finish the run in 24 degree heat up and down hills whilst fighting off gremlins then your graduation run will be comparatively easy!

Well done, go out earlier for the next one and enjoy the sense of accomplishment!

[lightweightkate Graduate in reply to Simmypie]

Haha! I hope so - yes it will be a morning run and I think Sunday - really achy legs today so not pushing it

[Hidden]

Just take it easy Kate, if you need an extra rest day, so be it. But take the run slow and steady. You are ready for this

Look forward to your graduation post.

[Lon70 Graduate]

Well done overcoming these obstacles.

[Irish-John Graduate]

Crumbs!!! Epic run Kate ☺ A tough one that you did not give up on! Well done ☺

[lightweightkate Graduate in reply to Irish-John]

Thanks - lots of stretching and some lovely ibuprofen gel and I'll be ready for Sunday 😮🏃