First run in 'woods'

[IgaT]

This morning I decided to try partially new route. I ran to 'woods' - meaning a very small area with trees and OMG it was amazing! I reached the place about 5.45am and the birds were crazy - so many singing birds, smell of mushrooms, mist, mud, fresh air. It was so great that I took off headphones with music just to listen to the waking up world. I heard my breath! I think nature gave me some Go-Go-Gadget leg power for this not so small period of time. Which made the end of the run very difficult, as my pace was way too fast and I felt that much faster than normally. I was actually running, apart from the very muddy almost boggy areas, where I felt more like swimming But it was totally worth it.

Very tired, very pleased, and very late reached home for very quick stretching routine. With this amazing run I finished week 7

So phase 8 - here I come. Graduation looks like just a few steps away. Maybe after over a year of ups and downs, I will get my shiny beautiful badge 6 more runs to go. I may actually reach my goal of graduating before my marriage... Keep your fingers crossed for my health, as it is the only thing that can stop me.

Happy running!

[Millsie-J Graduate]

You will get there Iga, just two weeks to go, fabulous! Your badge is shining up nicely in anticipation!

[IgaT Graduate in reply to Millsie-J]

I try not to get excited. As my life likes to change my plans. For now, I'm looking forward to my next run But it is the closest to graduation I have ever been Jupiii!!!

[Millsie-J Graduate in reply to IgaT]

Yes indeed Iga, you are really on it this time xx

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

So you have discovered real running , just in time for your graduation!

[IgaT Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

I wish I had more similar trails in warm up walking distance from my home I love nature.

I don't feel ready, shoe-wise, for total off road running. And to be honest my favourite canal route seems very dangerous in mud - not sure if I should put my swimming suit instead of leggings I will keep running in the woods for now, at least a small part (probably 1/4 of total route) will be filled with sense of adventure

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Yeah!!!! Perfect...my kind of run...Very,Very well done You!! You have come a long way and I can tell you that we have the badge off the shelf..waiting..😉

[IgaT Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Indeed a long way, both in total distance and time, but enjoyed most of it. I consider myself a happy runner for a quite long time now, since I decided that the programme is just my guidance of what kind of run I should be doing, not a goal itself.

However, it will be a great achievement to finally get to the end of the programme and to be able to run for half an hour.

[Razouski]

That sounds like a wonderful run. I was in a small woodland this morning, and I know what you mean about the smells, sounds and sights. It's beautiful. And you are getting closer and closer to graduating (and getting hitched too - maybe you can wear your running shoes under your wedding dress )

Happy running and fingers crossed for good health.

[IgaT Graduate in reply to Razouski]

I'm still considering going for a run on my wedding day But I will probably stay with my regular routine, which means a run the day before and maybe the day after.

[SlowLoris]

I do hope your as enthusiastic about the nuptials.

[IgaT Graduate in reply to SlowLoris]

Not sure which one is more anticipated Both are amazing, just brings different kind of joy

[Sandraj39 Graduate]

Well done you! I do a lot of my running on the local bridleways and footpaths. Always good to take the path less travelled - enjoy!🌳🏃🏽‍♀️🌼🌲🙂

[IgaT Graduate in reply to Sandraj39]

Recently I was keeping my paths pavement safe, no sliding, no additional knee workout. But I feel my legs are much stronger and confident now. I will move to more adventurous runs after graduation.

[SaskAlliecat Graduate]

Whoohoo! That sounds like an amazing run with nature! Soon, so soon, you'll be shining your new "badge"

[IgaT Graduate in reply to SaskAlliecat]

Thank you. The run surrounded by nature was amazing and refreshing after all those 'city' runs

[Tbae]

Your story Iga is just amazing. 🌟👏👏

What a double celebration.🌟🌟👏👏

Do not know what is going to be bigger your wedding cake or your badge.🤔😂😂

Whatever, so well deserved.🌟👏👏

What grit and determination,and all these winter middle of the night runs.Truly Inspirational.💫🏃‍♀️💫

[IgaT Graduate in reply to Tbae]

Probably my badge will be bigger, as I was working toward it longer than the wedding (not relationship)

[Tbae in reply to IgaT]

I bet you it will be bigger than a frying pan.🤔😂😂😂🥇🙈

I hope they are working on it.🤔😂😂

So well deserved when you reach that podium.💫🏃‍♀️💫

[IgaT Graduate in reply to Tbae]

Thank you

[furlmouse Graduate]

IgaT, your post made me miss home so much. I could almost smell it.

