Reasons to be cheerful Week 6 Run 1 Rewind

Ian Dury entered my mind this morning after Saturday's meltdown. My reasons to be cheerful are firstly this most wonderful forum of fellow runners, who on Saturday pulled me up from being red eyed, snotty nosed and having a very angry tippy tantrum. You all know who you are and despite my new found tagging abilities, I'd be like a Gwyneth Paltrow Oscar acceptance speech, nice opening but goes on way too long... ❤️

I did re- read Irish-John s post about his friend, and it did pick me up as I think you all knew it would. So thank you everyone for the thoughts, hugs and general kick ass attitude.

So on today's run, Mr Smooth had hung around as I hoped he would and he said today was advanced running. Who'd have thought it? Slope of hope walk was fine, then into the first 5 minute run up the hill that kills, my pace was way off in fact too fast as I ran the hill in 2 and a half minutes - I will get the tech data from Mr JCR to know how far that actually was and what gradient. Before I knew it I was saying out loud 'go slow, go slower, go slow remember Old Floss'. My walk took me up Lovers Lane - no Anouska or Albino today, they may have got out earlier I think as this week's weather is for up to 40 degrees and it's hotting up already. On the run back down Lovers Lane and on the way to the hill that kills - this was Saturday's segment where I collapsed, Cee Lo Green was singing " f you" - the original not the sanitised, and just as I reached the part where the hill that kills slopes down, he sang loudly " f you" - well I burst out laughing and then Mr Smooth said just one minute to go. At that point literally it was downhill until I had to come back up the hill and do the final 5 minutes run. Bruce rather appropriately was singing Born to Run.

Now I don't know if we are born to run, and today's music seemed prophetic, although maybe I should download Ian Dury.

There is another Italian saying that's useful to know and it is 'in gamba' literally translated as 'in leg'. If someone is in gamba then they are the tops, trustworthy, a good egg, that kind of thing. It seems to me that all you fellow runners are 'in gamba' .

Thanks for being my support crew today and always.

[Dave55 Graduate]

Have you ever considered writing a book ? I'd buy it I think you have a real talent with words . Oh well done well done on the run lol

[Hidden in reply to Dave55]

That's very kind of you to say so a book on running methinks. Imagine the credits - all 32000 members of C25K

[MichaelH070862 Graduate]

Well done on getting your chin up and going out and conquering W6R1 you did better than I did as I over slept i need to be out by 4:45 to get my run done but got up at 5:00 and I am not an after work runner so might have to set the alarm tomorrow

[Hidden in reply to MichaelH070862]

Thanks for the good wishes and good luck for silly o'clock tomorrow!

[bareliz]

Excellent stuff Jancanrun. I knew you'd do it! We're difinitely starting to crack this running malarkey

[Hidden in reply to bareliz]

That bottle of red is calling us!

[Hidden]

Really good to hear you are back on track. I knew you would do it but well done. Good luck with the rest of week 6.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for the message, it was a relief to do it without fading this time. So Wednesday run is number 2 but in London this time round, so am hoping cooler weather will help. Or maybe I've become just a hot weather runner.

[Runningraspberrydiva Graduate]

Yeah, well done 👍

[Hidden in reply to Runningraspberrydiva]

🎽👚👍👟❤️ I don't know what they mean but in my mind it says, we are runners, we run with new shoes and we love it! Thanks so much for the support

[Feelingfab]

Well done Jancanrun. You're back on track after a tough time. Enjoy week 6😁🏃🏽‍♀️

[Hidden in reply to Feelingfab]

That's the plan....now Run 2 you're in my sights

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

Well done Jan😊...we knew you could do it. x

Next run London eh? That sounds exciting...hope you find a nice flat route...maybe by the Thames..or in regent's park..

Best foot forward😊....good luck

[Hidden in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Definitely going to Borough Market to pay some respects and get a coffee as I know the market traders lost a lot of business. RP Is my favourite place a lot more civilised and manageable than Hyde Park. Thanks for the best wishes and message

[MrsT82]

I didn't see Saturday's post until I read the opening line of this one. I stopped, read that first and then came back to this. I don't need to respond to your other post because it seems you've responded in the best way possible! Great news! I am glad you had a better day today.

[Hidden in reply to MrsT82]

thanks we are on our way, I just needed the hug I think....

[snack_shack Graduate]

And she's back! Glad to see a post updating us on how you're doing and that today's run was done with pace to get you back on track. Fab stuff. Keep it up and if running in London this week, remember to bring clothes for every weather eventuality. We sat at home having soup yesterday - it's JULY!!

[Hidden in reply to snack_shack]

I am leaving Lucifers heatwave as they call it, so I didn't pack my summer gear have packed winter just in case... Soup ouch....

[mrrun Graduate]

Hey Jan, nice to see I'm not alone juggling the Celsius, it's pushing 40 degrees along the Croatian coast My runs are far cry from London parks where l gazelle my way through kilometres. Although l manage early morning mega slow 5k three times per week, at times it feels like a boot camp, with heavy legs and very little air. I still remember your hair tips but in this heat not a lot can be done it's soaking wet with sweat

[Hidden in reply to mrrun]

Yup I left 40 degrees and arrived in 18 to be told by my cabbie that it was sweltering and difficult to sleep in the night. I laughed- last night I had to go and find a duvet🛋 Where in Croatia we are more or less opposite Split so guessing terrain and temperatures pretty much the same

[mrrun Graduate in reply to Hidden]

18? Lol, l wish. Here in Zadar region, not far from Split, I admire and respect the locals who simply go about their business, heat or not. No complaints, and seeing local runners, kids doing sports and being 'fine' with the weather, I find really inspiring. Next time l pull a hamstring l will keep it to myself. 😄

[Hidden in reply to mrrun]

Yes here too so we see cyclists way more than podistas, but seriously you see so much exercise here - football for kids in 30+ degrees. I guess to some degree if you're acclimatised over years it's a little easier. But it's still blinking hot. Having said that I wouldn't change it, the hot weather seems to keep people happier somehow. Our local 80+ neighbours still climb trees at olive harvest time, so it puts my physical capability to shame

[Nobbywatts Graduate]

I know this isn't quite what this thread is about, but everyone DO download some Ian Dury and The Blockheads tracks - they're my heroes and I still regularly go to see The Blockheads (minus Ian, of course). I suggest these singles are good to run to (not fast running though!):

Reasons to be Cheerful (as promoted by the lovely Hidden above, Rhythm Stick (obvs), Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll, I Want To be Straight and Sweet Gene Vincent for starters.