W9R2 ... Oh, it would appear I'm nearly there...

[HeadInTheClouds]

After that amazing feeling of W9R1, I was so eager to get out tonight and enjoy R2... but it was sooo bl**dy cold..!!

Who in their right mind would go out running on a freezing November night..?? As I couldn't remember a time when I had ever been in my right mind, I figured I had to pull on my big girl pants and get out there 🙄

Whoa, it was cold... for the first 6 or 7 minutes I really struggled for breath as the freezing air gripped my lungs. However, I got into my stride unusually quickly.

After my last 2 lovely seaside runs, I wasn't enamoured by the thought of plodding the normal grotty streets tonight... so I shook my route up a bit.

Now, what idiot would run in the dark, in the winter, down a really long dimly lit street that they've never even walked down in the daylight..?? Oh yeah, that'll be me..!! 😬

The narrow, tarmac path was completely covered in soggy leaves, I had no idea where I was putting my feet. I just kept going straight... unfortunately the path didn't..!!

I did an undignified Bambi dance across a squelchy grass verge and almost went ar*e over t*t over a fence that was menacingly lurking in the dark 🤦🏻‍♀️

Thankfully, no harm done - more thankful that there were no witnesses..!!

I slothly plodded with heavy feet, in places I comfortably sprang with light feet, it was a mixed bag run, but a good one.

My legs didn't feel too bad (although not quite in the same league as the last run because I had to send Sadie-runs ' magic robot legs back to her) 😔

Mentally I felt great, and that's my main reason for doing this.

I can't believe my next run is graduation run... and I need to choose that one very carefully..!! 🤔

Happy running my fabulous running friends 😘😘

I'll see you all on the other side... it could be emotional..!!

[TedG Graduate]

Nearly there indeed. Running in the dark on a bitterly cold evening!?...sod that for a game of soldiers 😱

However, you did it and you’re my new hero.....well done you 👏👏😊

One more jaunt and you’re there 😊

Run safe x

[HeadInTheClouds Graduate in reply to TedG]

Haha, I'm convinced this running lark really makes us go gaga in the head 😂

Aww, thank you Ted 😘

Ooh, I'm getting quite excited 🤗

Thank you, lovely, you too. X

[SaskAlliecat Graduate]

Sounds like quite the run HITC! Glad you braved the cold and got one step closer to the podium! It's amazing how before running, the thought to go out for a walk in some of this weather would've been scoffed and now we're choosing to run in it. Whoohoo, we're all a bunch of nutty, but very awesome, runners😁😂😜

[HeadInTheClouds Graduate in reply to SaskAlliecat]

The only reason I would have even walked in this weather is because the dog needs to go out..!! I'd have been in the door, after work, and straight into my pyjamas. I hope I can keep up this discipline after I graduate... I need to keep up with the nutty, awesome running crew

[SaskAlliecat Graduate in reply to HeadInTheClouds]

I have complete faith that you can keep running when you're graduated. Many of us felt a little lost in the immediate post-graduation stage but take that time to just get out and run for the joy of running. Then you can decide what your goals for running are - it may be reaching 5k, going further, getting faster, or staying with and just enjoying the 30 minute runs.

[HeadInTheClouds Graduate in reply to SaskAlliecat]

Thank you SaskAlliecat . I do fear I will be somewhat lost after graduation. The programme has given me structure, something I knew I HAD to follow. I shall try and maintain that discipline because I'm doing this for my mental and physical well-being, and I have been a much better person for it.

I have put my name forward for the B210K but may not follow it 'live'. Like you say, just consolidating those 30 minute runs and having some run will be my first goal

Thank you for your ongoing support - it means a lot

[SaskAlliecat Graduate in reply to HeadInTheClouds]

I was the same way. I struggled to get back to running until I found this C25k program and then really missed the structure after graduation. I'm on week 5 of juju's previous bridge to 10k and it is great. I'm sure her new one will be great and will provide that much needed structure we all seem to crave. Best of luck with it, do it at your own pace. It's an amazing journey 😄

[HeadInTheClouds Graduate in reply to SaskAlliecat]

I'm looking forward to juju's new programme and will definitely work it at my own pace. I'm in no rush, the fact that I've got this far leaves me perpetually bewildered and amazed 😂

Thank you 😊 Enjoy your 10K journey 🤗

[TJMazz Graduate]

How exciting. Enjoy your graduation run 🙋🏻

[HeadInTheClouds Graduate in reply to TJMazz]

Thank you ... can't wait..!!

[Kimchoc08 Graduate]

Wow!! That podium is in touching distance and that graduate medal is waiting for you all shiny and polished!! Well done 😊😊

[HeadInTheClouds Graduate in reply to Kimchoc08]

Thank you Kimchoc08 ... I'm just a little bit excited

[gingergirl07]

SO CLOSE!!! I’m cheering you on from North Wales!

[HeadInTheClouds Graduate in reply to gingergirl07]

Thank you gingergirl07 , that's really nice to know

[Sadie-runs Graduate]

Ah, the undignified Bambi dance, I know it well! Well done on another good run, HITC. The running gods may have been against you, what with the cold, the leaves, the weird route and menacing fence, but did that deter you? Flip no!

I am getting emotional too. Partly because Hermes have failed deliver my legs yet, mostly because you have just ONE RUN TO GRADUATION! Go HITC, GO!

