To sum this run up, my last 25 minute run, it was easy, then hard, and very windy! Confused? Let me explain! And no, the bad wind was not from a dodgy curry last night.
Well as many of you know because you've been kind enough to comment and offer realy helpful advice, I've been taking it a little easier this past couple of weeks due to my knee moaning at me somewhat. So having had an extra rest day yesterday, I went out during a break in the rain this morning. The good news is that my knee held up pretty well, only started feeling twinges in the last few minutes of the run.
I followed my usual route along the canal actually, rather than take a different one. I was surprised to find the towpath much drier than expected, considering the heavy rain we've had, and I quickly realised this was because of the wind blow-drying the puddles. I couldn't really work out the direction of the wind, but I do know that I had gone something like 4-500m further than I have before, when the half-way bell sounded.
All was still going well, until about the 20 minute mark when it felt like the tank had run dry. It was all I could do to keep going. I'm wondering now if it was something to do with the direction of the wind. Anyway, I did keep going, but my stats showed that my speed dropped by about 1/3! Not that speed matters at all.
I made it though, and that makes me happy!
Once again, thanks for all your support during this mini-bump in the road I've been having. What I do know is this: Couch to 5K is totally do-able, I know it is. I've just completed my 4th 25 minute run (including W6R3). That's the most running I've ever done in my life. And I'm enjoying it!
Great post Hidden ...I thought you were going to tell us you were like an aeroplane with the wind behind you reaching your destination quicker!!! So the wind must’ve pushed you along & then held you back a bit...like you say though, speed doesn’t matter a jot, it’s about you enjoying it & it sounds like even your knee had a good run today...yey!!!!
Thanks Mummycav The wind was a pain, but it was still OK, and I feel really great now. Glowing somewhat!!
Not sure I am a plane yet, but I'm certainly on the taxiway getting ready to turn onto the runway. Interesting geeky fact though, for takeoff and landing you actually want a headwind, not a tailwind, as it creates more lift allowing you to land and take off more slowly.
Knee is good though. Thanks for your continued support, so lovely that now you're a graduate you still don't mind talking to the riff raff
Don't be offended - really proud of you for graduating x
Aw, thanks Hidden ...ha ha riff raff!!! You’re all doing so well...I hope I don’t put you all off when I put my ‘not so good’ posts on...can’t just put cracking posts on all the time, have to be honest so that other people having a hard time don’t think they’re the only one...
Sorry could not help laughing as it cheered me up from my computer troubles.
Your heading says as no doubt you have seen "Week 7 in the Bag! Had bad wind..
I wondered if you had been on the beer or curry!! I just curled up and laughed,petty I know but cheered me up.
Anyway congratulation on completing W7. Even though you thought the tank was dry at 20 mins you completed the 25 mins. Just think only a few weeks ago I bet you thought you would not even run 5 mins let alone 4 x 25 mins. W 8 will be a breeze for you as only 3 min longer run.
Thanks dindy . Computer troubles are a pain. I work in IT. They are no less annoying for IT people, we just get more of them!!
I'm starting to wonder, if you had sufficient curry and beer, would the wind help to propel you along, thus making running easier? I think I could be on to something here!
I think that when you've had some time away, even if it's not long, it feels much harder (both physically and psychologically). I am definitely experiencing this, given that I can't get out three times a week at present. So I am sure while that it seems harder now, it's just a question of building up again following your knee injury. You'll be back on form in no time and the important thing is that you enjoyed it.
Thanks Helene, it certainly has been difficult, mostly because of the loss of momentum. I had got into a nice schedule, running 3 days per week, and now it's been disrupted, I have to adjust to a new schedule. I'm not always great at coping with change lol!
Thanks for the encouragement though, always appreciated!
I'm fond of a nice routine too, so I understand. Actually I think my life is a constant battle to impose something vaguely resembling routine on a whopping great mess of confusion and unpredictability!
Ha! That sounds very very familiar It's like a struggle within, my life is a bit of a mess at the moment, and routine seems to help, but part of me struggles with that. But hey - at least this is a positive step, right?
You know what Neil I really do now believe I can. But as I've said in a previous post I'm a bit of an anti social runner (too much public facing stuff all day every day at work) as I like the head space it gives me - so the inspiration I get from folk like you on here is what keeps me going though the tough moments. If you're all out there doing it I'e go no excuse have I?
Thank you, that's exactly how I feel actually, though I don't do much public facing stuff to be fair. I totally agree with you, support from people like you on this forum has actually made this possible for me, I truly believe that. So thank you!!
Bloody well done Neil, yet again I am so proud of you! Not just because you finished week 7, but also because you took an extra rest day. This shows commitment to your running.
And completing it on a windy day?! That shows how your fitness levels have increased. I walked to the supermarket this morning in the wind and found it a struggle! Doesn't matter that it slowed you down. Slow is good. Slow is building strength and stamina.
Happy that the knee is holding up. Don't be scared to take an extra rest day here, too, if you need it. The longer runs can take it out of us. Today is my 2nd rest day before my first 30 min (I hope!) run tomorrow. Weather permitting!
Can you believe you will starting week 8 soon?! (I can!)
Thanks as always Sadie-runs . Yes I am committed to my running, and maybe also a little bit scared of what you'd say if I did actually run yesterday
I'm fine with it all though, feeling mentally strong today, which is unexpected but good. And I actually feel proud of my recovery today too, my knee is not screaming at me, and I haven't even taken ibuprofen, and I feel that glow I was feeling before the whole knee thing happened.
I'm so excited that you are on week 9! Where has the time gone? And you know what Sadie, and I know you know this now, running is most definitely for you, and you are great at it.
Watch this space, as they say
You take care, waiting for that imminent graduation post from you!! x
Glad I put the fears in you. 😀 I am not really fierce, you know. Super happy you got your glow back, too. 😊 Great feeling, and you deserve it. Running has amazing effects on our emotional well being, doesn't it?
I know you're simply looking out for me, so thank you! In terms of the emotional and mental wellbeing, yes, massive effects. Effects for the better I might add, for me it's the single best thing I ever did for my mental health. I wish I'd disovered that running is good years ago!!
Have a great day yourself, Sadie. Can't wait to hear about W9R1!
Hey, thanks week 7 is actually fun, it was marred slightly for me by the knee issue, and getting annoyed at being held back. You've already done W6R3 though, so you know you can handle this. Enjoy!!!
Well done. The 20 minute wall I call it. Sometimes just psychologically it can get to you even though you've enough left in the tank. I'm yet to do Run 3 of Week 7, probably tomorrow now. I have as many rest days as I need and it is really working for me. I am getting fitter, my joint stuff is improving, I am less tired on the rest days and becoming more productive generally. So look after that knee and enjoy the the next one.xx
Thanks Downtwo, yes, it certainly is a psychological battle isn't it? I'm hoping the next run will be better because my knee is a lot better and maybe I can stop worrying.
Keep up the rest days certainly, I think that's really wise. That extra rest day for me really did wonders.
Well done and a big high five! I know i give myself a high five and a actually do shout out when told the tine is up ans I can walk again!! 🤤Slightly jealous tbh I have my wk7 r3 scheduled for tomorrow.. Hopefully Storm Brian has completely left the country by the time I start! See you in week 8.... hopefully!
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The wind was a pain, but it was still OK, and I feel really great now. Glowing somewhat!!
Week 7 in the bag 
Week 7 in the bag! 
Another week in the bag!
Day 2 of week 7 - Why are my legs hurting so bad? 
Week 7, Run 1 - had to stop ☹️
