Week 7 Run1 - The Great Outdoors!

[HoagyM]

Yes, today was the day I stepped off the treadmill and ventured outside for the first time ever, and my nice new trail shoes are now muddy to prove it

It went better than I could have imagined - conditions were perfect, sunny but not too hot - and I got through the 25 minutes without too much trouble. In fact (as I wasn't using the app/podcast and wasn't 100% sure of the timing) I actually ran for just over 28 minutes.

And after worrying about exactly where I could run that was a) flat and b) fairly rural/off road... I found a wonderful area of tracks and woodland that is about 5 minutes walk from the house (so just right for the warm-up). It was a much bigger area than I'd thought it was and was absolutely ideal - and quiet, I only saw two dog walkers the whole time (and yes I did manage to speak to them between pants!).

So aside from avoiding the initial bridleway I went down (ankle deep mud at one point), I'll be using that route again I think

And afterwards I walked back down my street, still feeling a bit self-conscious about the whole thing, and bumped into one of my neighbours (a gym-going fit youngster) and had a conversation about how I'd just started running (at my age) and he thought that was great etc.

After finding w6r3 tough, I am now really buzzing again, and can't wait for Sunday to go again

[Loobylou43]

Well done you, am really pleased it all went well. Enjoy the outdoors 😁😁

[alisonx Graduate]

well done...there is nothing like running outdoors. Fantastic that you have such a great route so close

[Jay66UK Graduate]

Well done. Finding somewhere good to run is a big part of making it easier.

[Ang33333 Graduate]

Well done! We use a disused railway line as it's mostly flat! Not ready for proper hills yet!

[SendWine Graduate]

So pleased your trip outdoors went well, sounds like you've found a perfect spot.

Now you're in enviable position of having the choice - in or out 🌬 🌞

[HoagyM Graduate in reply to SendWine]

Yeah, thanks - stupid that I didn't realise how big that area was - I had a mental image of a small copse of trees with 3-4 paths running through it, whereas in fact there are two copses/woods plus adjoining fields etc which all make up quite a large area, with an absolute network of paths (some maintained, some just trampled down grass) running through them. I suspect if you were doing a 10k there you might get bored going round in loops, but it's plenty big enough for me right now

[Hidden]

So you got outside! Woohoo! So much better isn't it. Time goes quicker away from the treadmill. Great to hear your optimism. Well Done!

[Mumsygill Graduate]

I think that's brilliant! Not only have you run outside but you didn't run at the crack of dawn,as I do,to avoid bumping into people!.lovely time of year to be outside. Well done!!

[Saartjie Graduate]

Well done! As a previously confirmed treadmill 'runner'...I was amazed to find how much better i find running outside. It makes you feel so much better afterwards. Beautiful English countryside helps I think 🙂