Schnell. Schnell. Tuesday saw me in action in Darmstadt, near Frankfurt, my first international run. Determined not to miss a run, I was squeezing in a run before a day of meetings. Already 24 degrees at 7:00am I ventured onto Goebelstrasse, turned onto Bismarkstrasse and ran to the pretty, though small Hernngarten. It was tough, hot, unfamiliar, and whilst I'll need Prof Brian Cox once again to determine if gravity is actually stronger in Germany, heavy going. Nonetheless, I got it done and so...
The big day finally came around. The incessant rain could not rain on my parade. My unstoppable march to the barricade. Not even the black labrador that wanted to use my genitals as a scratch 'n' sniff toy could put me off my stride.
The headphones failed me, so I ran au naturel for the first time. I had a half decent happy pace going, I could hear and manage my breathing better, I could hear my feet floating over the wet ground like an Adidas Jesus. I could hear the cows chortling in the nearby field. Sod 'em. "I'm doing this and I'm eating your cousin tonight as a reward". Now, who's chortling!
I could delight in the W9R3 adrenalin. I could finally shake off my unhealthy obsession with Russel Brand podcasts. The rain dripped from the tree canopy and it felt refreshing not wet.
I was past the halfway point along the forest trail and checked my shiny runners watch. 12 minutes to glory. Easy, I've got 12 minutes left in me. No problem... You remember W5 when 8 minutes seemed impossible? Now 12 minutes was the comfortable home stretch! What has happened to us!
And along the muddy trail, I strode until the signal was given to celebrate and I shouted. Yes actually shouted, really quite loudly. "YEEESSSS".
Daft 'aint it! Not like it's a unique achievement. But an Everest conquered for so many of us, who so adore our couch. So proud to have completed this programme, without skipping a beat. I saw a neighbour during W1R1, who stopped and asked me what the hell I was doing? I didn't really know at the time, other than panting heavily.
Now I know I was changing my life.
Quite a lot has happened on this insane meander to 5k with a fair few side benefits to just running...
No fags since week 5
Far less alcohol drunk midweek
Lots of virtual running friends
Looking better (as testified by work colleagues)
Feeling better, more energetic and confident
My strengthened leg muscles and strengthened heart & lungs are now having to articulate 5kg less than at the beginning
More patience and energy to play with the children
Admiration from the Mrs
A nice expensive new watch
A sporty new wardrobe including Bumblebee shorts
A whole new appreciation for the bizarre selection of music you all listen to. What is 'paint it black?'. Who are Led Zep?! You, erudite athletes, have donned your trainers and shared your misguided musical penchants!
So, budge over you lot! I'm getting on that podium!
Huge thanks to so many on this forum. It really is a special place. An inspiration. Motivating. Amusing. Knowledgeable. Befriending. I echo what so many have said before; that this journey would be immeasurably harder without you lot.
Watch this space now..I'll keep running...and shock the hockey team into selecting me next season!
You keep running too!
Can't sign off without a few acknowledgements to those that have helped with encouraging, insightful, amusing (and sometimes just downright weird) words.
Not least of whom is my new found love and mentor Oldfloss
sallenson constant companion, ready wit, author and musical madman
DeeRunning the Asian delight who's time zone means I awake every morning now to a little eastern promise
Kar43 a pillar of support and loveliness
pianoteacher a local lass and another W9 hero today, who will buy me beer soon after our graduation park run
Bridget007 Inspirational leader, graduate and Prosecco expert
Hidden another constant companion, loveable comic and local lass, coming up close behind us to the podium
SendWine who clearly shares wine passion with me, makes me laugh and always take the time to be supportive
and so many other C25K superstars...
Jullaly
Susietirzah78
Jay66UK
Ang33333
Mumsygill
and more whom I'm sure I have forgotten and apologise.
And thanks to my mum......blub, blub, etc
#you can do it!!!! Even I did.
Room for one more on the injury couch?
When drinking more is good for you!
W8R3 - Graduation in Sight and I have the Bug!
W9R3 The one where you GRADUATE 😁🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🍾🥂
5k Run - Done!!
