WK9 R1, one of those rare perfect ones!

[Beestonbabe]

So, this morning we did The first week 9 run, but the omens were not good to start with! I had the most awful night sleep, 3 hours all told, just couldn't get to the land of nod at all, must have been the excitement of week 9 looming!

Anyway, got up at ridiculous o'clock and headed to the park, and it was there that all the planets became aligned. The weather was perfect, and the park nearly empty as all the sane people were still in bed. Off we went, and right from the start I just knew I was going to do it. We varied our route as usual, taking in some ups and downs, and our pace was a little faster, and I made sure on the flat parts I put in a bit more effort.

Came across a few early dog walkers, all really friendly! After not much time, MJ said we were halfway through, much to my amazement as I felt really good. On we went, and at the final 60 seconds I still felt strong and when MJ said slow down, I just wanted to do I bit more, So did another minute or so! What a difference to last week, finally feel like it's all clicking into place!

I just wanted to share what was a really special run with you all, thanks for reading the long post. Happy running all 🏃🏻‍♀️🏃🏻‍♀️🏃🏻‍♀️

[Ang33333 Graduate]

Brilliant! Glad it went so well! You're so close to graduation! We still have 4 more runs and as we only run together it's tricky to fit runs in at times! Monday morning will be the last run of wk 8 but it will be so hot!

Really well done!!!!!

[Beestonbabe Graduate in reply to Ang33333]

Thanks, and hope your Monday run goes ok, and the weather gods are kind to you. I prefer mornings, but the heat does make it harder, but you will be fine, just take it at a steady pace, you have come this far, not much further x

[Jay66UK Graduate]

Well done! You sound much stronger than I felt!

[Eiralas Graduate]

Well done- especially after so little sleep! Hope the next run is as good

[Beestonbabe Graduate in reply to Eiralas]

Thank you, me too, it's on Monday morning and quite looking forward to it. I love morning runs, but not always possible, so making the most of the Bank Holiday.

[Eiralas Graduate in reply to Beestonbabe]

We're on a similar schedule! Just did W9 R2 today and thinking of doing the last one on Monday- though being a bit of an owl I'll be going later in the day. Hope you get a better night's sleep tonight and tomorrow.

[SandieF Graduate]

Oh well done!!! What a fab post. Gives encouragement to me because I’m dreading the long single runs.

[Beestonbabe Graduate in reply to SandieF]

Thanks. You know, when I first started I felt exactly the same, but now I have come so far I've really changed my opinion and I love them and the sense of achievement I get at the end. Until I started this I have never run, am 55 and slightly overweight. I also had a painful left hip, but that has now miraculously cleared up! I have gained so much, and really only just at the beginning of what I hope will be a lifelong journey. Looking forward to many more years of running. So keep at it, take it nice and slow and best wishes. 🏃🏻‍♀️🏃🏻‍♀️🏃🏻‍♀️

[Eiralas Graduate in reply to SandieF]

Absolutely- I'll second everything Beestonbabe just said. I was dreading them, thought I'd hate them, and actually I'm loving them now. The secret is going slowly, relaxing into them, and believing you can do it - good luck and enjoy your journey

[SandieF Graduate]

Im looking forward to feeling that way, in fact, can’t wait! Just can’t see it right now. Watch this space eh? 🤞

[SendWine Graduate]

Sounds like the perfect run 🏃‍♀️well done

[hjgibson Graduate]

I’m so glad to read this! I just finished week 8 and run 3 was so difficult for me, for some reason. It took all my energy to even keep going never mind try a bit faster! I’m looking forward to week 9 now 😁

[Beestonbabe Graduate in reply to hjgibson]

I struggled with a couple of the week 8 runs too, but did complete them, so it's nice that week 9 is better for me. Best wishes.