Well done and good luck!xx

[IgaT Graduate in reply to furlmouse]

I was lucky - no rain I can't wait for more nature runs Where are you? No woods around your place?

[furlmouse Graduate in reply to IgaT]

I’m currently in Spain. So I get to look at the Mediterranean a fair bit, but no woods - just beaches, dust and mountains. The weather is a bonus - I haven’t run in the rain (yet) and although it sometimes feels a bit chilly when I start, I know that 12 degrees really isn’t cold. But oh, I do wish I could be running at home. x

[IgaT Graduate in reply to furlmouse]

Each place and each weather has its bonuses and challenges. I'd love to run along the sea. For now, wet woods - here I come!

[sarah65]

Sounds wonderful! Well done! 😁

[IgaT Graduate in reply to sarah65]

Thank you. It was challenging and wonderful at the same time

[sarah65 in reply to IgaT]

I’m hoping to treat myself to some trail shoes when I graduate and will be venturing into the woods with my dog next weekend all being well 🏃🏻‍♀️🐕 I’ve found every week

challenging but one of my goals is to run the route I’ve always walked with my dogs (one beloved and sadly departed 😢) so I’m keen to give it a go!

[IgaT Graduate in reply to sarah65]

Sorry to hear that one of your dogs is not with you anymore

I was looking for trail running shoes, but I cannot find any in my size. OK, I did found 2 or 3, but they were very uncomfortable regardless how I laced them up.

I have universal training shoes that are called 'Run' so hopefully they have good cushioning, as the grip is rather mediocre

[Sadie-runs Graduate]

Oh I am so happy for you Iga, that sounds like a lovely run! Running through woods always makes me feel super adventurous! The crackling of twigs and leaves underfoot, the agility and concentration needed for running on uneven surface, the animal sounds and the scents of nature! All fantastic. Trying new routes always rejuvenated me.

You have come so far and with such admirable determination - well done! And keep up the good work. I am cheering you on all the way. 😘👏

Sadie-runs x

[IgaT Graduate in reply to Sadie-runs]

Well, maybe it wasn't woods but a group of trees Hardened path under my feet, just with a lot of mud, paddles and surrounded boggy grass But the rest was all the same nature, birds, scents, movement somewhere near just out of my sight

I sometimes walk this route with my dog, so it's not completely new path, but new for running, as previously it was too far for me - too little distance covered in a bit shorter time.

I kind of know my 5k goal path, but I need decent quite dry weather to run it, as even walking there in mud is not easy.

[Sadie-runs Graduate in reply to IgaT]

Don’t worry, drier weather is coming! I had a terrible boggy run across a disused golf course a week ago - had the wettest feet ever and my lovely running shoes were caked in mud - ugh! Cannot wait for spring, it is so late coming.

I did my first 5k on pavements, and on a flat route! Now I can do it anywhere, and even include small inclines to help increase my fitness. It has been very slow building up to finding 5k easy. But that’s the best way, slow and steady! Now I am building up to 6k. You have all this to look forward to post graduation! So much fun.

[IgaT Graduate in reply to Sadie-runs]

Well, will I sound mad if I say I can't wait moving more up North so I could have more hills around me to run? I know I will miss the flatness of Oxford, but at the moment I crave small hills, gorges, maybe even mountains.

It will all come... with time.

Enjoy your 6k build up runs, as I am enjoying my 30 min build up runs

[rivengirl42]

That's wonderful news!! I'm so glad that you're over your illness (when last we spoke, you were under the weather) and connecting with nature in a new way!

Keep running, Iga, you're truly an inspiration! Graduation is only a few short weeks away!

[IgaT Graduate in reply to rivengirl42]

Well, my health is still not 100%, but I decided to give it an old good sweat and fresh air hoping that this will give a positive kick to my immune system In the end spring is coming