What a difference 5 mins makes!

[Saartjie]

Omg. I went out tonight at about 7 but still silly hot! The first 5 mins I actually thought for the first time in this process that I might have to stop. My heart was racing, wasn't breathing properly and my legs felt like they weren't mine. It seriously took all my willpower to keep going. Also had technical issues with my Fitbit not linking with my phone's GPS. Anyway suddenly at about 5 mins it all just clicked and my legs started working again. My breathing was a bit ragged still but it was about 90 degrees. After that i can't say it was easy because it's never easy but it flowed. Me, Emeli Sandé and Sam Sung in harmony. Didn't quite make 4k so my pace was definitely slower but consistent so not too worried in this heat. And as usual so glad I went out and did it...which is the point really! 🤩

[David_G]

Hi Saartjie, you managed it despite technical issues and the heat! 🌞🏃‍♀️ Sometimes that’s enough 👍😀

Even if you felt your breathing was a bit off you got through it 👏

I saw on the TV earlier the weather’s going to cool down a bit next week. That might make things easier for all of us! 🤞

Good luck with it all 😀

[Saartjie Graduate in reply to David_G]

I love this good weather and am trying so hard to not wish it away but even sitting in the office is a struggle in this heat let alone running!

[Tasha99 Graduate]

The good old toxic 10 minutes! I always struggle when setting off. It’s common to settle into it later on. I’m naughty and don’t warm up walk either so end up with a toxic 20 😳

[Saartjie Graduate in reply to Tasha99]

I've learnt from attempts past that if I skip the warm up I struggle to keep going so am a bit religious about it!

[Goforitmama Graduate]

Well done you did it. 4K or almost 4K on a hot day is plenty. Glad Sam Sung went out with you even if she was a bit reluctant to talk to the fit bit to begin with.

I think that you are right, consistency at this point of our running is key.

Take care, goforitmama x

[Saartjie Graduate in reply to Goforitmama]

Thanks goforitmama x

[Julian1970 Graduate]

Good on ya Saartjie!!!

It's so tempting to abandon/postpone runs when it is so hot, so well done for getting out there and getting it done. At those kinda temperatures, who cares about distance.

[Saartjie Graduate in reply to Julian1970]

Too true 🤒🤒

[Jay66UK Graduate]

Well done! Any run in this heat is a good run.

[Saartjie Graduate in reply to Jay66UK]

I reckon!

[LoungeLizaard Graduate]

Any run, ultimately, is a good run..... but the ones where you’re wading through the toxic minutes make you feel better for facing down the adversary!!

Well done you ❤️🏃‍♂️

[Saartjie Graduate in reply to LoungeLizaard]

Thank you! I am so glad I persevered and turned a rubbish one around. Lesson learned there I think 🙃

[Tartiflette Graduate]

It's tough in this hot air, so amazingly well done for keeping going & finishing. I will keep your tale in mind when I'm facing the same challenge tomorrow 😊

[Saartjie Graduate in reply to Tartiflette]

Thanks 😊 I would have felt so guilty if I'd stopped. Ridiculous really! Glad I didn't...

[Fabulous450 Graduate]

Got out there and did it! That’s the best feeling ever! Well done Saartjie! ❤️

[Hidden]

Two things, didn't realise earlier that your graduate badge want showing, so I forgot you'd actually already graduated. My comment must've seemed strange as I congratulated you at the time!

Secondly, just saw you're relying on Fitbit for distance. Mine is always out, well behind the true distance. I tested it along with Strava on a known route and discovered FB wasn't accurate but Strava was near enough. If you don't have a known route, you can map one in Map My Walk/Map My Run. Also, someone pointed out to me that your Google account has a timeline and that also records distance. It often includes warm-up but you can edit.

😁

[Saartjie Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Good old Google knowing everything about us! Maybe my badge wasn't showing cos i was on the 'other side'?! I thought you meant the 10k finish line... you'd be waiting a while! I use my phone app and also Fitbit linked to my phone's GPS so they usually concur. It's accurate enough for my needs currently but might experiment when I'm on a known route like the Parkrun to test it out. Thanks for the advice x

[Hidden in reply to Saartjie]

Glad yours is more accurate than mine. My FB is never right. But then it's not had any more chances as I turned it's GPS off which I felt was clashing with Strava as they both crashed a couple of times, so not it must rely on footfall and is definitely not accurate!

I think one day it might even be replaced for a Garmin... Ssssssssshhh, don't tell it 🤫

I was quite surprised when I saw the Google timeline. It's something that if probably usually turn off (bloody big brother), but suddenly it's quite useful to be spied on 🤣🤣🤣

[Saartjie Graduate in reply to Hidden]

I only have a Fitbit Charge HR so doesn't have GPS of its own so both apps using my phone's GPS. I did download Strava but haven't used it yet. If you're getting serious about running then I guess the upgrade to the G word would be a logical step 🤫🤫🤫🤣

[Hidden in reply to Saartjie]

I had that one, but the band started bubbling. FB were brilliant, I raised a support ticket telling them what was wrong and they asked where I bought it, that was all, then offered me a free replacement of 50% off another model. I opted for the Blaze. It also relies on the phones GPS though. Didn't think I needed much more at the time and the Ionic wasn't out yet, just 'coming soon.

You might be right, but I've been with FB for so many years now that the change is daunting.

[Saartjie Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Good to know the customer service is good! I keep looking at the new one versa is it? But only got this in Feb so not really justified yet 😆

[QueenTea Graduate]

Well done for pushing through, Saartjie! I'm hoping to do a proper postgrad run on Sunday. Saw the Dr yesterday about my thigh ache and apparently its bruised soft tissue, so nothing serious. She advised me to run for less time, so will build up gradually, but so looking forward to getting out and running again after two weeks of enforced rest. Don't think I could manage the evening, so will aim for early morning. ☺

[Saartjie Graduate in reply to QueenTea]

Thanks. What did you actually do to your leg?! Hope you can get back to it properly soon x

[QueenTea Graduate in reply to Saartjie]

I don't actually know how I did it. It was either from running or salsa - it was suddenly really painful at the top of my thigh even when walking. Tried running and made it worse, so rested for a couple of weeks.

I had a 30 minute PT session at lunchtime and it still really hurts when I run, so will see how it is at the weekend.

Glad to see you're still smashing it!

[Saartjie Graduate in reply to QueenTea]

Not sure smashing it is the right word at the moment but definitely slow and steady! Hope your leg heals soon. Make sure you take it easy x

[Fabulous450 Graduate in reply to QueenTea]

Great to hear you’ll be back on the road QueenTea! Enjoy! ❤️

[QueenTea Graduate in reply to Fabulous450]

Thanks Fabulous - will see how it feels at the weekend, but really hoping I can get back out there. Hope you're still enjoying your runs!☺

[Equi-geek Graduate]

Great effort! Well done for defying the heat - I also found it makes a big difference to fatigue!

[Saartjie Graduate in reply to Equi-geek]

Have been out twice this week and felt a bit dead afterwards!

[Ripcurlrana71]

Great stuff Sarah!! X

[Fabulous450 Graduate]

Brilliant Saartjie! Fantastic run at that time! It was hot! 🔥Well done! ❤️

[southlundon Graduate]

I bet someone has already said this on here but I love the saying 'a bad run is better than no run' (that might have been Jo Whiley on an earlier run...). Well done for getting out there!

[Saartjie Graduate]

Yup. Better than sitting on my backside!