Week 9 run 1

[MVBrown]

My early morning run. I think I now know what early morning runners enjoy. The fresh air and quiet. In my local park there were a few dog walkers and walkers. I was the sole runner in the park- Where are all the early runners in my town? - I guess I was late early, and they were crack of dawn early.

It was mighty cold, so old joggers on and jacket (not a running jacket) to stave off the cold. I thought I would take my jacket off, if I became too hot but no chance, only unzipped. I started C25K during the hottest weeks of the summer- so this run was so unknown to me as a newbie runner.

First run of week nine - can’t believe it and I am able to do this? With a slow and steady pace around the park, huffing but no puffing today. The only thing I forgot to take with me is a hankie to wipe all the glow off my face.😅

Those following my progress and newbies reading the post. It hasn't been all smooth sailing, I have had some really tough runs over the pass weeks like most of the C25Kers and I am not kidding when I write this. What worked for me, being positive, posting and reading what others have posted - their tribulations/joys/successes/trial runs/their running shoes (shoe fetish) this makes me 🙂

Today, week 9 run 1 felt good- I can now run for 30minutes non-stop. I’m nearly at the finish line and really ex-ci-ted!!!! Now to select a weather proof jacket- any suggestions?

[Hidden]

Big well done!

Does it feel like you've already graduated in some kind of way as the remaining two runs are the same? I wonder why they did that. I would maybe have made W9R1/R2 29 minutes long and saved the special 30 minute for W9R3.

I guess it means W9R3 should be easier for everyone as the body will still improve after each run.

[MVBrown Graduate in reply to Hidden]

I agree, it’s about exercising three times a week. So it becomes a regular habit now to go out three times a week.

[ArthurJG Graduate in reply to Hidden]

It’s the target is not to be able to run for 30 minutes once, but to be able to do it regularly. Unlike say a marathon (not that I’ve done one!) but there the marathon is a peak achievement and when you’ve done it it might be months till you go quite as far again. The point of this programme is to promote regular exercise. That’s also why the 5k doesn’t matter: you get the major benefits of running for 30 minutes whether you cover 6k or 2k in the time.

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Great job... graduation in 2... enjoy closing it out.

[MVBrown Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Thanks your so correct. I still can’t beluebe how far I have come.

[Fabulous450 Graduate]

Aah MV I love this post!! 😍 You’ve done so well and now just 2 runs from graduation! 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽You’re an absolute star!! 🤩 You’ve also been so encouraging to others. Each one, teach one!! That’s what this forum is all about to me!! 😍

I started in May so I haven’t had to face the cold too much either. But, I have a lightweight waterproof jacket and some long sleeve thicker running tops which I think will be ideal for the colder months. I also still have my gym membership (not being used 🤪) to go indoors if/when it gets too dark or cold to enjoy it.

Best wishes for the final two before “Graduation”!! 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽❤️

[MVBrown Graduate]

Brilliant isn’t. I definitely would be getting some long sleeve tops as my running is for life not just nine weeks.🙂🏃🏾‍♀️🏃🏾‍♀️

[Cotswold-runner Graduate]

Go smash it MVBrown- love your posts- it certainly feels a little weird on week 9 and I kinda wanted to savour every run that week knowing it was coming to an end soon and I would be a graduate 😁 and in a way scary as I had come a long way and was actually doing this running thing although at snail pace but still getting out there and doing my bit to stay fit!!!

I go out early mornings -5.30 in the week and later at the weekends 😂😂and you're right it is a quiet time before the day starts and it sets me.up.for the day ahead and I personally love it. I understand it's not for everyone tho.

As for jackets I haven't got one yet but I have a long sleeve hoody that I wore the other morning and a high Viz vest-and got so hot with running and hot flushes that had to take it off whilst running and tie it around me plus my high viz- was a sight to behold!! 🎽🏃‍♀️😩

Now go get that graduation badge and smash this- see you on the other side 😘xx

[seaspaniel Graduate]

I have a lightweight jacket courtesy of the high street (SportsDirect- MuddyFox). Nothing fancy but it is dayglo for safety. Has a pocket for phone at the front.

I started back in January and so spent most weeks running in drizzle but to be honest it was only the first 1k where the jacket was of benefit as I soon warmed up. Of more use was a beanie and Lycra and if your runs are muddy then trail shoes. For warmth I have a long sleeve top

Our local parkrun does two laps coming past the start then a further two laps a bit further away, so it is normal in cold weather to see many people start with jackets and then jettison them to the adoring fan(s) as you come past for the first time at about 800m in.

[MVBrown Graduate in reply to seaspaniel]

Thanks, will have a look there. I went to Decathlon, but was slightly perplexed because they use terms like cool and warm. Also, I may switch to indoor - haven’t decided but I need to get my skates on.