Well, that was strange!

[Sadie-runs]

I ran 5k in 28 minutes this morning. Excuse the French, but WTF?!

I had not run in 5 days because of snowmageddon and when I woke this morning to see the snow had completely gone, that was it! I was up and gulping down water and coffee and in my running gear as fast you could say run, Sadie, run! It was lovely and sunny too, and so much warmer than of late. I decided to try a new route today, through a different local park. Smaller than my usual haunting ground park, but with a nice loop around a lake. Now frozen (see picture). The geese were skidding around on the frozen surface, looking at me askance as I loped along the now snow and ice free paths. It was joyful. I think it was the joy that fuelled me – to be out again in warmer temps, wearing the perfect amount of clothing, and with the sun shining down on my face.

I certainly wasn't trying to run fast, and I did not think I was, as my breathing was so steady and easy. When MapMyRun told me my current pace was around 4.6 min a km, I couldn't believe my ears, and slowed down immediately! I am NOT a speed freak; I am very much of the slow and steady school of running and my goal is actually to run for longer, not quicker – always has been. But I did feel like I was flying, and it did not feel strained in any way. Disclaimer to those doing C25K – the aim of the programme is not to run 5k in under 30 minutes, it is to run for 30 minutes, no matter the distance you cover in that time. I graduated in November, and it took me a while to get to 5k, and then I was taking 34 minutes to run it. Today was a freak incident, the first time I have run a sub 30-minute 5k and I dare say I may never repeat it! I hope I don't pay for it later! But I feel okay now. Just slightly shocked.

Time aside, it was a beautiful run and it was a run for the joys. I do hope that any of you still suffering under the snowy conditions can get out soon. Don't worry about any time out from running you have had to take. In my case, it seemed to have done me some good!

Happy running, all.

Sadie-runs x

[Hidden]

Lovely post and what a run. Well done Sadie. It’s still snowing here in North Yorkshire. I am very fed up!

[Sadie-runs Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Helen. And so sorry to hear you are still suffering from the snow. I don't like living in London, but at least it is always a bit warmer here, I feel grateful for that. I hope it abates soon...big hug. x

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Big warm hug,,,freezing rain here x

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Your experience bears out mine, that a rest allows you to come back refreshed and revitalised.

Many of my PBs have come after a rest from running of a few extra days. It is so easy to "overtrain".

Well done.

[Sadie-runs Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thanks Tim. I am going to try extended rest periods every now and again from now on, this was easily my most enjoyable and effortless run - which is why I am so freaked out at my time.

I hope that all is well with you.

Sadie-runs x

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to Sadie-runs]

Having a run free week every few months is also recommended.

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate]

Fabulous. Yes I expect the rest accounted for some of it, renewed the energy tanks. 👍😁

[Sadie-runs Graduate in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

Thanks Jo! And there was me thinking I would have a harder run because of the break! You learn something new...😀

[IgaT Graduate]

It looks and sounds like a such delicious run So happy to read about yoir amazingly happy flying run!

Sometimes times and speed don't matter, as long as you feel comfortable and easy So have a good rest and enjoy your next run as much as this one.

[Sadie-runs Graduate in reply to IgaT]

It was delicious, IgaT! I am going to run this park more - now it’s lighter in the mornings and they open the gates earlier I will be able to. Goodbye flipping Winter! xxx

[Jude1963 Graduate]

Wow, well done you. I’m looking forward to graduating in better weather. I think I will enjoy it too. No way will I do 5 km though! You really were flying!!!!

[Sadie-runs Graduate in reply to Jude1963]

I hope the sun shines for you on graduation day, Jude! 🌞You don’t have to be anywhere near 5k when graduating (I know I wasn’t!) That’s the next fun goal after graduation, slowly and steadily you will get there. xxx

[Jude1963 Graduate in reply to Sadie-runs]

Thankyou. I’m looking forward to it. And yes, it will be good to just slowly aim for 5 km one day with no pressure, knowing I will get there eventually. 😊

[DebJogsOn Graduate]

Saidie! Congrats on the sub 30 min 5k!

Think we're all enjoying the post snow runs - we're all stir crazy.

No records broken by me today and a more damp slushy slightly slippy run along residential pavements than your lovely eun bit still euphoric to be out there!

Hoping Spring is really on the way.

[Sadie-runs Graduate in reply to DebJogsOn]

Thanks! Sorry you are still enduring slush and ice meh. Fingers crossed for better running weather to come! Good on you for getting out there, but be careful! xxx

[TedG Graduate]

Wow, that’s a cracking time Sadie, well done 👏. You’ve got your robot legs on that’s for sure!

Don’t be surprised if it’s a regular occurrence, you’re clearly finding your comfortable pace 🤗

Happy Days 😀

[Sadie-runs Graduate in reply to TedG]

Thank you dear Ted! My legs were on autopilot it seems, that hasn’t happened for a while and it was magical! I swear my strength training and Pilates has made a difference to my running of late. xxx

[TedG Graduate in reply to Sadie-runs]

Whatever it is, I want some of it 😜

I’m still laid up with my leg injury. I did a gym session yesterday which included 2K on the treadmill. I thought it went well but I awoke this morning with a very sore and stiff leg.....back to ice therapy for a day or two me thinks 🙄xx

[Sadie-runs Graduate in reply to TedG]

Oh Ted, so sorry to hear this. Rest and patience...I learned it is the only way when I buggered my hamstring. Wishing you a speedy recovery. xxx

[ebcroquet]

Warmth, rest and coffee 🚀 well done 🏃‍♀️🙌

[Sadie-runs Graduate in reply to ebcroquet]

Thanks eb! The stars aligned it seems. 🌟🌟🌟 😀

[Melo_smiles Graduate]

What a great post and so motivating 😁 I’m just putting on my running gear and after reading your post I can’t wait to get out there x

[Sadie-runs Graduate in reply to Melo_smiles]

Hope you had a lovely run, Melo! 🏃‍♀️😀 x

[Melo_smiles Graduate in reply to Sadie-runs]

I was pleased to get out there Sadie and although the last few minutes of run 2 were tough, I kept focusing on one foot in front of the other and finished 😁x

[Sadie-runs Graduate in reply to Melo_smiles]

That’s the way to do it, Melo! Well done. 😘

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Yeayayyayayaya! Go you! Great run and great pikkie...

