Wk 5 : R 3 - Surprisingly smasheroonied!! 😎

[quirkybee]

Hey my lovely running buddies 😊

I completed the "surprise" run 3 of wk 5 this evening. When either old floss or one other member said it wold be a surprise, I can tell you it sure was, haha.

Upon starting the podcast, getting myself geared up for the warm up walk, when Laura said I'd be running for 20 minutes with no break, I actually said out loud walking down the road......"What....oh no" haha 😂😂

I had visions of stopping the podcast and turning back,;but thought no, I've started so I'll finish, lol, but how will I manage a full blown 20 minutes? I was quite mortified.

However, I began the long, arduous affair.....😂

I couldn't believe that I was ploughing through each 5 minutes that Laura was updating me on.....I felt slightly out of puff, but have been trying hard to adopt the breathing advice that Laura gives and it does work. If anything, my legs felt heavy and I felt if I stopped it would have been because of my legs and not my breathing.

Each time it felt that I started to quicken my pace, (this is usually in time with the beat of the track that's playing, I get so carried away, haha), I just slowed it down to a slow motioned power walk 😂 IT WORKS and helps with my overall breathing.

Can't believe I am actually saying this and come this far. Someone who wasn't particularly in tip top condition. It's truly amazing the training that goes in to perfect these podcasts. Most of all, I'm so thankful to those on here who have commented and offered encouragement and to the longer serving members who always seem to find time to reply to us newbies and other members. Thank you 🌼🌻🌷💐

I was quite beetroot by the time I'd finished, but I usually have a 20 minute walk back home, I've cooled down a tad by then, it's not a pretty sight though, lol. I had the start of blisters on my heels,;so I hope that improves. My trainers fit perfectly, only bought them in June, so unsure why they're rubbing.

Seeing as I've done wk 6 : R 1, do you think it's fair I start run 2, or go back to run 1 as I accidentally skipped the last 2 of wk 5, though I've done those now?

Thank you x

[Martin_Rose Graduate]

Well done again, I'm doing run 1 week 5 tomorrow, I'm hoping I'm as successful as you, that's another lovely pic. 😁

[quirkybee Graduate in reply to Martin_Rose]

Thank you Martin_Rose, I have true faith that you'll do fab on the next run, you can do it 😊

[skysue16 Graduate]

Well done, you did really well. Yes, it is a surprise or rather a shock when you hear 20 minutes!! You seem to be managing your breathing well, I find that quite hard sometimes. About your feet - do your socks fit snugly, they will cause rubbing if they are slipping as you run. All the best for your future runs. 👍

[quirkybee Graduate in reply to skysue16]

Thank you skysue16, the breathing is a practiced thing and I find it needs concentration too. I have 2 pairs of proper sports socks whichbi bought when I did my analysis. I have prepared myself for the running and my trainers fit well. They've only started rubbing recently. The socks I wore last night were just a pair of Karrimor socks, but my blisters started when I was wearing the best of the good pairs, so I don't know. Thank you anyway 😊

[skysue16 Graduate in reply to quirkybee]

I also bought running socks when I had a gait analysis in January. There was a 3 for 2 offer so I got three different pairs! Interestingly only one pair, Hilly (marathon - I think they are called) fit well, even though they were all the same size. The others are ok for general use but the Hilly Marathon ones are the best. In fact, I even use them as liner socks in my walking boots and they are great. Hope you can sort out your blisters.

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

Well done quirkybee 😊....

Running socks have padding in the right places and help with sweat😆

Week 6 is a bit like Week 5, its up to you if you Start at R1 or R2...

Good luck 😊x

[quirkybee Graduate in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Aww, thanks so much Jan-now-runs 😊

I have started from wk 1, the only time I made an error was last Friday when I started wk 6 and then realised I missed wk5 run 2 and 3. So glad (from advice), that I did run 2 and 3 and not just continue with wk 6 run 2. We all think we can do this, but it doesn't really pay. My mistake wasn't intentional, I truly believed I completed wk 5, haha 😂

I will start wk 6 run 1 afresh on Friday, rather than go to run 2, having done run 1 last Friday.

If you or other members have any recommendations for other good running socks, please do say, I will happily take a browse 😊 Thanks again.

