This is my life now

[Little-runner]

The other half thinks I'm going through a phase, he thinks once the weather starts to get cold or wet, then I'll give in. Well I can honestly say 'Not. A. Chance'. This is me now, and I'm not giving up on this. The room to grow as a runner is massive and lifelong and I want it in my life.

I've not posted for a while but the runs have been ticking alongside a hectic work schedule, but I still show up. Yesterday morning alarm at 5.30, running at 6am, before an hours commute to work, (and bored my work mates about it too!).

I had a technical hiccup last week and didn't realise the app had stopped, I knew I had 5 minutes to go, looked at the timer and I had 1m36 left. I thought that maybe I was just tired, looked again...still 1m36! Gah! I ended up doing an extra 4 mins!!!! I was super tired afterwards and took a couple of days rest after that one!

The last run (W7R3), there were actual moments where my mind wandered off and I wasn't focussed 100% on the running / breathing / technique / pace etc. I'll have more of that please!

My thoughts are starting to turn to what next...I think it's just gradually increasing the distance and not to worry about speed. I'm quite slow at the moment and I was kind of obsessing about this and how I should be able to run 5k in under 30 minutes. But I'm 47, 5ft 1 with a short stride, I'm new to running and I think I just need to focus on miles under the belt. I'm looking forward to going it alone without Jo to guide me, but I will miss her words of encouragement for sure!

Onwards and upwards they say!

Happy running all 🏃🏼‍♀️😄

[Fabulous450 Graduate]

Ah little runner this is a fabulous post! I know that feeling so much. I’m 48 and soon to be 49! And I’m now a runner. Can’t believe how amazing it is to complete! You’re absolutely fabulous! Keep running and enjoying! ❤️

[Little-runner Graduate in reply to Fabulous450]

Thank you Fabulous! You are so close now...have you thought about what's next for you? x

[Fabulous450 Graduate in reply to Little-runner]

Hi Little-runner! I have the Prospect Run the Rainbow 5K in September, so my mission is to carry on running regularly and being ready to go, go, go!! 😁 I might start recording distance and timings, but I'm really not sure. I'm so in awe of me running that I don't care that much about that just yet. 😱

I'll be focusing on weight loss too. That spread around the middle is an absolutely stubborn get. 🤨 So, there's still plenty on the list in order to fully live and breath Fabulous450, but I'm very happy so far! ❤️

[Little-runner Graduate in reply to Fabulous450]

Hey Fabulous! I do log my distances and pace, mainly because I find it so encouraging to see my speed and distance increasing, and I'm honestly just trying to keep my pace nice and slow, so it's just all happening naturally. I know I'm not going to win any world records, but to get a PB is so rewarding. I'm also amazed that I'm running after years of thinking I wouldn't be able to do it (bad back, sore knees, not fit enough)...bey hey, we are DOING this! 💪

I know what you mean about the dreaded middle aged spread, it's a real bummer isn't it? I've not had any weight loss from running yet. I guess that'll come when we're running further and longer. 😁🏃🏼‍♀️🏃🏼‍♀️

[Fabulous450 Graduate in reply to Little-runner]

That’s great! I think I can use that as motivation too on the next phase.

I like to think the spread in the middle is just having a strong protest, before it just gives in. 🤣! But, I plan to give it some encouragement for us to part ways after graduation! 😉❤️

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

Lovely post Little-runner, so pleased you are enjoying progressing through the plan and doing so well...😊

There will be plenty of new things to try once you have completed the program and Graduated don't you worry, and we look forward to cheering you on to the podium. We never get bored with run reports on here😉...

Onwards and upwards to Week 8😊x

[Little-runner Graduate in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Thanks Bluebird, I am loving it so much and for the first 46 years of my life, I never thought I could run, I only regret I hadn't started earlier. Who knows where this journey will take me but I'm looking forward to every moment...highs and lows. 😊

[Teddly22 Graduate]

Great post little runner. I think my hubby thinks the cold weather will keep me indoors but after this heat I'm looking forward to running in the winter!! Though will need to shop for appropriate running gear for a new season!!!

[Little-runner Graduate in reply to Teddly22]

Haha! Yes definitely looking forward to purchasing some funky running tights! I've also been reliably informed that running in the rain is rather lovely. 🌧

[icklegui Graduate]

hello! I'd say high five ... but I'm much shorter than you

I believe you'll keep running through the winter. I started last year, my brother thought it would be a (brief) phase, and this year I presented him with my record of Sunday's 8K

Also I think if you're shorter you should give yourself more credit, we're taking many more steps for the same distances

Well done, seriously

[Little-runner Graduate]

Aw thank you icklegui! And wow...well done for 8k! That's still a pipe dream for me at the moment, one day (with my little legs!) 🙌

[icklegui Graduate in reply to Little-runner]

If you've got this far, I doubt there's much that could stop you going further, if you want! I took a while to decide to push for longer distances You're doing great!