Please, please send some of the " whatever made it happen" dust this way Maybe it will work for me on this repeat journey

Beautiful photograph

PS

Please send some flatness too x

[Sadie-runs Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks Floss! You know if I could send some of today’s magic your way I truly would! I am still baffled.

I did a semi-repeat of the programme in Jan, as you know - maybe that contributed to the magic of my run today? Keep cheery, dear Flossie, your magic WILL return, you are doing everything right (as I’m sure you know.)

Back to my old park on Tuesday for some mild inclines. I am so Hill averse, must be because I was born in Norfolk! But, gotta face them sometimes to help with the ole fitness!

Sadie-runs xxx

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

You are just really fit and getting stronger with every run... I am so glad for you :)xx

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

Go Sadie! Sounds like a magical run, with everything relaxed and flowing😊...what a fantastic time!

I believe lannodatruffe is right and a rest every few weeks is just what your body needs...

My rest week is nearly over...😆 we shall see😁xx

[Sadie-runs Graduate in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Thank you lovely Jan! Have a beautiful run when you get out there on rested legs! 🏃‍♀️ xxx

[Elfe5 Graduate]

A wonderful run! The joy obviously gave wings to your legs! Glad you enjoyed yourself so much Sadie! 😄

[Sadie-runs Graduate in reply to Elfe5]

Thanks Elfe! How are you doing, dearest? x

[Elfe5 Graduate in reply to Sadie-runs]

It's kind of you to ask. Not great, an X-ray has shown up a chest infection so hopefully the antibiotics will sort that out. I have just been unlucky with flu followed rapidly by another viral infection - which has now gone to secondary infections. Just one of those things that sometimes happens but no doubt I will recover eventually. I'll just have to wait patiently. 😏

[Sadie-runs Graduate in reply to Elfe5]

Oh Elfe. 🙁 So sorry to hear this. It has been a terrible winter for flu and other such nasty virus’s. Do rest up good and proper - I hope the antibiotics shift it. Take care my lovely. x

[Fishypieface Graduate]

Well done you, super Speedy! You deserve a lovely quick time after all you've been through. You've come back stronger and faster! Yay! I'm due to do this 5K Timelord thing too but am running out of time!! Snow and away this weekend... I need to get up early before work and get it done, I want my bling!

[Sadie-runs Graduate in reply to Fishypieface]

You know, FPF, it does seem that way. Something has just clicked over the last few weeks, in terms of my fitness.

You have until Wednesday to do it, FPF! Do it! Do it! The medal is a good ‘un!

Sadie-runs xxx

[Decker]

Sounds like a wonderful run in spite of your sudden speed, and a great pic too 🙂

[Sadie-runs Graduate in reply to Decker]

Thanks Decker! I have to say, it was my most favourite run to date! I still cannot believe I actually run. 😱🏃‍♀️😀 x

[Decker in reply to Sadie-runs]

Haha I know the feeling Sadie! Heres to more fun runs like this one!

[ju-ju- Graduate]

I think the times we are most relaxed and enjoying the run for the pure joy is often the times we get PB’s etc. This is a fantastic achievement and I’m not surprised you are delighted!!! Beautiful picture too 😎

[Sadie-runs Graduate in reply to ju-ju-]

Thanks Ju-JuI! I think you are right... I sort of went out today with no major expectations, but it felt so good, I just went with it. I think I am close to signing up to your 10k programme now! But I will need to slow down lots to make the distances - today’s speed was definitely a one off!. 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[Irishprincess Graduate]

Whoop whoop! That's brilliant Sadie 🤗 A huge well done to you.

Don't question, just accept 🎉🎈🍾

That's a lovely picture - it looks almost like spring 😏

[Sadie-runs Graduate in reply to Irishprincess]

😀😀😀 Thanks dearest IP. It actually felt like spring! I am starting to accept it now. 😂

[ChrisAllen1 Graduate]

Wow, superb effort, very very well done.

[Sadie-runs Graduate in reply to ChrisAllen1]

Thank you Chris! Back to slow and steady on my next run though. 😀

[ancientrunner Graduate]

Congratulations. Who cares if you never do it again. It's a great PB

[Sadie-runs Graduate in reply to ancientrunner]

Indeed! Thanks! 😘

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate]

Sounds just perfect....and what a TIME??!!! That’s amazing...you are amazing!

[Sadie-runs Graduate in reply to Mummycav]

It hasn’t occurred again, it was definitely a freak incident, and yes, I did feel like Wonder Woman. ✊👌😀 How are you, lovely MC? 😘

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate in reply to Sadie-runs]

I’m ok thank you Sadie....I’m just plodding along, doing my best!! But I’m enjoying myself while my legs are learning xxx

[Sadie-runs Graduate in reply to Mummycav]

That’s the spirit! I am very much still a “Learner Runner” but enjoying every moment. Well, most of them. 😀 Plodders of the world unite! xxx

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate in reply to Sadie-runs]

I’m with ya!! 😉 Xxx 🏃🏼‍♀️🏃🏼‍♀️