W5R1: Nailed it :D

Hello again lovely runnerbeans,

I have just completed the first week 5 run, and it felt really really good, I'm so happy. It felt perfectly natural to be running for that length of time, and I felt that the 3 minute breaks were more than enough for me.

There was something of a mental barrier to get through, as I've felt that Week 5 is quite a milestone and is the start of the serious work, but with the encouragement of everyone (mentioning no names Sadie-runs !) I felt in control. I set off, didn't exhaust myself in the first minute, paced myself, and it was fine! I think my pace naturally went up too as even though I was running for a minute less than last time, I got further before the half-way bell sounded.

Anyone in the early weeks who is thinking how the heck can I make it to week 3,4,5,9 or whatever week it is, you totally can because the programme actually works.

It didn't rain either, though I did feel like I was playing hopscotch for a while (see photo).

Roll on Runs 2 and 3

P.S. I actually nearly did die, from the shock of making it to week 5

[Sadie-runs Graduate]

Runnerbeans. 😂

I knew you'd do it. Not only that, I knew you'd love it! Slow and steady, well done buddy! I am so very pleased with you. 😀

Your route looks nice, too (if not a bit muddy!) Keep digging deep and that mental challenge will be a cinch. It's all about the mindset - and your mind is set.

Now, bask in the glow of your runningness! 👏👏👏😘

[Hidden in reply to Sadie-runs]

Lol. Runningness. Is that even a word??? I guess it is now Thanks for the encouragement as always. You're a star! When are you on to week 6?

[Sadie-runs Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Yup, it is now. 😀

Well, supposedly tomorrow - but this cold I had coming on is a doozy (I feel ROTTEN today) plus my dad is visiting tomorrow. So, I think I might make W6R1 on Sunday. In the rain.

I am not opposed to a 2-day rest now and then, makes no diff to me. My legs will be itching to go though. 🏃‍♀️

[Hidden in reply to Sadie-runs]

Hey Sadie, get well soon, running whilst ill and not doing as well as you liked because you felt crap would seriously suck I have to do 2-day gaps because of work, it's ok, really. Get well soon x

[Sadie-runs Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Neil. x

[GingerBohemian Graduate]

Nice one!

Great to see your route as well. Lots to look at to keep your mind occupied.

Looking forward to hearing about runs 2 and 3!

[Hidden in reply to GingerBohemian]

It's actually lovely along the canal, and the towpath does get better. That was a rather muddy bit

[Hidden]

Brilliantly done, I missed your earlier I am on the way post, but by the time I got to it you'd already been out....

Congrats on getting through another one - you're doing fantastically well.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Jan, we'll see at the end of this week, I guess

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

No seeing - it will be done and you will do it. I have faith in your legs... that sounds slightly suspect but you know what I mean....

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

*tries not to laugh* *fails* Thanks Jan

[Kimchoc08 Graduate]

It was always in you to do this run!! Well done and here's to playing hopscotch with puddles although I now run through them and not over them!! 😊😊

[Hidden in reply to Kimchoc08]

Thanks Kim, I guess it was have to say, I'm getting used to the puddles now. Hopscotch does rather disrupt one's stride though!

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

Well done Neil😊...

You did it and you loved it... role on R2.😊x

( that's why we don't call this week a m******** week, there is nothing to fear, and no need to put up mental barriers)

[Hidden in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Thanks Jan, I never would have thought I would actually *enjoy* running, but today just felt fantastic!

[Polly2810 Graduate]

Don’t play hopscotch!! Just go through them!!

[Hidden in reply to Polly2810]

Funny you should say that... I was sorely tempted, but didn't really want soggy feet for the next 25 minutes!! Maybe next time

[Polly2810 Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Yeah but they dry!! Maybe just Splosh in the homeward straight then 😜

[Hidden in reply to Polly2810]

For sure!!! I intend to treat myself to new trainers this weekend, maybe I can give the old ones a good send off

[Polly2810 Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Think you def should!! You should see the state of my legs when I’ve been through a few muddy puddles!! All washes off in the 🚿 🤣