W5R3 is a huge hurdle, even for an optimistic pessimist!

[DIZZIC]

In my own little world everything is simple, fluffy, rainbows and butterflies. Dappled sunlight and warm breezes. In my real world it is how big is my black dog today? What are the children, hubster, the actual dog and everyone else whining about now...and how long is the mental list of lists today shaping up...

Well 20 minutes running is certainly daunting. I still have the power to make/persuade my young son to run with me and we did well. We nailed it! He put me off my stride right at the first few steps by telling me my jogging bottoms were stuck up my bum! Yet, we kept going and his advice that smiling made it easier really helped with the last 5 minutes. I'm so chuffed that we both made it. I do have reservations that I have plenty of fat reserves to burn and he has absolutely none; there is more meat on a butcher's biro, but really pleased I've got his company.

I want to change from my mid morning runs to 6am to run with him before school but worried as to how cold and icy it will be. Any tips?

Week 6 on its way!

[Copperbird Graduate]

It can be quite cold in the morning so prepare to wear more layers. But the great thing about it is that it is very quiet, you mostly have the roads to yourselves, and when you are done you may you have a real energy boost to start the day.

[DIZZIC Graduate in reply to Copperbird]

Thank you for taking time to respond. I'm not keen on the cold but we are used to it...I'll have to make sure the fire is rekindled before we set off. The energy boost would be most welcome.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Buff...you must get a buff and a lightweight jacket, hat, gloves and warm leggings for really cold mornings

I did C25K and graduated the week before Christmas 2015.. all dark mornings, some wet, windy or cold.. it was fine. High viz gear is essential.. I wore mine even though mostly off road..

Thing is, you can lose the Black Dog in the dark.. out run the pesky beast!

Lovely long runs of Week 6! Well done ..both of you!

[feebe in reply to Oldfloss]

Oldfloss,

I think you’re amazing the time you take to motivate everyone. You should get a very special medal 🥇

[Gaspode1 Graduate in reply to feebe]

Totally agree

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to feebe]

That is so kind..just do what I enjoy and love joining folk on their journey!

[DIZZIC Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you Oldfloss for stopping by and I definitely agree with how amazing you are for doing so.

I've got a buff that I dig out and picked up a thermal top layer from Lidl this afternoon. I love their thermal footless tights too so I'll slip a pair of those on. I will maybe have to work on the hubster for the jacket.

I'm sure children don't feel the cold the same....do they?

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to DIZZIC]

They don't! They have boundless energy too!! Wonderful

I got a top with a hood from Lidl yesterday... I get very cold ears and suffer with sinus issues if my head gets cold!!!

[Fishypieface Graduate]

You are both doing a brilliant job!! I haven't found it icy yet, but it's a bit nippy - layers are good. Once you get running, you'll be hot but you'll get cold quick on the warm down walk. I've got a slim hoodie I can take off and tie round my waist, then chuck back on at the end. Gloves too. And fluffy bed socks work a treat for me! Cosy and soak up the sweat!

[DIZZIC Graduate in reply to Fishypieface]

I like your style and suggestions...This time of year I live in bed socks and I start to wear a hat 24/7 even in bed...but I do actually think that I would get too hot wearing one running in my usual one, so perhaps I'll put the buff over my head instead

[icklegui Graduate]

congrats on the 20-minuter! Hope you can make the timings work for you, whatever the weather. I've been going with a thin (bamboo) hoodie for cold running, it's thin and breathable but warm enough! Legwarmers too. I'll need gloves and something for my ears (which somehow has to not block hearing) soon!

Best suggestion I've read is warm up inside though before going out - I also do most of my cool down inside as being sweaty in the cold is a terrible combo! Got stuck outside for ages last run just waiting to cross a weird road junction and was not comfortable by the time I got back.

If there's ice though - avoid!

[DIZZIC Graduate in reply to icklegui]

I hadn't even thought about doing the warm up or cool down inside. I always make sure we stretch out our muscles when we get back...so doing that inside would be good idea. Thank you

[Boaty]

Brilliant Dizzic! I'm so impressed. Sounds like your son really likes the running time with you too. I like his tip about smiling. Onwards and upwards 👏👏👏💪👏

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Well done on the run and listen to the wisdom of your trainer son, smiling is the key.