W9R1 - Yes week 9 me!

[Richard7]

Following a lovely clocks go back extra hour and seeing daylight outside I decided that I would do my run today instead of Monday as I would usually.

Out I went with the usual running garb, headphones and phone at the ready. Walked to the top of my local hill and asked Sarah M to take me into week 9. Wow!

Setting out I felt quietly confident having done a bit more than the programme on my last run. Perhaps a bit too confident.

Taking some of the running advice to heart I was trying to keep my head up and lean forwards. It's really difficult to keep your pace down when you are trying to lean forward .. the net result a much faster first km and a much more tired Richard!

By the second km I was trying to bring the pace down so that I would have enough energy to get to the end. Struggling I must confess to starting to have doubts. Eventually the legs stopped burning enabling me to feel more comfortable and knowing I could get there.

At some point during the run I was passed by 2 runners running at ease (so it seemed to me) - I confess to feeling jealous - not of their speed but that they were a lot younger than me and had found running so much earlier. Only Friday I was talking my daughter about school Cross Country Running and wishing that schools actually taught you to run using C25K!!

Anyway having set off too fast when it got to the end of 30 mins I decided I had had enough and did the brisk walk instead of continuing to run like I did Friday. Somehow I actually managed a brisk walk instead of my usual exhausted one.

Once home I was delighted both that I had done my first week 9 but also that my pace had come below 9m/km average including the walks for the first time ever. Astonished! Next run much slower start I think.

Keep running everyone and believe in yourselves.

[LouIselsqy Graduate]

Week 9! Well done Richard - all these runs are building experience as well as stamina and fitness. Keep going!

[Richard7 Graduate in reply to LouIselsqy]

Thanks .. must be careful on the home straight to the podium .. got a stitch for the first time in the run today!

[LouIselsqy Graduate in reply to Richard7]

Ooh not pleasant ...I had a few too usually when I’m not hydrated enough or having set off too speedily!

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

Well done Richard, I saw your run on Strava and was impressed😊.

I don't lean forwards, but I do stay upright and try to keep my shoulders down and relaxed and chest open. I think the leaning forward is for going up hills where you take small steps and lean into it. Arms at your sides swinging back and forward not across your body.

I agree it would be great for children to be able to learn to run using the C25k method, much more fun and everybody could do it..

Two more runs til you Graduate...enjoy them😊x

[Richard7 Graduate in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Yeah certainly found leaning into the little incline I have has helped. Will try and keep myself more upright going further into the week.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Go Richard..... I think you are doing wonderfully!!

It was glorious this morning... certainly here anyway!

Try not to lean forward.... upright and relaxed.. arms moving smoothly back and forth at the side of your body..light and gentle steps... and cruise you way to the podium. We will be waiting there

On these mornings.. slow and steady is just perfect

[Richard7 Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks. Trying to make my running easier and making it harder instead! Lovely morning here too. Great running in daylight again after Friday!

[Sandyscroll]

Well done on your run! You're so nearly there!

I was only thinking yesterday about how running was taught at school. Everything was competitive, the fastest kids were rewarded and encouraged, the rest...? I hated leaving anyone to cross the finish line last on their own, so would hang back to keep them company (not that I would have been anywhere near the front anyway!), but I would get told off for not doing my best. I was doing my best...to support my friends! As a consequence, I'm now 45 and enjoying running for the first time.

Hooray for C25k!! Long may it continue. 😀🏃🏃🏃🎉