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate in reply to quirkybee]

Good plan quirkybee, thats what I would do too.😊

I have some Hilly mono skin running socks which I like, thet are quite thick but are very comfy.

I think most do the job, but they do come up small, so go for a larger size if possible. I prefer ones that come up over my ankle too, not those short ones that barely cover your heel.

Good luck Friday with Wk 6. You can do this...😊x

[quirkybee Graduate in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Thank you Jan, I will take a look at those socks. I prefer just above ankle too. They always slip off if any lower, haha. 😊

[CookieM Graduate]

Well done - I find I match the purple colour of my top when I get in after a run ( though actually it's not so bad while I'm still outside!!).

I'd just carry on with the next run - good luck 😁

[quirkybee Graduate in reply to CookieM]

Hi CookieM, thank you 😊 and yes, this is the same for me. Although my colour calms down a little after walking back home, when inside my face is still blotchy and red and I'm soaking wet, lol. Plus,;my blood pressure is slightly raised, so I flush easily, unfortunately. Always have rosy cheeks in work, they all think I'm teething 😂😂

[Razouski]

20 minutes, what an achievement. Go you. 🤓

[quirkybee Graduate in reply to Razouski]

Thank you Razouski, I can't believe it myself 😁

[PaulaHud46 Graduate]

Well done! Week 5 Run 3 is a revelation! There will be no stopping you now. I invested in running socks, they have support for the instep and padding in the right places.

[quirkybee Graduate in reply to PaulaHud46]

Thank you Paula, any recommendations (if allowed on here), for good socks, please let me know 👍

[PaulaHud46 Graduate in reply to quirkybee]

Mine are just Adidas ones from Very.co.uk, not expensive.

[quirkybee Graduate in reply to PaulaHud46]

Thank you 😊👍

[Millsie-J Graduate]

Brilliant run well done! Yes running socks are a must but are you sure your shoes are big enough? Mine are a full size bigger than usual shoes. Because week 6 is a bit of disciplined running ( back to intervals), i think i would do the full week.

You are rocking that post run look!

[quirkybee Graduate in reply to Millsie-J]

Thank you Jacs-W, yes I will commenced from Wk 6 run 1 on Friday. I intend to follow this through to the end and repeat any runic needed.

My trainers feel a good fit as I had my gait analysis in these. I tried other trainers too, gosh some felt dreadful on though. But these are Asics and I have 2 pairs now. Including an Orthotic insole which I paid a lot for. Really comfortable as I have a high instep.

The problem could also be because my ankles swell often, so I don't suppose that would help with blisters either. Unsure though.

[Hidden]

QB you get younger in every pic... and I am sure you are the only runner doing this plan backwards... do the whole of the W 6 not just to get you back to the plan, but you do need the stamina and kms in your running bank. From here on in, the runs get longer with no breaks. If you haven't done the whole plan up to date, then you're risking injury. And then we wouldn't get to see smiley pics... good luck and very well done you

[quirkybee Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Aww thank you Jan. 😊

I've commenced the course from the beginning, I've only made an error when thinking I'd finished wk 5, lol. But I've completed that now and I will redo run 1 of wk 6 on Friday.

All good practice and I'm grateful for all advice too. I will be up to date then with 2 lots of wk 6 run 1 behind me 😂😂

Slightly fearing the longer runs, but I will do my best haha.

[Hidden in reply to quirkybee]

You will do fine we have no doubt. You are the Dorian Gray of this forum, without a dodgy picture getting older in the attic of course! Good luck and there's nothing to fear...

[quirkybee Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Haha thanks Jan, I'd like to think I have a happy soul, there are of course no dodgy pics in the attic.....maybe the odd few when I was a teenager 😊😂😎 Thanks again 🤗

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Yeay!!!!

Knew you would do it! These runs, really do keep us on our toes don't they!

You are doing brilliantly! How far you have come and having fun too... all your photos are smiley You are a great advert for the programme !

The rubbing, could be as Sue says... your socks... The More Miles ones are good?

amazon.co.uk/More-Mile-Cush...

The next run... your choice...but you could just do the week as it stands...Run 1 on Friday

You know what to expect so you can relax into it...slow and steady and breathe your way through it!

