W9R3 ... Nearly died.. but I bloody well did it...!!!

[HeadInTheClouds]

Well that wasn't pretty..!! 😧

I'd been overflowing with 'squeee' about today's graduation run. I'd chosen a daytime run in a different location and I was expecting great things.

Clearly I peaked too early... i.e. before I got out of the car 🙈

Warm up walk was great, I bid farewell to hubby and pooch (who had come to cheer me on) and (through sheer excitement) I shot off the starting blocks like a whippet... bloody idiot that I am..!!

Within 3 minutes I could hardly breathe 😰 Then I just couldn't seem to recover, no matter how much I slothed it down.

There were loads of 'strollers' out today and I could see an elderly gentleman ahead, tootling along with his Jack Russell. He stayed ahead for what seemed like forever... I just couldn't catch up with him. Wow, this was demoralising 😩

I gave this run my full arsenal... gasping, wheezing, grunting, dribbling, projectile spitting, snot bubbles, demented gurning horse face, the lot..!! If anyone was expecting a cheerful smile from me today, they could bloody well think again...!!!

My head was mush and I had no idea what my body was doing... My feet seemed to flap around on the ends of my heavy legs and just slap the ground petulantly.

Usually I hit the psychological half way bell and everything starts to improve. Oh no, no coconut today...!!! I turned at the half way mark and continued the trudge back to the car. I was begging for Sarah's intervention but, when she did speak, they weren't the words I wanted to hear 😩 Just to add insult to injury...

**gents of a delicate disposition are advised to skip the next paragraph**

After more than 2 years of hormonal indecision, random surprises with bodily functions and demonic mind games I thought I was beginning to settle down... until I started running, "and we're off" again with the random ebb and flow (too much flow for my liking) when it's least expected. Like today.... when, after 10 days of 'shall we, shan't we', it all decided - yes - it was going to 😳🙄 and I felt like my uterus was clamped firmly in a bear trap (despite downing some pre-run pain killers)..!! 😩

**welcome back gents, you may continue**

A very tall, loping, runner overtook me at speed... at which point, if I'd had the energy, I would have cried.

And then the sun came out... because, of course, I wasn't bloody hot enough already...!!! 😡

Sarah eventually gave me the 5 minute count down (still 5 minutes too many for my liking). I just wanted to pull up and rest on a bench, I really felt like I had nothing left (not that I'd had much to start with) 😔 It felt like week 6 all over again 😱

I dug so deep (I never realised I actually was THAT deep) and I gritted every tooth in my horsey face..!! NO..!! NO WAY was I pulling up now - this is my graduation run and I WILL NOT GIVE IN...!!!

The fact that I'd not yet found hubby on the route back was a concern... there was no way I could get myself back to the car unaided 😧

I did find hubby, on my stiff legged cool down walk, I did make it back to car, and we did celebrate... with fish and chips..!! 😂

I can safely say that was a really ugly run and I didn't enjoy it one iota. I had high expectations, I got over excited and I took off far too quickly. Hey ho.

But no one can take away the fact that I did it... my graduation run... I bloody well did it..!!

And right here, right now, that means the world to me 🤗 **emotional**

I will post something else later, but now I'm about to watch 30 super fit, oversized, muscle bound, short wearing, thick thighed men clattering around a rugby pitch in an epic battle for oval balls.

As for you guys... you're awesome..!!

[Kimchoc08 Graduate]

Well done to you 👍🏼 It sounds like it was a tricky run to get through but get through it, you did!!

Congratulations on becoming a graduate 👩🏻‍🎓 now go grab that shiny medal that’s waiting for you on the winners podium 🏅

[HeadInTheClouds Graduate in reply to Kimchoc08]

Thank you 😊 Mmm, yes, I hope I don't get too many of them in the future... not nice.

Have shiny badge now, feeling extremely chuffed 🤗

[Fishypieface Graduate]

I've been waiting for this post all day!!! WELL BL**DY DONE YOU!!!!! (can't find another emoji cos I'm on my laptop but you'd have them all if I could)....What a gripping read - I was there with you, gurning, dribbling and snot bubbling in sympathy, willing you on.

