Consolidation W2R3

[Jay66UK]

So this is my long run each week. I was tempted to leave this to Saturday morning but then I would’ve only done 2 runs in seven days and, well, quest.

Ran after work. Because of the high winds I thought I’d take a different route. My first route change since starting (apart from that hilly adventure) and I ran along the canal towards the village south of where I live (I usually run North along the road).

All fairly uneventful. A couple of close encounters with cyclists and walkers and geese with young and a very aggressive female duck with no young to be seen.

Aim was to run 36 mins. My watch only allows me to set in 5s! So 35 mins, run to half time and come back, knowing my pace drops and I won’t reach the start before 36.

Went off slowly, and stayed there! No ragged breath. A 4.09k run in 37:35. That’s my longest distance and longest run time. Pace about usual for me.

Felt towards the end that I was tired and glad to reach the starting point but, if I had to, I could’ve run on. Achey back around the shoulders - I could tell I had tensed up in the final quarter.

Huge sense of satisfaction and I can feel the mellow calm washing over me. Really hot out there and sweating like a pig.

Hot bath to soak it all out then home made Jamaican Jerk chicken and rice for my tea as a reward for my hard work. Oh and my Decree Nisi went through court today. 6 weeks away from divorce. I knew there was a reason I needed to clear my head.

Whatever you are running next, enjoy it x

[Ripcurlrana71]

You needed that run Jay for very good reasons and it seems they powered you through!

So pleased it was positive despite what’s hanging over you. Seems like you have been a bit stuck emotionally and this run has you turning a corner into the sunshine. So pleased for you. ☺️☺️☺️X

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to Ripcurlrana71]

Thanks. Good to see the summer out there.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Huge hug xxx This running does more for us than just improving our fitness !

Very well done you! You are doing wonderfully....x

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks. That means a lot. And I was slow, I promise 🤣

[Flaraflarkin Graduate]

You ran for 37minutes! 🙌😱 Kudos to you Jay66UK 👊💪 Yep there's a rainbow on the horizon 🌈 and it's heading your way! 😊⭐️

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to Flaraflarkin]

Ta! I don’t believe in many things but rainbows are magical.

[Flaraflarkin Graduate in reply to Jay66UK]

Pssst! And unicorns 🦄 🙊🤗

[sallenson Graduate]

U little belter you! Well done and hugs and save me some chicken!!

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to sallenson]

The joy of cooking for myself is leftovers. I’ll have two more dinners out of this, one for the weekend and one for the freezer! Gotta spread the pennies if I’m going to afford a Running jacket by winter!

[Hidden]

Awesome. Nothing like a good run to help sort out your head. Sending virtual hugs 🤗

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thanks. The me at the end of March fainted.

[Abicon Graduate]

Reading this has convinced me to go out this evening. I was wavering because I usually run in the morning but just couldn’t fit it in before an 8.15 appointment (I need at least an hour to return to some semblance of a normal colour!). I’m such a creature of habit but your decision to go south instead of north reminded me that we always have a choice. So I’m going to for my first evening run and will just do the same. 35 mins with a turnaround half way. The wind has died down here which means I’ll have to cover myself in anti mosquito spray or risk being eaten alive........

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to Abicon]

Good luck! If you go fast enough you’ll outrun the little bighters!

[David_G]

Good work Jay. That’s longer than I’ve managed to run for! 😀 We all run for our own reasons, and it doesn’t matter what they are. 😊That jerk chicken sounds lovely. Hope you enjoyed it 😋

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to David_G]

Still cooking the darned thing!

[David_G in reply to Jay66UK]

Ah well, like C25K graduation itself, good things come to those who wait! 😊😀👍

[Abicon Graduate]

I wondered about that but think I’ve got to go quite a bit faster than my current pace to do that! It’s a good incentive though ......

[Pencoed18 Graduate]

Well done Jay that’s a great run

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to Pencoed18]

Thanks. Feels mellow this side of it. But boy I’m going to need the calf roller later.

[Saartjie Graduate]

Well done Jay. Must be a tough day for you but glad you had a positive run 🤗

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to Saartjie]

Thanks. Nothing can burst this mellownfeeling.

[Saartjie Graduate in reply to Jay66UK]

Good. Am loving that post run mellow 😌

[Myrar Graduate]

Well done 😊😊

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to Myrar]

Thanks!

