Pleasant 8k

[Late-Starter]

I did my first ever 8k run this morning. It was a lovely morning, with the sun in and out of white clouds. Part of my run was along a grassy trail (not too soggy) along the edge of a field growing oilseed rape, which has shot up in the past week. I was accompanied for part of that by a male Reed Bunting, stunning in breeding plumage, repeatedly flying a few metres and perching, until I caught him up, on top of the rape.

Back on the tarmac, I saw a pair of swans taking their ease in the middle of the cattle pasture. They had it to themselves, though - the small herd of breeding cows are presumably still in their winter barn somewhere. All through the hour of the run, I could hear skylarks high in the sky doing their thing. I'm sure I haven't heard such a large number for many years. Although I didn't hear it this morning, a few days ago I heard and saw a Peewit. They used to be quite common nesters in the fields around here, but this is the first one I've seen for a few years. Things, I hope, are looking up for birdlife here on the Lincolnshire Fens.

So that's 8k. For everyone who may be in the first weeks of c25k and is thinking that 4k or 5k seems a stretch too far, let alone 8k, let me encourage you. I was just the same as you. Running for 30 minutes seemed impossible when the best I could do was, say, 10 minutes. But I trusted the plan and persevered. When I could break the 20-minute barrier, then something seemed to happen. When the breathing settles down and you find your steady pace, the legs seem as if they're on autopilot and you almost feel as if you can run all day.

It feels like Spring, so let's hope it stays that way. Enjoy yourself out there.

[Tbae]

Brillant post and a Brillant run and time.🌟👏👏

Keep bringing your Inspiritation.🌟👏👏

[Late-Starter Graduate in reply to Tbae]

Thank you!

[Leojon66]

Thank you so much for the delightful description of the bird life and countryside, as well as the encouragement. I don't have anywhere quite as picturesque as this to run in on my doorstep, but it was lovely to read about it. Congratulations on achieving 8k 👏👏👏

[Late-Starter Graduate in reply to Leojon66]

Thanks or your kind words.

[Lorijay Graduate]

What a great post, I was visualising while reading it Thank you for sharing this. Your experience of C25K is inspirational and will help us newer ones. Congrats on your 8K.

[Late-Starter Graduate in reply to Lorijay]

Thanks, Lorijay.

[Hidden]

Yes spring is definitely here and the birds are performing a great dawn chorus here in the mornings. I wonder if having had to wait has given them extra musicality. Lovely post and your joy in running is evident late-starter

[Late-Starter Graduate in reply to Hidden]

In the past, you've spoken about addiction to running, helenwheels. I think that's where I'm headed. Good job it's legal.