I can feel HOW hard that was for you..... which makes it ALL the more glorious that it was your graduation run. Grit and determination is what it takes to become a runner and you have it in s*dding great big ballsy bucketfuls!!! I am SO proud of you HITC... And to do it whilst coping with all of 'that stuff' too, blimey you are a flipping legend!

Enjoy ogling, oh I mean watching the rugby, some muscle bound thick thighs sound like just the remedy for a hard run.... what channel's that on again?!! And a glass of something lovely to soak it all up.

Well done my lovely, you blinking well rock

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Fishypieface]

I used the word oggling.. I thought it was just me

[Fishypieface Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Just you ogling?!!! I think there could be a few of us on here guilty of that!

[HeadInTheClouds Graduate in reply to Fishypieface]

Haha, sorry lovely, I didn't get out until later than anticipated.

I really do think I used all my energy on the pre-run excitement... I'd been like a child 😂 Literally 3 minutes in and I was shot to sh*t 😱😫 I couldn't believe it..!! That'll teach me to reign it in 🙄

I ogle in the flesh - every 2 weeks, and have to make do with BT sport when we play away from home 😆 Wish it had been an away game today, my poor knackered legs froze in the stand this evening (nice pint in the bar afterwards helped warm them up) 😉

Thank you, as always, for all your support, encouragement and endless supply of giggles - you are fantastic..!! 😘

[Fishypieface Graduate in reply to HeadInTheClouds]

Loving the look of your badge up there now, it suits you! Thank you for being so hilarious. It's so great to know that we are all not alone in the things that happen to us out on a run and you have such a way of telling it!

Looking forward to the next instalment xx

[HeadInTheClouds Graduate in reply to Fishypieface]

Ooh, thank you 😊 I feel somewhat giddy 😆

Maybe you and I should start a running blog ... can you imagine ... it'd put people off running for life 😂😂😂

... I'll be back ... xx

[Fishypieface Graduate in reply to HeadInTheClouds]

It'd give em a laugh though! Could be a case of 'my God, if they can do it, so can we!'

C25k need to do a charity book with quotes from some of the posts on here breaking down the myths about runners... can you imagine that?!

[HeadInTheClouds Graduate in reply to Fishypieface]

Titled 'C25K... All The Inspiration You'll Need' 😂

[Fishypieface Graduate in reply to HeadInTheClouds]

Haha.... Perfect!!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Yep.. a great afternoon for short-clad thick thighed men... I am loving it... oh.. and by the way........

CONGRATULATIONS..... GRADUATE!!! Yeayayayyayayayayayaya!

What a super post, and a super run...!!

Style, who needs it, speed, who needs it, grace, who needs it ?

But..... determination and enthusiasm and positivity.... we all need and you have it in great bucket loads!

When you can drag yourself away from the oggling.... get yourself over for that badge... and the party and the podium that await!!!

Absolutely brilliant . I am thrilled for you!

Flossx

[HeadInTheClouds Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Hahaha, thank you Oldfloss 😆

You're right, I didn't need style, speed or grace... however, breath would have been useful 😂

Thoroughly enjoyed the ogling / oggling (letching), although a bit blooming cold out there this evening... but am enjoying my nice, new shiny badge even more 🤗

Thank you for always being the anchor on my knicker elastic and the voice of reason in my ear... you rock..!! X

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to HeadInTheClouds]

Thanks... I am really pleased for you! x

[TedG Graduate]

Oh my, I felt every step of your run, well except one part 😳....I really felt your pain but OMG you’ve sure got a lot of fire in your belly, I take my hat 🎩 off to you....second time I’ve said that this week. Hearty congratulations coming your way 👏👏👏 and well done, you did it 🏆

You wouldn’t be a writer by any chance?? 😜

[HeadInTheClouds Graduate in reply to TedG]

Hahaha, thank you lovely Ted - it really was a stinker 🙈

Thank you so much for your kind words and support, they really do mean so much 😊

Haha, no I'm not - but my husband says I should be 😂

[GoogleMe Graduate]

Fabulous write-up! And I love 'ugly run' - because how could a completed graduation run be 'bad'? Congratulations!