Sadie-runs x

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Sadie-runs]

As do many of us..mine was on Black ice!

[Sadie-runs Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Yikes!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Sadie-runs]

Oh yes!!!

[HeadInTheClouds Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Oh crap..!!

[HeadInTheClouds Graduate in reply to Sadie-runs]

We must be stark raving mad..!!

Oh no...!!! Bl**dy Hermes..!! I promise, I did send them - I'll forward a copy of the dispatch note

I really feel like I need a party to celebrate how awesome everyone has been... without all your support I would have climbed back into my pyjamas weeks ago xx

[Wantorun2013 Graduate]

Well done great post graduation is calling enjoy !!! Good to see you are planning the next part of your journey congratulations and enjoy 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️👍.........👨‍🎓😃

[HeadInTheClouds Graduate in reply to Wantorun2013]

Thank you Wantorun2013 . I've really been blown away by this running malarkey ... long may I run

[Cornet-Carolyn Graduate]

Fabulous, such commitment and tenacity to get out there. That podium is in site and I can't wait to her about your graduation run. 👏

[HeadInTheClouds Graduate in reply to Cornet-Carolyn]

Thank you lovely ... So excited - I'm all of a quiver

[Fishypieface Graduate]

Hurrah!😀 Almost there and it sounds like you are doing it in style! 😂 Go you! We'll all be Team HITC tomorrow willing you on over the finish line ready with booze and cakes 🎂 🥂🍸🍺🍷🍰🏃‍♀️and a big virtual hug 🤗

[HeadInTheClouds Graduate in reply to Fishypieface]

If 'style' means face down with legs in the air then, yes, I very nearly managed it

Booze and cake ... now you're talking..!! ... and a hug would be awesome

Thank you my lovely, I can't wait. x

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Well done you....make sure you do take care out there at night.. and choose your Graduation run carefully.. such a special one!

[HeadInTheClouds Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you Oldfloss , I'll try

Ooh, I know... and I think I've just made my choice

[rolysmate Graduate]

Great write up and it will be emotional (need to borrow some big girl pants, it's wet and cold here and run day tonight), enjoy your graduation run and look forward to seeing you on the podium

[HeadInTheClouds Graduate in reply to rolysmate]

Thank you rolysmate - I might be needing my big girl pants to blow my nose on ... that's after I've lent them to you for your run today.

Woohoo, see you there

[Decker]

One more run...one more run!...ONE MORE RUN! The podium just called. Its for you!

[HeadInTheClouds Graduate in reply to Decker]

Thank you Decker ... I'm LOVING that sound..!!

[poppypug Graduate]

I just love your posts , they are so funny

Oh one more to go , the BIGGIE ! We will all assemble at the finishing line with our party frocks on to cheer you home .

Good Luck ,you can do this ! xxx

[HeadInTheClouds Graduate]

Haha, thank you poppypug

OMG, wouldn't that be bl**dy amazing if we all did that for each other..?? Massive running party..!!

Thank you lovely, I can't wait xx

[vlmiller1225 Graduate]

Oh goody!! ONE MORE RUN for you until graduation!!! Great Job!!! Sounds like you had quite the interesting run!

[HeadInTheClouds Graduate in reply to vlmiller1225]

Thank you lovely, I'm really looking forward to getting that one in the bag. Hoping it will be straightforward and trouble free

[misswobble Graduate]

Honestly in a bit you won’t notice it’s dark or wet,cold,blah blah It’s just a run

Ted. Honestly it’s fine. You don’t die. You just get acclimatised. I assume you don’t hibernate or fly south for the winter 🙂

Anyway, big girl pants Give us super human power and strength so bring it on

Good luck with the next un ! 😃💪🏃‍♀️✔️

[HeadInTheClouds Graduate]

Can't wait for that day to come

I, literally, do hibernate for the winter ... which is one of the reasons I'm doing this - I'm going to beat the bl**dy winter so it doesn't do it's normal trick of beating me..!!

You're right, they do - you should see me when I have heated conversations with myself in the mirror about pulling those big girl pants on and getting a s*dding grip. Not pretty, but often necessary

Thank you, pretty excited

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate]

Flippin ‘eck HeadInTheClouds ...I was on edge reading this, wondering what was going to happen!!! I was worried for your safety!! You did it though, no matter how it felt...& now you are approaching your last one!!! I cannot wait for your next post!!! 🏃🏼‍♀️🏃🏼‍♀️🏃🏼‍♀️🥇 xx

[HeadInTheClouds Graduate in reply to Mummycav]

It's a good job I didn't flip over the fence, you'd have fallen off the edge with laughter 😂

Thank you lovely 😊 xx

[lardofale Graduate]

That was an exciting little report! Mummycav summed that up perfectly, edge of the seat stuff!

Probably be a good idea to cross that magic line on graduation day on nice steady feet rather than a face plant or tarmac knee scraping power slide though!! Good luck, you've almost, er, cracked it! ;0)

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate in reply to lardofale]

And of course...there’ll be the usual post grad fizz & clinking glasses....hic...😉

[HeadInTheClouds Graduate in reply to Mummycav]

... and cake ... don't forget cake..!! 😆

[HeadInTheClouds Graduate in reply to lardofale]

Haha, yes, definitely going to take a more suitable route for graduation run... I think a broken nose or dislocated hip wouldn't be the grand finale I was hoping for 😂

Thank you 😊