So...after dropping the kids off this morning I pulled back into the drive & sat in the car...it was absolutely chucking it down so my planned graduate run was going to have to be later when the rain had bated a bit (humph)....I do love running in the rain but there’s a limit!! And after my soaking by the canal a few runs ago I didn’t want it to be too hard..I didn’t want to go in the house either otherwise I’d have started a job & my run opportunity would’ve disappeared up the pipe of the vac...so, having bought a tagine yesterday I started searching for recipes online...after a few minutes the noise of the rain on the windscreen got lighter so I jumped out of the car, put the keys through the letter box & set off on my warm up walk, Mr Smooth sounded really promising today & assured me that I was going to achieve my goal...”yes I am Mr Smooth, you just watch!!”...
Time to run, those 5 mins fly by...
I lifted my head, put my shoulders back & set off...my usual rhythm at the end of my legs...feet kissing the pavement lightly..passed the greasy spoon, the smell of bacon & eggs disappearing up my nose...I could feel the people in there looking at me as if I were mad, running in the rain...up to MacDonalds...people sat in their cars waiting for their drive thru egg McMuffins....up to the car wash, nobody out this morning to give me a wave..those toxic 10 mins didn’t seem to be in my head this morning...I wasn’t thinking about my time, pace, distance...I was looking around me, at the trees turning, the beautiful colours of the leaves on the floor...I didn’t have to play the number plate game...or give people names as I jogged passed them...my legs just kept on going..on their own!! No prompting from me to keep going...
Back down the main road....the rain much heavier now, people in their cars glancing with a ‘really???’ look on the faces!!....just me & Mr Smooth...eventually, with 10 minutes to go I turned the corner towards the ford & over the bridge..through the car park of puddles & I entered the park where this whole journey began...as I ran down the path I thought of the early weeks when I could barely run for 60 secs but then, before I knew it I could run for 3 minutes, then 8 mins, then eventually, I conquered the dreaded 20 mins of week 5...Week 6 cemented that I was indeed a runner...admittedly it took quite a bit of persuasion from everyone but I was...Week 7 just flew by...& I started to squeeze the odd park run in here & there...week 8 I felt like a bit of a fraud because it didn’t seem to be getting any easier but yet I was so far into the programme & calling myself a runner....but Week 9, well, every run has been so much easier...
It’s a good job it was raining as Mr Smooth announced that time was up, tears ran down my face disguised as raindrops...I jumped up & punched the air..
I started my warm down walk & looked around the park thinking of all the Kms & stamina I’d built up over the last couple of months & how my life has changed right here....All the advice I’d been given...the trees I’d named, the dogs I’d named...the Oldfloss bush...this is where it all began.
So to all of you...who have been there for me when I’ve had my moments & there have been many, I want to say thankyou from the bottom of my heart...I couldn’t have done this without you all, the advice, encouragement, kicks up the butt, hugs, everything...I take it all with me, it’s part of my running kit...I’ll never forget it
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That's just your inner critical voice talking - it's perfect, and a fitting end to a fantastic story. Only the beginning of your running career though. Before you know it we'll be reading about 10K's, half-marathons, marathons, iron (wo)men etc
Brilliant. Well done. Time goes by so quickly after finishing the programme. I’ve done three park runs including graduation run and have missed running this week due to having horrible cough and cold. But I’m planning to get out there tonight and enjoy. Even better, three of my friends have been inspired by me doing this and have already completed up to week 2 run 2. Never thought of myself as the running type but oh so good for mental and physical health. Carry on loving it
Yay! Well done beautiful graduate! Such a lovely read, I felt I was right there with you on every step! Congratulations. And, thank you for all the support you have shown me through my first five weeks. You. Are. FABULOUS! 👏👏👏
Whoop whoop whoop!! Fan'bleeping'tastic! Well done mam, what a journey you've made from the doubts to the shouts. Love the punching the air celebration, big cyber high fives and hugs.
Hooray Mummycav ! I have been looking out for this post! 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️Absolutely thrilled for you! Thank you for sharing your journey and its ups and downs with us! It has been great keeping company with you along the way. Celebrate today! 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
Welcome to the Graduates club, grab your badge and take a bow.
Now you can start planning the rest your running career. Take a few runs, just because you can, then the world of running is your oyster. So many great opportunities ahead for you to explore
There’s the double whoop I was waiting for!!!! Thank you sooooo very much for all the encouragement and advice you’ve given me & for willing me on...wouldn’t have stuck at it without that...you’ve had a MASSIVE part in changing my life xxx
Mummycav, what a joy this has been, to have followed each other through this amazing journey, your brilliant detailed, funny heart warming posts have made it such a joy. Very very very well done for graduating and thank you for sharing this with us. I hope you are going to stick around for a long time. XxX
Well done! I first noticed your post a two or three weeks ago when you said you were struggling on the same runs as me, and now you have left me way behind. Brilliant - and some nice writing too. I am just about to start Week 9 - had to go to England recently for a funeral, without trainers, so you have raced away to the finish. Keep on inspiring others...
