Focusing on lamp posts! Week 7, you're history.

[lardofale]

I'm continually amazed by this programme. Today I completed week 7 and found that I had to adjust my route 'on the fly' as I was almost home before the 25 minutes were up and still had the cool down walk to go. My pace has somehow picked up and with it the running distance covered has increased quite dramatically.

Runs one and two this week were quite comfortable but for some reason this morning's run was a bit of a struggle for the first 10 minutes. After giving myself a little talking to I got my mind back on the job and got it done with no further problems.

Talking of getting my mind back on the job, I've found that focusing on an object in the distance such as a parked car or a lamp post seems to help me and once I've reached that I'll search out another object. The music pumping through my head helps greatly too. Anything but the thought of actually running seems to work!

On to week 8 and a step up in time to 28 minutes. I won't say that this is a daunting task, that was 60 seconds of running in week 1!, but certainly one I'll treat with respect and adjust to. 6 sessions left before graduation, my determination chip is programmed and switched on!

[Millsie-J Graduate]

Well done runner, great job there!

It sounds as though you may have set off faster this time (hence ran further), which is why it will have felt harder. Remember slow and steady will get you to graduation, then your choices become greater.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Many, many use that technique to aid the runs Just the next corner, just that tree.. or Lamp post! Well done you...

As Millsie-J says, slow and steady does it You are on the way, and it is time to relax and enjoy the rest of the journey. I run and I ramble.. the longer runs give you time to look around, pace yourself and watch the world as you cruise by

I make up running words to well known tunes, they were to Christmas Carols when I graduated at Christmas 2015...even now, sometimes, doing a long run.. I am singing my words to Deck the Halls in my head, to keep me going. ( yep.. quite loopy).

You are going to be fine... a light gentle step and a smile on your face... Now, where is that next tree ?

[Hidden]

Love the determination chip, where can I buy one?

[lardofale Graduate in reply to Hidden]

They're made in Hogwarts I believe. You have to utter a few running related 'oaths' and it spontaneously appears. However, you have to be careful in the programming phase as the determination function button is very close to the common sense function button, one errant selection and trouble is afoot!

[Hidden in reply to lardofale]

Aha, running oaths are they like my commonly uttered f words every time the dogs bark and cause me to jump?

[lardofale Graduate in reply to Hidden]

You're on the right page, not restricted to f words of course!

[Hidden in reply to lardofale]

Okay just so long as I know... I'll add in a few Italian ones for good measure

[GoogleMe Graduate]

Excellent stuff. I often tell myself I'll give up at that rock... and then I'll give up at the next tree... and then I'll give up after that boggy bit (not many lamp posts where I run you'll gather)

Such a funny thing that first 10 minutes, a common phenomenon.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to GoogleMe]

Love it... give up at the next pheasant, then it flies further away!

[GoogleMe Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Hmmm, there's a strategy for an ultramarathon in the Peak District... tell myself I'll run to the next Hen Harrier...

[Runn]

Good Luck with moving on to week 8, I have one more week 7 run to do and I'm already a bit worried about adding on another 3 minutes, I'm finding 25 mins tough. I have found making up routes as I go can be a good distraction from the actual running because then I 'm looking ahead working out which will be the best way to get me closer to home but still give me enough distance for the cool down walk.

[Jewel84 Graduate in reply to Runn]

I'm finding it tough too. But onwards and upwards. There's time enough ahead to increase distance and/or speed. But hey! We're running for 25 mins. Couldn't have said that a few weeks ago 🏃🏼‍♀️💪🏼🌟

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

Well done lardofale 😊...

That podium is in the distance just waiting for you.

Good luck..onwards and upwards 😊

[Curlygurly2 Graduate]

That first ten minutes being difficult is well known to runners - it's called the toxic ten. After ten minutes or so your breathing catches up with the amount of exertion you'e making, or something like that! You can avoid it by warming up a bit more before you leave home, I do some dynamic stretches and squats and stuff...try it, or walk a bit further before you start running, you might find it helps.