[Ripcurlrana71]

Hi L-r! Well done on your progress so far. I graduated end of May and now completed the Bridge to 10K plan last week. I’m similar to you in height and age and that certainly hasn’t held me back! 😬

Once you graduate the consolidation period will help you build speed/stamina/strength. It’s up to you how far you want to take this!

Good luck 😉 🏃🏻‍♀️🏃🏻‍♀️🏃🏻‍♀️☹️

[Little-runner Graduate]

Thanks Ripcurl...I'm definitely planning on running further. Park run is the first goal, and then I think a 10k is definitely on the cards. So far, speed has come down albeit slowly, and I guess it will continue to do so naturally, I shan't force it.

Well done on your Bridge to 10k...seems like there's no stopping you too! 🙌😄

[Ripcurlrana71 in reply to Little-runner]

Thanks! Definetly don’t concentrate on speed during C25k just finishing each run. 😊

[ccarter100]

Love it!! My Other Half also thinks this is a phase. Not to be too competitive, but I’m gonna prove her wrong!

[Little-runner Graduate in reply to ccarter100]

Yep...that's how I feel too. He even did say that if I was still running this time next year he'll join me. He's also talked about brining his bike and following by the side of me. Not sure if he's happy to cycle at a snails pace though! Hehe!

[ccarter100 in reply to Little-runner]

Oh, yeah - she said she was going to ride her bike, too!! Ha! I am, of course, very supportive, but so far she hasn’t left her morning coffee to join me 🤣😂🤣

[Ang33333 Graduate]

I can't wait for the autumn. Cool mornings and evenings. Have not enjoyed this heat. My husband is quite shocked I'm still running! Enjoy it! 😀😀

[Little-runner Graduate in reply to Ang33333]

Yeah me too...I've just checked the weather for tomorrow morning and it's 13 degrees, so I reckon that will be just lovely! x

[Ang33333 Graduate in reply to Little-runner]

Perfect! Just ran in 21 degrees but the sun had gone so was not too bad!

[Jay66UK Graduate]

Beautiful post. This is definitely just a phase. A “rest of my life while I have the fitness to do it” phase.

Enjoy the next run - the zoning out is a great feeling, isn’t it?

[Little-runner Graduate in reply to Jay66UK]

Hey Jay, thanks! I agree on the phase...as long as my legs will carry me I'm staying on this road.

Next run in the morning and I'm excited already...starting week 8! Bring it on!

Hoping for more zoning definitely. ☺️

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to Little-runner]

Hold on to the hope lightly. It will come or it won’t. The harder you try the more it will hide. But I really, really hope it happens for you. Enjoy it regardless.

[Gran4z Graduate]

No this running lark certainly isn't a phase, it's an addiction! I did feel kind of bereft when all of a sudden C25k was done, however consolidation runs, Parkruns, joining a running club, and now NHS5K+ are all adding to the addiction🙃. Have fun, enjoy loads 😎

[Mumpark Graduate]

Hi Little runner my husband also thought me running was a phase he used to say you'll have a heart attack.

I started running on my own with no plan when I was 54 but hey I'm still going 9 years later I still talk about other runners as proper runners not like me.

I ran on until I was doing 5K 4 times a week still no plan .

October I had a big problem with my knee and thought that was it.

But I gradually started again in February I decided to do C25K and now I'm back yippee .

I said to my daughter the other day I have been doing it all wrong I should have gradually carried on to 10K well I decided to do just that and this morning to reached 7K I'm on my way. I have lots of issues with the apps as well.

I also love my local Parkrun and while I was resting my knee I marshalled there.

[Little-runner Graduate in reply to Mumpark]

Hey Mumpark, what an inspiration you are! I hope you told your husband being sedentary is more likely to give you a heart attack!

My goodness you ARE a proper runner. 7k today...wow, well done!👏

I will do my local Parkrun one I'm up to 5k. I did 4k this morning on my first run of week 8 so I'm not far off! 😁

[Mumpark Graduate]

Thank you.

Yes do try Parkrun everyone at mine is very friendly, And running 4K is fine just have a little walk in between and your there.I don't have an excuse not to go the park is only across the road from me although the start is a 10 minute warm up walk away.

Before that one started I used to have to rely on my daughter to take me to one.