[quirkybee Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you Oldfloss, it's lovely and comforting to gave encouragement from you and the other lovely members. Really does keep me motivated and thinking positive 😊

I'll check the website, thank you.

Unsure whether swollen feet would hinder with the rubbing, my feet weren't swollen initially when starting the podcast and they weren't rubbing either,;so I don't know.

I'm all for improving and wearing the right attire, so thank you for the link 😊👍

I cooled down about 2 hours later 😂😂

[Whatsapp Graduate]

I agree, change your socks. Well done with your running. Very brave of you to go out for a run not knowing what is expected of you. I had the whole programme printed out on my fridge and ticked off as I went. At least W6R1 wont be a surprise.

Your breathing will sort itself out. Now you are doing the longer runs you will get used to feeling breathless for the first few minutes as your body adjusts to the run. It will soon settle down though.

[quirkybee Graduate in reply to Whatsapp]

Thank you Whatsapp for the confidence to do it. Building up my stamina is a big thing, can't believe I'm this far, I truly can't haha. My legs were failing me half way through though, not so much the blisters, but just overall tiredness.

I think my ankle swelling has made some contributton though to the blisters, only because I think that if they're puffy, my trainers feel tad tighter and that surely will cause rubbing. Definitely up for improved socks though. Here we come 😂

[Nibor5 Graduate]

Well done. If the socks and trainers are all good, hopefully the blisters are just a last protest from your feet before they accept that they are going to have to keep on running for 20, 25 then 30 minutes, and they'll settle down in week 6.

[quirkybee Graduate in reply to Nibor5]

Thank you Nibor5,

Yes, my lil flippers were starting to protest, haha. They'll have a good talking to before my next run 😂

Thanks again 😊

[Lstace]

Whoop Whoop!! You go girl!! Week 6 is such a milestone and I'm so happy your ploughing through those runs!

Keep it up once I'm sorted i'll be running it with you again!!

😁👍x

[quirkybee Graduate in reply to Lstace]

Aww thanks Lisa, yes I've been thinking of you and how you are feeling. Don't rush anything, make sure you feel totally right. Looking forward to seeing your posts again. (Haha, that sounds funny, "seeing your posts", you know what I mean though, lol). 😊👍 x

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Just an add on to my reply... you doing things in reverse...your last post but one... the Reverse one.... reminds me of a post I wrote... It was in winter and I called it .."I'm running backwards to Christmas!"

It is such fun all of this isn't it!

[quirkybee Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Aww yes, I know what you mean.

It's good fun and a learning experience too. Nice to have friends on here for support too 🤗🤗

[Kaylou22]

Wow! That is fantastic! I did week 5 day 2 today, completed it on my second attempt, reading your post has given me the drive to get out there over the weekend and try my hardest to do it! Well done on your amazing running! Kxx

[MarkyD Graduate]

Well done you.

Told you it would be a surprise! At least you said "Oh no" out loud, rather than the more appropriate "Laura, you've got to be ****ing joking".

I think you're well on your way to graduation now. Keep posting... are you going to be able to wear a different top in every photo? Three so far (and counting).

[quirkybee Graduate in reply to MarkyD]

😊Aww, thanks MarkyD, that means a lot.

I nearly said a few inappropriate words, but managed to zip it, lol.

Well, MarkyD......I need to invest in new tops, so you may be seeing a different one soon.🤗 I will try my best not to disappoint 😂😂 but I mustn't start the trend with my trainers though......oh noooo, lol.

[MarkyD Graduate in reply to quirkybee]

Yes, I liked the blue trainers, but I'm not sure that they coordinate well with your pink top. I suggest buying some purple/pink trainers, and another blue vest so that you can mix and match

[quirkybee Graduate in reply to MarkyD]

I only have one blue top, though I'm not too keen on it, 😕 but I'm on the case MarkyD, so watch this space, haha 😆👍

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to MarkyD]

I like you.... I am so into co-ordination

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to MarkyD]

Tut tut! x

[Hidden]

Thanks for that post. It's inspired me to keep going, and listen to the coach! My husband's been taking me round keeping time for me. But obviously the coach does more than that. Maybe, he'll help with the 'hurty' legs I got in run 1 week 4. Well done for getting as far as you have, and thanks for the positive post.