Thanks Duddles...not the best reason for coming over here, if you’d have been near me though you could’ve borrowed a pair of mine!!! Lol...you’ll enjoy week 9, I know I have 😉 happy running
Hip Hip Hooray! Great job, very well done Mummycav! It's been fab reading your posts, spurring me on, a couple of weeks behind you. Make sure Sainsbury's doesn't swallow you up again! 😂
Literally can't like this enough! What a super start to the weekend - nay, to the rest of your running life. Well done, you have thoroughly deserved this, not just for the running but for your inspirational posts and support for other people.
Mummycav your post above is brilliant, that along with the fact that you have graduated is amazing. You posts have helped me along in the 8 weeks I've been doing this, very inspirational.
Well done, don't forget you Graduation badge!
Congratulations...its people like you who inspire people like me 😊 xx
What a journey... what a post, what a Graduation run, and what a RUNNER!!!!
What an absolutely incredible path you have run so far... it has been inspirational...You have taken advice on board, discovered so much about running, so much about yourself, and yet always, always found time to support and encourage other forum family members.
I have watched your progress over the weeks, sometimes laughing with you, sometimes despairing with you and sometimes crying with you... and it has been a privilege to be a part of your journey.. so far.
Well done GRADUATE.... bask in the well deserved glory, as you wear that badge with pride...the bubbly is chilled, my party frock is ready and we shall all be there helping you celebrate
I am sending you a massive squdge! Well done !
Floss x
PS
It goes on... and guess what.. we are still here with you x
Awh...what you’ve said means so much to me...I couldn’t have done this without all my running family beside me...certain ones who have been there right from the start but you, you are top of that list...you have encouraged, supported & advised me every step of the way, there isn’t a post you have commented on...there’s a different person living in my house now...still a devoted Wife & Mummy but a fitter, healthier & stronger one...both physically & emotionally...my Mum would thank you too if she could...I will be eternally grateful for the part you’ve played in changing my life xxxxx xxxxx I will raise my glass to you tonight Oldfloss...you should be recognised as a national treasure xxxx
Oh, I've been waiting to see this post appear!! Many, many congratulations to you. I am now sending you virtual love and hugs in recognition of your fantastic achievement!!
Well done and thank you for your words of inspiration over the last few months.
Now go grab that graduate badge as you've more than earned it 🌟🏆🥇🥂
Ha ha...there has definitely been miracles happening!! I told you I like pom poms!!! I can see them!! And I will join you in a virtual glass of Madeira’s wine....clink 😉 xx
Imagine better show than cheerleaders during NBA, as I have pom-poms and glass of wine at the same time! Screaming with admiration louder than Biber's fans. Today is YOIR day!!!
Wow wow wow fantastic -- so happy for you - it brought tears to my eyes reading it as know how much this means to you .... sounds like a great graduation run .
Treats tonight for such a mega achievement my friend . 🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️👏👏👏🎉🎉🎉 🥂🥂🥂🥂🥂🥂🥂🥂
What a lovely read, felt like we were there with you every step of there way! Your lovely personality over flows into your writing and it's just a joy to read! Very many congratulations you runner you! You've just done a super amazing thing. Well done!! xx
Congratulation . . So happy for you that you made it . . But pleeease don't leave this forum, I have gained so much from your wonderful posts, I am sure I speak for many xx
It has been so entertaining, nerve wracking and rewarding following your journey. Watching those doubts ebb, disappear and now become a dim distant memory is why I am here on this forum, witnessing another life change, literally for good.
Well done Mummycav. Life won't be quite the same ever again..........for any of us.
Thank you IannodaTruffe...you are also partly responsible for this life changing event...your wise words..no nonsense explanations...& inspirational posts have been firmly cemented in my brain...you have touched so many peoples lives... & I, for one, will be eternally grateful to you...I’ve read back on my posts & it certainly has been a bumpy journey but I think W5R3 was the one that changed me...weeks 8&9 confirmed that I was a runner, albeit a very new one....it will be something I will do as long as my legs will carry me!! 😉
Oh yes you little beauty... well done graduate you have done it through thick and thin you have finally got there... am so pleased for you mate onwards and upwards forever now 🏅🏃
Wow what an absolute beautiful post, congratulations on graduating and sharing all your advise and moments on here. You should open a blog; I mean your writing skills are something else! I had a white wine spritzer for you yesterday so cheers and be proud of how amazing you really are xxx
Wow! Well done you, I wonder if I will ever manage it.
Your post was so descriptive, I could smell the bacon and eggs and feel the rain attacking your face but I never felt tired legs or aching muscles, just determination. You deserve your success for sticking with the programme.
I do have one question though?
If you put your keys through the letterbox, how did you get back indoors when you were done?😂😂😂😂😂
WOOHOO! I have been looking forward to reading this! CONGRATULATIONS MC on gaining your very well-earned place on the podium - and on a truly fabulous and engaging post.
Enjoy the buzz today and be proud of your fabulous achievement - and no more doubts, you are truly a confirmed runner!
