Start Monday strong!

[IgaT]

So I did it. I set alarm clock at 5 A.M.!!! I somehow managed to convince myself that I am capable of getting out of bed. As soon as I removed my barely alive body from this cozy and warm stronghold, I jumped into my running clothes. Did some quick warm up, as my limbs were still asleep. Drank some water with lemon and drop of honey. And off I went into the pitch blak darkness.

The 5 min warm up walk was soooo looong. My first run after 20 days (or so), only 90 seconds. Wasn't easy, but not hard either. I was surprised how normal it felt. Walking session - already? OK. Let's walk. And another run. This time 3 minutes. I hastated a moment, that may be not so easy as the first 90 seconds. And it wasn't, but slow and steady I went. One foot in front of the other. Calm breathing. Looking around. And I made it The lng walk break was way too long for me. It felt like it lasted forever. The next run-walk-run passed so quickly that I barely noticed it. Even though I pushed a little on the last run.

Now, happy, sweaty, doing some stretching, I am ready for this day, for this week, for whatever you want to through at me (apart from another illness or injury ).

Have an awesome Monday and happy running!

I'm glad to be back

[Hidden]

I know of many that go to the comfort of a gym regularly 3 mornings per week for 0600 before their working day starts.

You are something else and deserve to achieve what you have set yourself.

Got a tip from a retired GP. First Defence by Vicks. Nasal spray £7 from any pharmacy.Use as and does what it says.May keep you clear to achieve your programme in these cold mornings. Atb.

[IgaT Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Oh, thank you

I realized that this year my immune system was weaker, because I didn't hike enough and my running routine was not consistent. I found out that breaking a sweat and being wind blown all over, clearing my sinuses with a lot of blowing my nose, help me a lot!

I will try the trick with Vick! The nose sprays are not working on me

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Very well done you. You did brilliantly this morning.

Running on bright sunny mornings is more appealing and to get out into the cold darkness of the morning takes real determination. You are coming back wonderfully... x

Your Monday is off to a fine start

[IgaT Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you. Fortunately, it wasn't so cold. Maybe spring is trying to come to us. And I was incredibly lucky, as rain decided to have a break, maybe just for me... Who knows

[Millsie-J Graduate]

Great run Iga!

[IgaT Graduate in reply to Millsie-J]

Thank you

[Pc59 Graduate]

Double Well done you👍😊1. For getting up & out running at such an early time & 2. Getting back out there after a wee break but good to see you being sensible & taking it steady by run/walking😊it is so hard after a break from routine to realise how quick we lose our fitness. Glad to hear you are feeling better, take care😊

[IgaT Graduate in reply to Pc59]

Thanks. It's always slow and steady After all, I'm not in a race. I will graduate eventually. Today, I've done W3R3, so next one will be week 4, or as someone wisely suggested - phase 4

[Pc59 Graduate in reply to IgaT]

Aw i love that idea phase 4!! Ive just started again after a months break & will be going back there too! 😊

[IgaT Graduate in reply to Pc59]

Term 'week' made me sometimes feel bad, as I was running twice a week, so each week was taking 1.5 actual calendar week. So phase is perfect term for me. No stress, do in your pace, repeat how many times you need, etc

Welcome back, we both are in similar point.

[Pc59 Graduate in reply to IgaT]

Yes & we will get there in our own time & still be a success m, i am learning the hard way stress is not good so here we go with no stress love it👍

[Whatsapp Graduate]

Cold. Dark. 5am, and a Monday to boot. You are my new running hero!

[IgaT Graduate in reply to Whatsapp]

Oh thank you. I am honored! Even if will be one day hero. It's a huge to someone's hero even for one day

[Whatsapp Graduate in reply to IgaT]

You inspired me to run this morning, albeit at a more gentle time of 5:30am!

[IgaT Graduate in reply to Whatsapp]

Well done you! I am proud of you! 5:30am is not more gentle than 5am - it's still in the middle of the night. Y

Yourock!

[Keep-it-ticking Graduate]

Good morning and well done from another early morning runner.

[IgaT Graduate in reply to Keep-it-ticking]

Thank you

[Virginia60 Graduate]

Well done you! I thought getting up and running at 7am was early!! It is so much harder these dark winter mornings I really can't wait til spring x

[IgaT Graduate in reply to Virginia60]

I start work at 8am, so I need to get up early, not to stress and do proper ~5min warm-up and even better stretching (usually minimum of 15 min, if I run after work it's ~25-30min). I don't want to hurry with running and stretching.

I can wait when it will be getting bright during my run, so I could see sunrise

[Hidden]

Nicely done Isa what a great start to the week. I am truly amazed at anyone getting up at that time of day...

[IgaT Graduate in reply to Hidden]

I am truly amazed as well. I'm always in huge awe when somebody is writing that they are running at 5 or 6am, as it's middle of the night for me. But hey, running is surprising all of us

[Hidden in reply to IgaT]

I see my pc spellchecked your name...aarrggghh it really bugs me when it does that. Have a fab week

[IgaT Graduate in reply to Hidden]

No worries, I figured.

Thank you. Have an amazing one as well.

[Elfe5 Graduate]

I'm super impressed! Go you! 😃

[IgaT Graduate in reply to Elfe5]

To be honest, I was super impressed as well Although not sure if more surprised

[Mrs_Norton]

You are a hero for going in the morning!!!!

[IgaT Graduate in reply to Mrs_Norton]

Thank you. Fingers crossed for Wednesday morning, as I set up alarm clock as well. Am I too hopeful or what?

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate]

Brilliant post...glad to see you back out there!! And in the dark early morning too?!! Fab x

[Jen58]

Maybe set your alarm a little later? Or set the alarm out of arms reach ?

[IgaT Graduate in reply to Jen58]

I don't want it later, as I need longer stretch. I need to figure out how to fall asleep quicker I know what I should do, I just need to follow my own advices which ia go to bed earlier, don't sit on the phone or laptop so long, just put them aside and read the damn book, that I soo want to read and that is waiting just next to me.

[Jen58 in reply to IgaT]

I was just thinking 🤔 alarm maybe 5mins later 😂😂😂

Mm blue light 💡 not good yep read a book 📖 and follow your good advice