[Debsy2008 Graduate]

Well done Jay 👌🏼 love that satisfied “I’ve done my run” feeling 😃 enjoy!

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to Debsy2008]

Its the best.

[Cazza26 Graduate]

Good going Jay! 37 minutes is more than I’ve managed yet!

Pleased you seem more upbeat today - running is great therapy.

🙂

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to Cazza26]

Thanks. Yeah, sorry I was being an Eeyore earlier in the week. I should’ve just gone for a run!

[Cazza26 Graduate in reply to Jay66UK]

Yes!!

Love the idea of the Media City 5K, btw, which you posted before - sounds such a great route. I love it there. I like that it says the route is “flat” but not that it’s “quick”!! Maybe a thought for the future.....I’m not quite brave enough yet!

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to Cazza26]

Seeing that they do it has sown a seed. Too soon yet but I will do it. Sadly there are a lot of very sporty “mejya” types so I imagine it won’t be very Parkrun!

[Cazza26 Graduate in reply to Jay66UK]

God, no. Can imagine it may be a tad more serious!

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to Cazza26]

Good thing is there is a “double the laps” 10k at the same time, so if I’m really slow I can get lost in the ones doing the longer run!

[Cazza26 Graduate in reply to Jay66UK]

Ha! That’s a plan! Laps/routes/distances a bit of a sore point with me....

I attempted a 5K Great Run Local a couple of weeks ago. Long and boring story, but there was a 2K and a 5K run which consisted of a tricky arrangement of short/long laps repeated and I basically finished too early, having missed a final short lap!!! I felt so stupid!!

I’ll have another bash at a Parkrun, but maybe one that’s like, twice round a field??? 🤪

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to Cazza26]

Yeah. I can run or I can think/count. Don’t make me try to do both. Or hills.

[Cazza26 Graduate in reply to Jay66UK]

Absolutely!

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate]

Well done, glad you got out of the quicksand 👍😉

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

Thanks, Jo. I couldn’t bear to see my nice shoes getting pulled under.

[Hidden]

That Sir, is how it's done! Well done that man. Someone has found their mojo, and it's here to stay! Lots of virtual strength and support being sent via the airwaves. Looking forward to the next update. Don't keep me waiting...

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thanks. The support really means everything.

[Hidden in reply to Jay66UK]

Plenty more to spare Jay! Isn't it great sitting down after a run, feeling all superior for 5 mins. Personally, I've rewarded myself with a glass of wine. Life is tough, so let's be tougher!

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Only 5 minutes? You’re doing it wrong! 🤣

[Hidden in reply to Jay66UK]

😂😂😂😂

[Hidden in reply to Jay66UK]

You're right, I think I'll make a day of it tomorrow 🤣🤣🤣

If you don't hear from me, my workmates have killed me and thrown my body to the wolves!

[Crittermad Graduate]

So glad this running malarkey is giving you head space - that’s really important when going through a break up. I wish I’d found running when my relationship broke up - it’s so easily accessible when you need it and will set you up well to come out the other side in one piece. Congrats on the longest run! 🏆

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to Crittermad]

Thanks. I hope you are right and that you navigated it okay. Just foam rolled my calves and that is a good reward for a long run!

[Crittermad Graduate in reply to Jay66UK]

Yes it was a lot of years ago now, I wish I’d started running then though! I’ve never tried a foam roller! 😜 you know how to treat yourself! 😂

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to Crittermad]

Oh they are amazing. I mean seriously. If you get tight calves they are just the best.

[18Windmill Graduate]

Well done dear boy! I'm rather interested in the jerk chicken recipe...mine has always been a bit incipid! Glad that your running has helped you through this tough time and we are all thinking of you and sending hugs and good wishes. Ps my emojis aren't working....I like emojis!

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to 18Windmill]

Thanks. My secret is a Levi Roots Reggae Reggae box kit and decent chicken.

[pianoteacher Graduate]

Well done Jay! Must be something in the air today - I ran a completely different route this morning too x

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to pianoteacher]

Certainly was a lot of air! Running though I was sheltered too much by the trees and that the canal dips below the land level. But, hey, it was certainly flat!