[HeadInTheClouds Graduate in reply to GoogleMe]

This is very true, it couldn't possibly be a bad run (although I was calling it lots of choice names earlier)..!! 😂

Thank you 😊

[ju-ju- Graduate]

You did it... that's so fantastic, well done 😎

[HeadInTheClouds Graduate in reply to ju-ju-]

I did..!! No clue how, but I did 😂

Thank you 😊

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

Whoop whoop de doop🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

YOU DID IT...it may not have been pretty or easy or much fun...but it feels flippin' AMAZING now I bet😄

As Fishypieface says you totally rocked that. Congratulations GRADUATE🎓👏👏👏👏

Don't we always remind you to start really slowly if you want robot legs😉...

Please keep posting your highly entertaining running adventures...and Well done today HITC...😊xxx

[HeadInTheClouds Graduate in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Thank you so much my lovely 😊

I really don't know how I got to the end of that one but I did and, yes, the feeling afterwards was incredible 🤗

'Graduate' - I felt a bit bewildered when I saw the badge next to my name 😳

I know, I think the excitement was just a bit too much... 🤦🏼‍♀️ I'll definitely be slothing it in the future.

Oh I will - let's hope my future adventures aren't as gastly as the one today 😂

Thank you 😊 xx

[JB173]

Legend! 🏃🏽‍♀️☺👍🏅

[HeadInTheClouds Graduate in reply to JB173]

Haha, thank you 😂

[Hidden]

Haha. What a funny post and one we can all relate to. Congratulations! Doesn't matter if it wasn't pretty,you got there. Well done!

[HeadInTheClouds Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thank you Donna. You're right, it doesn't matter ... bit more glamour wouldn't have gone amiss though 😂

[Gaspode1 Graduate]

Well done on your graduation. Great achievement and a great write up to go with it. 🎉🎓

[HeadInTheClouds Graduate in reply to Gaspode1]

Thank you 😊 Got it off my chest 😂

[Polly2810 Graduate]

Well done!!! It doesn’t matter that it may not have been the best run you have graduated, and that is all your own doing so enjoy it...you earned those fish and chips!!

[HeadInTheClouds Graduate in reply to Polly2810]

Thank you Polly, I made it in the end (although I have no idea how) 😆 Piled back in the calories I'd run off but, hey, who cares 😉

[Polly2810 Graduate in reply to HeadInTheClouds]

At least you burnt some in the first place!! Well earned x

[Neverrunbefore64 Graduate]

Well done you. You did it and you should feel proud. You’re now a graduate 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[HeadInTheClouds Graduate in reply to Neverrunbefore64]

Thank you. Regardless of how I got there, I did and I am pretty chuffed 😊

[linney1]

Well congrats to you 😀that is one of the best posts I’ve read yet x awe inspiring but so funny the way you tried to explain how you felt going threw your run x but I bet at the end you said !its done ✅ all the best with your running 🏃 now it really starts so enjoy 😀😀

[HeadInTheClouds Graduate in reply to linney1]

Haha, thank you... it was a stinker but I got there in the end. I was elated when I was able to breath again 😆

Back to sloth and steady runs for me..!!

[ejvcruns Graduate]

Who cares how, you did it! Great job and fun post.

[HeadInTheClouds Graduate in reply to ejvcruns]

Thank you 😊 Must sloth down in future..!! 🙄

[swisstony4 Graduate]

WTG headintheclouds, I am literally wiping away the tears here, your description of your run is superb...

I have admiration for you completing the run.. most would have taken the bench but you nailed it...well done you...

so you have now graduated ... congrats

[HeadInTheClouds Graduate in reply to swisstony4]

Thank you 😊

Ooh, do you know, a bench had never looked so appealing..!! To be honest, I even think face planting a puddle would have more fun than that run 🙄

But I got there... somehow...

[rolysmate Graduate]

I'm sorry but I did laugh and then to be honest I did laugh some more (sorry) but bloody hell lass well done for seeing it through, ugly maybe but you bloody well did it showing grit and determination

[HeadInTheClouds Graduate in reply to rolysmate]

Hahaha, that's OK rolysmate , I would have laughed too if crying hadn't already set in 😂

Thank you, don't know how, but I did it 😊

[Sadie-runs Graduate]

Congrats on your ugly but beautiful graduation, HITC! You got grit, gal, I really admire that. You should be totally proud of this run, because you made it – despite everything! Phew.

