Goodbye Week 8...

Hi everyone.

So that's the last run of week 8 done and dusted.

I was thinking to myself today that this run is a struggle but when I had 2 minutes left I realised that I had covered more ground than the previous 2 runs. Felt that I was going slow but obviously my pace was a bit faster than normal.

I reached to this exact point last year and I found that the same thing happened too. So obviously I'm naturally going faster without trying.

Looked at my stats and I had a steady pace for each km. Not really bothered about figures but I keep note because I can look back at them over time and see where I improved. Especially my Cadence. I've got quite long legs and so naturally I tend to want to stretch my legs which would cause me to go faster and burn out quicker. Keeping track of my cadence reminds to take smaller steps and not to bounce.

Anyway that's week 8 done.

On to new territory for week 9 as I didn't get that far last year. Thinking I will treat myself to one of the couchto5k medals when I graduate and fingers crossed I will graduate.

Have a lovely weekend everyone.x

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

Well done Donna... new territory next, and you will soon be reaching the podium in style!

An actual Graduate badge would be very fitting after your efforts... and they do C25k T -shirts too!

healthunlocked.com/couchto5.......

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Good luck with your Graduation Week runs!

[Hidden in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Thank you. Oh the t.shirt is available too. Well I think I'll have to get both then. 😊

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate in reply to Hidden]

I don't have one, so not sure what the fit is like but worth a look!

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Ooh. I might have to get one of those as well. I'm planning on getting a mug - I saw one that said "I run because punching people in the face is frowned upon" 😂

[Hidden in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Thank you for the links. Stored and ready to use.

[Jay66UK Graduate]

Well done! I have no means to measure my cadence but I have short legs! Good to hear you describe your improvements - all very motivating.

[Hidden in reply to Jay66UK]

Thank you. I just use the Samsung health app which which is built into my phone. It does the counting for me because if I had to count my steps constantly, I'm sure I would lose count when the going gets tough.

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to Hidden]

This is how people get lost on Parkruns!

[Cazza26 Graduate in reply to Jay66UK]

Now who on earth would do that? 🤔

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to Cazza26]

I’m saying nothing 😘

[Cazza26 Graduate in reply to Jay66UK]

🤫

[Mumsygill Graduate]

Brilliant Donna . Well done . Look forward to seeing you on that podium very soon! 👏🏻🏃🏼‍♀️🥇

[Hidden in reply to Mumsygill]

Thank you. Fingers crossed this time a week from now I'll be a very happy bunny. I already am but it'll be the icing on the cake for me.

[sallenson Graduate in reply to Hidden]

One of those TALL bunnies....

[Hannah337 Graduate]

I finished week 8 this morning too! Well done! Only 3 more c25k runs left!

[Hidden in reply to Hannah337]

We can do this. And I'm sorry but this forum won't get rid of me that easily after we graduate. That's where weeks 10, 11, 12 etc begin. Lol.

[sallenson Graduate in reply to Hidden]

You're an addict!!

[Hidden]

Well done! You can do W9R1 with me! I had to postpone it today & I'm planning on Sunday. Not far now my friend - we are nearly at that podium. Then begins a whole new journey.

[sallenson Graduate in reply to Hidden]

That podium had better be TALL. Now we know that Donna has LONG LEGS and is therefore TALL. Harrumph

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Awww well done to you too. Can't believe how quick these last 8 weeks have flown by.

[Myrar Graduate]

Well done Donna ...You definatly treat yourself to that shiney medal and T-shirt ..You so deserve them ..All the best for your w9 runs 😊

[Hidden in reply to Myrar]

Thank you. I surely will treat myself and post pics too. 😊

[sallenson Graduate]

Oh, Donna. Oh, Donna. There we all were, cheering you on. Cheering on a buddy who was taking everything in her stride. Managing to cope with an awful work schedule and shifts and new shoes. Managing it all and still being a beacon of consistent hope for us all.

And then you let slip "I've got quite long legs".

Which probably means you're something like 8ft tall. Probably more like 10ft. And could probably cover 1km in one or at most two strides.

I don't know what to say. I considered you a friend. And now this. I'm not angry, I'm just very, very disappointed.

I wish you well in Tall Persons Land. I'm sure that you could Long Jump the remaining 15K in a single gazelle-like leap.

All I ask is that you think of us micro-humans from time to time, okay? I'm only 6ft 2in and so still have to buy children's trousers to avoid them concertina-ing around my ankles.

I used to feel jealous of tall people. But now I feel only resentment and a craving for a Jaffa Cake or three.

See what you did?

[P.S. Let's go and smack W9's bottom okay? Just don't tell anyone on here...]

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate in reply to sallenson]

You are a terrible tease Sallenson😆...

Don't pay any attention to his cheekiness Donna..I wish my legs were longer..😊xx

[sallenson Graduate in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Me? Surely not.... I am literally cowering under Donna's effortless and TALL mastery of the programme. #votedonna

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate in reply to sallenson]

😄xx

[Hidden in reply to sallenson]

Not to be telling tales out of school Sallenson- but I seem to remember you mentioned something about long legs yourself??? 🤔. I'm just jealous- I'm only 5"3. 😢

[sallenson Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Errm. Oops. Typo. I meant "2ft 2ins". Definitely not "6ft 2ins." Otherwise in a non-DonnaWorld I might be considered on the TALL side. Which would be absolutely wrong. Completely wrong. Completely and utterly wrong. And even more wrong.

Nothing wrong with 5"3'!! Easier to put your trainers on!!

[Hidden in reply to sallenson]

😂😂

[Hidden in reply to sallenson]

You're soo funny. Well I'm actually only 5'9".

And only if 1km could be covered in 2 steps. Lol.

At least someone is still taller than me. You! Bet you've got a pair of lovely pegs on you. Lol.

Awww my friend. We've stuck at this and motivated one another for weeks. I'm very greatful for that. (Grabs a tissue).

[sallenson Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Know what? U R FANTASTIC!!

Let's beat this thing together!!

xx (times how ever many xs you need to reach your tallness... xx)

[_SimonT_ Graduate in reply to sallenson]

Thanks a lot, guys! And here’s me struggling to reach light switches and door knobs at a Ronnie Corbett esque 5’8”.

It must be so awful being able to see over crowds and change light bulbs without standing on a step ladder! 😂😂

[sallenson Graduate in reply to _SimonT_]

Donna and I have considered starting a company to change lightbulbs for the benefit of the height-challenged. Each visit comes with a complementary option of speed interval training

[Hidden in reply to sallenson]

I'm in. Lol

[lardofale Graduate]

Awesome awesome awesome! Great work Donna, the final stretch awaits with a big shiny badge dangling for you!

[Hidden in reply to lardofale]

Thank you. It's been long overdue.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Well done Donna..nearly there now..you have done wonderfully! Cruise your way to the podium

[Hidden in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you. Slow and steady for the last 3 runs.

Well won't be the last but you know what I mean. 😊

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Hidden]

xxx

[Elfe5 Graduate]

Hi Donna, that’s great! I’m getting out the podium polish and practising my cheering! 😀

[_SimonT_ Graduate]

Hi Donna! So pleased for you that everything is on track for you this time! You have done so well. I hope your graduation week runs are like being carried on a sea of clouds held up by a 6’2” giant from somewhere near Bedgebury. 😂