[pianoteacher Graduate in reply to Jay66UK]

The weather has been ok here - little bit of rain but after I got home. The park has got some wicked hills but I avoided them this morning. Told myself it was because I didn't know where those paths lead but really I just couldn't be bothered to tackle them 😂

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to pianoteacher]

This is called “taking postgrad choices” and was certainly the best of all possible choices at the moment you faced it. Well done. The temptation to do the hills must’ve been strong but you resisted. I’m proud. 🤣

[pianoteacher Graduate in reply to Jay66UK]

😂😂

[Lorijay Graduate]

Good job Jay. Distance increasing too., well done and all in your own time which is wonderful. Big hugs

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to Lorijay]

Thanks. Here come two more short, 30 minute runs. 🤣🤣🤣

[Eiralas Graduate]

Wow, well done Jay! That's pretty good going Glad you found some head-space too x

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to Eiralas]

Thank you!

[Penelopesimmons Graduate]

Good for you! Well done x

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to Penelopesimmons]

Thank you!

[Jell6 Graduate]

You're doing so well Jay. Good runs, and a foodie inspiration 🍽🥗🤩

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to Jell6]

It’s one of my passions. Which is part of the reason why I need to lose a ton of weight!

[Alanist Graduate]

Well done Jay, you did fantastic. This running lark is great for clearing the head. Homemade Jerk Chicken and rice is a bit of a favourite here too a great comfort food, yet not unhealthy 😊

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to Alanist]

Thanks. Only problem with the jerk chicken is it had me sweating as much as the run! Delicious with seasoned brown rice, also healthy. Little changes, big benefits.

[Bridget007 Graduate]

Sounds like a lovely run and for 37 minutes! go you 😃😃

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to Bridget007]

Thank you!

[_SimonT_ Graduate]

Well done Jay! A new PB! That’s gotta feel good.

Good luck to you as you enter the next chapter in your life. Hope the run and the chicken helped!

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to _SimonT_]

Certainly did, thanks. Life moves on.

[Ang33333 Graduate]

I think uneventful runs are good. Glad it went well. Running definitely gives you headspace. My mum completed her cancer treatment yesterday. Now have to wait 2 months to see if successful though we know doc is happy. We've run throughout her illness and it has helped so much. Life is crap at times. But there are good times too. 😀😀😀

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to Ang33333]

Sorry to hear that about your mum. I constantly try to remind myself how lucky I am to have good health. Everything crossed for a good outcome x

[Ang33333 Graduate in reply to Jay66UK]

Thank you!

[HoagyM Graduate]

Well done Jay, sounds like a good run, always good to get another PB! I'm told "us fledglings" should make the most of the PB's that are coming our way fairly regularly atm, once we are more experienced runners they start to tail off, of course. So need to enjoy them while we can

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to HoagyM]

Yeah indeed. I think I have an advantage - I am still quite overweight and starting to shift the pounds, so I’m hoping my speeds/distances will both increase over the same duration. At the moment it’s just “reach the end”!

[HoagyM Graduate in reply to Jay66UK]

Don’t worry, you’re not the only one with that advantage! The weight is still steadily coming off, but there’s still a lot more of it to shift

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to HoagyM]

Great to hear!

[Kar43]

Jay your doing fab. I think it's just great you started this programme with all that's going on in your private life it's possibly saved you from going over the edge.

Keep running 🏃

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to Kar43]

Thanks. The mental benefits have been huge. And it’s all part of making a new life.

[Kar43 in reply to Jay66UK]

New healthier running life 🏃🏃‍♀️with a twist of flavour here and there 😉😊🥃🥃

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to Kar43]

Could just drink those right now!

[Kar43 in reply to Jay66UK]

jay it's Friday 😁

you can drink if you chose to 🏃🥃🥃

Love Fridays ✅🥃🥃🏃‍♀️🏃

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to Kar43]

Sadly I’ve got to drive for part of my commute home so I can’t have them right now! But I will have a few cheeky drinks once I get there.

[Kar43 in reply to Jay66UK]

That's the way jay ✅ I may have one or two tonight it's been a while since I tasted alcohol 🥃🥃😁😉

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to Kar43]

I’ll toast all the C25K lovely people.

[Kar43 in reply to Jay66UK]

I'll toast to that 🍻 then what ever I can remember after a few 🥃🥃 🤣😉😊

[Mumsygill Graduate]

Well done Jay. I’ve found running blows the cobwebs away too recently . Difficult times atm so well done you for getting out there and having some time to clear your head. So happy you enjoyed the run- keep going 😘👏🏻

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to Mumsygill]

Thanks!

[over61andstilltrying Graduate]

Well done Jay! ☺️ One more run successfully completed. 🥂