Week 5 Run 3 : 20 Mins of Freedom

[DeeRunning]

They got the buildings straight, but the maze below is baffling. Dammit, I like right angles.

I have been looking forward to this run since the beginning of the programme. And it was true running freedom - no stop / starts, free from phone, running belt, headphones, music, podcasts, drill instructor, shoulder pain, exhaustion, stress.

I just set my watch timer for 20 minutes and began. Listened to my trainers hitting the pavement, the birds, my own laboured breathing; I noted the smells particular to Hong Kong - a heady combination of seaweed-y sea air, sewage, durian fruit, and that pungent scent of cooking stock - and focused on the present moment. Breath in: 'This breath.' Breath out: 'This moment.' That's all we ever have, after all. Mindfulness at its best.

At worst I was slightly puffed and had jelly legs towards the end, but I kept my pace steady and slow. I am the tortoise, 🐢 not the hare. The new route design is a geometric puzzle of architectural insanity, so my mind's protractor was always at work, planning the next illogical path to take.

Overall, an excellent run. It's bloody good to be alive.

🐢 🐌 🍍

[lexi6 Graduate]

Yay Dee ya got this. Take it slowly for week 6 as its a bit messy, with walking/running and then the freedom again of pure running in week 7. Still one run at a time, savour them, running such a joy eh? 😁

[DeeRunning Graduate in reply to lexi6]

Hey Lexi, it's so nice to have someone in a similar timezone on here lol. Yep, not too fussed about Week 6 (famous last words?). It will be what it will be, I tend to go with the flow. Will take it slow n steady as usual. Will need the podcast, headphones, etc for the first 2 runs, then bliss, can ditch all the gear and just run to the timer for all the following weeks. Joy, indeed

[lexi6 Graduate in reply to DeeRunning]

Hows those new shorts? Not brave enough yet but maybe when the legs are more toned. I’m liking those sticky out things on my calves, think they’re muscles. Have been looking at some of the funky leggings some of the members on this forum have I love them, wish we could get something here as cheap. Looked at some plain leggings only today $95.00 Its almost cold enough for my fleecy ones, so I’ll hang out and wait. I’m still getting out three times a week with no more podcasts, still need music though you are a machine!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to lexi6]

You get those legs out..if I can ( and I am really old) then you can

healthunlocked.com/bridgeto......

[lexi6 Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

You’ve got belting legs tho OF. Mine are very short, but I guess at least they still touch the ground, quite important when running!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to lexi6]

Very important... xx

[lexi6 Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

He he! its time to get the hat and pants on as coverage starts here at 7.00pm. Apparently Auckland supermarkets have run out of cucumbers, fortunately we’re in Wellington, so sandwiches are still on phew! Had picked out a hat, to wear with my finery but apparently its been done by someone called Beatrice and is now “old hat” 🥨 Can’t celebrate too much I start week 2 of ju ju’s plan tomorrow. Gulp! X

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to lexi6]

I have the champagne ready to chill later.. x

Ju's plan is wonderful.. I have done it twice now

[lexi6 Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

You’re amazing wow hope I can do it 😁

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to lexi6]

You will😉

[lexi6 Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks OF Feeling quite inspired. The hubby is watching Antiques Roadshow on TV as I type before the Main Event, the programme title just me really, but a very amazed antique. 🥂

[DeeRunning Graduate in reply to lexi6]

Crikey I forgot all about the wedding. Less than 3 hours till kick off!

[DeeRunning Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Oh wow you've got some decent pins there Oldfloss . Great pic and great style!

[DeeRunning Graduate in reply to lexi6]

I agree with Oldfloss . Get those legs out girl! Well when the weather permits. I never thought I would wear them out but heat stroke risk is real. If i want to run, i gotta strip down to basics 😨 Apologies in advance to bystanders. $95.00 for leggings is outrageous. Get thee to Amazon and buy online.

[lexi6 Graduate in reply to DeeRunning]

I’ve seen pictures of new shoes bought and posted on here likened to shoe porn. I would do it with leggings but Flick has a very serious addiction on here, can’t compete with that, she has booootiful leggings. Oh wow! Just been to Amazon thanks Dee I covet them all. I want them ALL! Have Mastercard will travel

[sallenson Graduate]

Wowsa Dee! You just bloody did it didn't you? No fuss, no bother. Just get in there and take no prisoners. Truly a legend in your own lifetime, though with dodgier shorts. And a faint whiff of durian fruit.

[DeeRunning Graduate in reply to sallenson]

You may call me Yoda. Or mushroom, tortoise, snail or pineapple. I will answer.

Oy, these shorts ain't dodgy! Can't speak for the whiff though 🤔

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Tortoise, snail.. both excellent role models

What an evocative post... I was running with you there...thank you and well done you!

PS

More posts like this please

[DeeRunning Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks Oldfloss for your lovely support. I never would have hit my slow pace but for your sage advice after W1R1. Thanks for all you do here x

[Jell6 Graduate]

Fabulous. And somehow you don't sound as hot!!!😘

[DeeRunning Graduate in reply to Jell6]

Thanks Jell! I did a whole post without mentioning the heat lol. It was as hot as usual (which I love) but yeah, that route out of the sun = bliss 😀

[Jell6 Graduate in reply to DeeRunning]

Sounds like you discovered it at just the right time, you are on the home straight now🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🤩🤩

[DeeRunning Graduate in reply to Jell6]

Yes, and those first 4 weeks training in the park/furnace are hopefully now paying off. I've done the hard yards already lol. Hopefully...

[RobW73 Graduate]

Wonderful! Brilliant!

That is the sort of meditative state that I remember hitting the first time I did 5 minute runs; it was such a revelation to find that place.

Your post is truly inspirational.

Rest well and enjoy week 6.

Take one of my unofficial half way badges...

[DeeRunning Graduate in reply to RobW73]

Thanks Rob I meditate regularly and practise mindfulness when i can, so it was great for that to be incorporated into the run today. That's why I've really been looking forward to uninterrupted runs without distraction in my ears. Should be some good runs ahead!

Thank you - i humbly accept your half way badge. Wow. Halfway there.