I have loved reading about your C25K journey, loved it. Snot and everything.

My graduation run was a bit meh. I think we all build it up to be that scene in Chariots of Fire in our heads. Mine could not have been further than that.

But you did it, you fabulous gurning lovely, you! Well done.

Sadie-runs xxx

[HeadInTheClouds Graduate in reply to Sadie-runs]

Thank you lovely Sadie-runs 😊

Ooh it was nasty, it really was. My own fault - high expectations and high speed - what was I thinking..?? 🤦🏼‍♀️ Nope, definitely no Chariots of Fire 😂

Thank you, gorgeous lady, for your never ending, uplifting support. You rock 😘 Xx

[Sadie-runs Graduate in reply to HeadInTheClouds]

Ah love, happens to the best of us. I felt totally flat after my graduation run. Meh. And you know something, you rock too! You did it! And now you are a runner, you can do whatever you like! (Try Zombies, run!) Stay in touch, I LOVE your posts. 😘

[HeadInTheClouds Graduate in reply to Sadie-runs]

I'll certainly reign myself in for a while... I should have taken heed following my angry run 😆 Hey ho.

I think I'll give the Zombie Run a go now ... and I'm definitely not going anywhere, my virtual running buddies are too precious 😘

[icklegui Graduate]

absolutely utterly fantastic. You got through so much in that run! Congratulations!

[icklegui Graduate in reply to icklegui]

hang on, there was more to this post! Seriously well done on all you coped with and now you know indeed how deep you can dig. Kudos for sharing on the bear-trapped uterus front too - people should *know* what some of us go through with the old "ebb and flow".

Lovely that your husband and doggo came to cheer and share the fish and chips after. Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

[HeadInTheClouds Graduate in reply to icklegui]

Thank you lovely 😊

I think everyone should know about the ebbing, flowing bear trapped uterus ... it's only fair to share 😆

I'm pretty lucky, my husband's a gem.

Thank you, you too 😊

[SaskAlliecat Graduate]

Congratulations HITC! It may not have been pretty, but you did it! You're a graduate! Don't forget to ask for your badge on the November graduate pinned post.

The positive side to this difficult run is that you know exactly why it was as ugly as you say it was. You went out like a whippet! Common mistake and hard not to with all that adrenaline flowing through you! Relish in your victory today and when you go to do your first post graduation run, remember slow and steady, slow and steady, slow and steady (and hopefully Aunt Flo has left the building 🙊🤦🏻‍♀️😂)

[HeadInTheClouds Graduate in reply to SaskAlliecat]

Thank you 😊 No idea how, but I did 😆

I got my lovely badge and am feeling really chuffed.

Yes, I do think it was all the excitement that sent me off like a rocket. It definitely won't be happening again... I'll make sure Aunt Flo is firmly attached to the back of my knicker elastic 😂

[TJMazz Graduate]

You did it. It may not have been pretty but you should be proud. Congratulations 🙌🏻🎉🎈🙋🏻

[HeadInTheClouds Graduate in reply to TJMazz]

Thank you lovely, I am indeed 😊

[Calmas5]

Wow. Epic post !! Well done 😀😀👏👏

[HeadInTheClouds Graduate in reply to Calmas5]

Thank you 😊😊

[Cornet-Carolyn Graduate]

A huge well done for digging so deep. You should be so proud of yourself congratulations on your mega graduation run. Step up to the podium and celebrate your awesome achievement 🍾🏆🥇

[HeadInTheClouds Graduate in reply to Cornet-Carolyn]

Thank you lovely, it was a real stinker but I'm so chuffed.

Quite liking my shiny new badge 😊

[poppypug Graduate]

Woo Hoo ! You did it !!!!

