Twenty minutes 😁

[HillsEverywhere]

The infamous W5R3 and I had an appointment this morning.

I left the house at 6:30, after a not very good night (worried about the husband, who has teeth troubles and who was given prosthetics yesterday that make things even worse). I had decided I would choose a route which would allow me to make a full loop, without turning around at halfway point.

It was a grey morning, the ground was still wet from the night's rain and there was a bit of mist. There were sparkles everywhere in the grass. When my dear friend the Robotic American Lady said to run, I felt ready for it.

I had my usual awful first five minutes – burning legs, burning lungs, body screaming "stop this right now". After that, my legs started to loosen, to feel bouncy and supple, and I remembered the sensations from last run : yes, indeed, I was enjoying that running thing.

I know the first half of the route fairly well by now, but I had two "oops" moments on the second half. I had just gone across fields and into another wood when I spotted a rather long and steep incline waiting for me. I hadn't taken that into account when planning the route. Never mind, I thought. You won't stop me. I shortened my stride and, step by step, pattered to the top. Feeling ever so pleased with myself, I started going downhill and suddenly found myself running past huge targets. I was crossing right in the middle of a shooting range. Oops. Good thing it was still early in the morning !

The path continued downhill and across the fields again, between two thick hedges. "One minute left", said RAL in her usual gloomy tone. I couldn't believe it. I was almost dancing to the music. "Start your cool down", said she again, sounding almost pissed off that I had made it. I laughed out loud. I'd just ran for twenty minutes, and I'd loved it.

P.S.: I've just seen all the lovely comments on my last post, thanks everybody for your kind and encouraging words ! This forum is so positive and supportive !

[Hidden]

Bravo! It's the best feeling ever when you can go non-stop for that amount of time, isn't it.

[HillsEverywhere Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Yes, it is ! It felt so good to be running and not wanting to stop - and it stills feels amazing, I think I'm beginning to get what this "runner's high" thing is about.

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Another great run. Well done, that’s the scary one down! Enjoy week 6

[HillsEverywhere Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Thank you ! I hope next week will be as enjoyable as these last two runs were !

[UnfitNoMore Graduate in reply to HillsEverywhere]

I think they will be... you just had a breakthrough one, next one is tricky intervals, then back to what you just did but a little longer.

[AJ77]

Well done!

[HillsEverywhere Graduate]

Thank you ! I'm chuffed !

[Jogunlikely Graduate]

I love your post. RAL being pissed off with you 🤣🤣🤣 brilliant! Congratulations 👏👏👏 on completing your first big run and not getting shot!!!

[HillsEverywhere Graduate in reply to Jogunlikely]

Thank you ! I'm happy it gave you a chuckle

[MummyToMany]

Well done! I've got this run next, strangely feeling hopeful! Your post certainly makes it sound doable, all the best for week 6

[HillsEverywhere Graduate]

It is doable ! You're ready for this. I told my husband when I left that I was not sure I could complete it, but I found it much more enjoyable than most of the interval runs we had until now. Go for it and enjoy !