I will definitely raise a glass in your honour this evening (any excuse, hey?!). And please don't even think of leaving us now you've gone on and graduated. You are a huge inspiration to newbies and to those of us who are still working through the programme, and have so much to offer.
Thank you so much Helena...it’s been an absolute pleasure watching everyone’s journeys & I will def continue, I want to see how everyone’s doing, after all, we’re a family right??? Your reply made me have a little cry!! I still have the feeling of accomplishment & no doubt that will last all weekend....thankyou for my great big virtual hug, it’s been well & truly accepted...I don’t know how you’ve found the time with your busy life!!! Keep running...as and when you can...I’ll be watching & running along right at your side xxxx
I hope that your feeling of accomplishment will last far beyond the weekend! When I started out on this it was a sort of holiday pastime, but I am sure that it will end up as a lifelong change (current obstacles aside) as it has been such a revelation to me that I actually love to run - and I know that it is the same for you. In your earliest posts I don't think you really believed you'd be standing proud today, but look where you are! And there will be plenty more achievements, and adventures along the way.
I know, when I read them i realise I’ve forgotten what a journey it’s been!! But it’s all worth it & hopefully, when people have been struggling and wondering if they should keep going, they might look at some of my posts & know that whatever they’re feeling, I’ve been there too..but if you dig deep & carry on, you can get there..its in all of us, we just need to find it!!
So pleased. Huge congratulations. 🏅🏅🏅Your post made me quite tearful - in the best way. You've always been there and encouraged me on the way, and you really are an inspiration (- along with a few others - they know who they are, I hope!). I'm about to start week 9, and still don't quite believe that I'm this far! Xx
Wow...that’s such a lovely thing to say, I’ve been really touched by everyone’s comments!!! You will love Week 9, everything has fallen into place & it just confirms the fact that you can run for 30 mins, you really can & any doubts about it have disappeared...have a lovely last week xx
Well done, the other day you said you aspired to be like your mum - well I think you are well on the way (and probably already there) - you've obviously been an inspiration to lots of us. Well done! Feels good to have the Graduate badge doesn't it?
Aw, thanks AJ...I’d like to think people have read some of my posts and they’ve made them feel better or spurred them on...I LOVE having the graduation badge!!! ❤️
Well this was the post I've so been waiting for and looking forward to seeing after all the tears,fears and worries over w5r5 but when you beat that one it was only time before it came and I've never had to get my stick out again.
A massive hug from me and very well done (sorry I'm a bit late but have been a bit manic)
I’ve been waiting for this reply too!!!!....I was getting a bit worried rolysmate? It was the threat of the stick that did it I’m sure???!!!! Hug gratefully received....you’ve played a big part in my journey too, thank you 😘
Thank you so much...I’ve been completely overwhelmed at the replies I have, so many lovely people on here!! And yes, so many changes lives...enjoy your running journey & keep us all posted xxx
I'm sat in my car reading this with tears in my eyes. Well done - so much of what you say resonates - but as I approach week three I'm going to store your story away in my mind for the moments when I think can't do it xxx
Awww, that’s a lovely thing to say...You’ll be fine at Week 3, just remember slow & slower still...the secret is to find a ‘sustainable pace’ a pace you’re comfortable staying at...keep posting, I’ll be following your progress with interest xx
Congratulations! Loved reading this post, it's as if you got into my head! I am doing my graduate run on Wednesday and cannot stop thinking how far I have come on this journey. What a brilliant programme this is. Did W9R2 yesterday and for the first time felt so full of confidence that it never occurred to me that I wouldn't be able to do it and not only that but enjoy it so it much.
My hubby says I have completely amazed him, which after 35 years of marriage, is no mean feat!
Yey...you will enjoy enjoy R3...it’s like the happy ending of a book!!! I think I smiled most of the way round!! My Hubby is amazed at me too...& very proud 😊...I can’t believe that I dare run on a main road for everyone to see either (!)...that was a big step in itself!!! I’ve read back at my posts & have had a real journey, some runs have been good & some not so bad but the ultimate goal has been achieved...and I love it 😊
Running is good for the soul....I look forward to reading about your run on Wed, enjoy it....xxx
I was the same with the main roads. Did all my early runs on a sheltered lonely road! Now am out and about more, it's much more pleasurable. Feel like a proper runner!!!
I have been away and only just seen that you have done it. Well done that is brilliant, you inspire me to get there as well!! I am on Week 7 Run 3 tomorrow but whilst being on holiday in Spain I ran in the lovely early morning sun and without knowing it did a 30 minutes! I punched the air and yelped much to the amusement of a couple of elder Spanish ladies! Congratulations again you star xx
Brilliant Virginia...that’s amazing, I went toLanzarote early on in the programme (when I was stuck on Week 3 & before I’d found this forum!) & thesetting was beautiful for running but I didn’t take my trainers at that time as I was so inexperienced but next time I go away my trainers will be the first thing I pack!! I’m so envious of you for running on holiday!! I can just see the looks on the Spanish ladies faces!!! You’ll be ok from here on in..I enjoyed weeks 8&9...😉...and thank you
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