I am so so pleased for you, you have worked hard and its so well deserved , plus you have given us all such a laugh over the past weeks

Many Many Congratulations to you on a fantastic achievement ! xxx

[HeadInTheClouds Graduate in reply to poppypug]

Thank you lovely poppypug , it's certainly been a journey to this point 🙈😆

... long may it continue 🤗

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate]

No, it’s you that is the awesome one!!!! How on EARTH did you keep going through that?!! Especially the ‘ladies bit’?? What’s Mother Nature like? She doesn’t half choose her times!!! You are one strong runner HeadInTheClouds ...congratulations.....you will hear the cork & the clink any minute now xxx

[HeadInTheClouds Graduate in reply to Mummycav]

Thank you lovely lady 😊

Well it certainly was manky, and Mother Nature needs a bloody good slap 👋 😆

But somehow, goodness knows how, I made it to 30 minutes.

Thank you, always, for all your support and encouragement, it means so much 😘 Xx

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate in reply to HeadInTheClouds]

Awww..anytime lovely...you are fab-u-lous xx

[Kimterry Graduate]

Congratulations! Absolutely fabulous post - well done you're a graduate! Now, keep on running! 🏃🏽‍♀️🏅👍

[HeadInTheClouds Graduate in reply to Kimterry]

Thank you 😊

I'll definitely keep running (hopefully no stopping me now) 🤗

[Elfe5 Graduate]

Yaaaaay! You did it - if I could still turn cartwheels I would!

Just think - every other run may well feel better than this one!!😃

[HeadInTheClouds Graduate in reply to Elfe5]

Thank you 😊

Haha, I can't remember the last time I did a cartwheel (I know I was always rubbish at them) 🙈

Ooh, I do hope so... surely they can't get any worse 😆

[PetrinaB Graduate]

Well done you and what a beautifully written post, I might add! I felt reading it like I was there with you, you gutsy, brave, determined runner!

I can think of worse things to do after a run than watching rugby too. Beats football any day, IMHO!

[HeadInTheClouds Graduate in reply to PetrinaB]

Haha, thank you ... I certainly don't want another one of those for a while ... and I felt as though I did have you all there with me 😊

Yes, me too, although it was a bit cold in the stands last night. Ooh no, I don't do football (don't get me started 😂).

[Christene Graduate]

Hey sweetie, bloody well done, sorry I missed your post earlier, was so rapped up in my own glory, we double graduated ... sounds like you had a tough time but stuck in there and just willed yourself to the end.

Seriously good run HITC, it’s been a momentous journey, now bask in the glory, for a short while before getting your running gear on and doing it again ...

[HeadInTheClouds Graduate in reply to Christene]

Hey lovely..!! Thank you, I can honestly say it was crap... but it serves me right, I unleashed my excitement like a party popper - then had nothing left 🤦🏻‍♀️ 27 minutes running on nothing is a bloody long time 😩 But, yes, sheer bloody mindedness got me there... because I wasn't going to let you graduate without me..!! 😂😂

My apologies, I read your post last night shortly before I lost consciousness. I'll head over to you shortly to help polish your crown 😘

[Hidden]

Your graduation run sounds like an epic battle - I can almost see Zeus in the clouds moving his game pieces to challenge you throughout...but you did it and ugly runs count. In my book they’re better than the pretty ones, because you find out what you’re made of....cracking stuff, enjoy the bling.

[HeadInTheClouds Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Hahaha, that really made me laugh 😂 When I chose the title for that post my husband accused me of being melodramatic..!! This coming from someone who would NEVER dream of moving beyond walking pace AND who hadn't nearly died doing what I'd just done 🤣🤣🤣

But, yes, I did it.

Thank you for always being so supportive and giving kind words and suggestions, it means a lot 😊

[Hidden]

Woah - how did i miss this!! (I really should look at this site over the weekend!)

Well done you - absolutely smashed it!!

Any chance of lending me some of that "Get up and Go", as mine appears to have got up and well and truly sodded off!

[HeadInTheClouds Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Definitely not 'smashed' - more like 'mashed' 😂

Get up and Go coming your way 😊

[Mummarunna Graduate]

🥂🙌🏻awesomeness go you!! I hope you had a drop of something good to wash the fish and chips down later 😘

[HeadInTheClouds Graduate in reply to Mummarunna]

Thank you 😊

I had a beer after the rugby (I'm such a lady) 😂