I’m still here and it’s thanks to you!

[AngryFlower]

I was going to give up but thanks to all the lovely people on this forum I didn’t. I can’t thank you all enough for the help and encouragement you’ve given me as today I managed the 20 minute run!

It went like this...I took on board as much advice as I could from everyone that’s messaged me and even though the day started with a cat with a icky tummy and lots of wind (the weather not the cat) , I still decided to go, on the advice of another member I thought I’d do some relaxation exercises so after a few minutes stretching and a few minutes listening to headspace I was ready. I decided that rather than a circuit today I’d turn around at the halfway point for the psychological advantage. I started really really slowly, slower than I’ve ever managed to go before but I didn’t care I just needed to keep going.

Five minutes in had me dodging 3 cars, waiving to my next door neighbor and dodging the local blacksmith on his motorised wheelchair (he was going much faster than me I suspect).

Second 5 minutes and I was thinking “is that all the elapsed time? I thought I should be further through it” but then came the distraction of a combine harvester (we get a lot of those here) and a funny track from my Les Mills playlist that reminded me of the scene in The Inbetweeners movie, the one where the lads are in a dodgy club and don’t really know how to dance and therefore follow their mate’s really bad moves-that actually made me laugh!

Third five minute segment and the halfway timer went off so I turned around and set back, this was fairly uneventful and I started to feel tired so I imagined all of you on this forum running with me urging me forwards (thanks all!).

Fourth 5 minutes and I was nearly there, past the blackberry bushes, past the gap in the hedge where there’s always a refreshing gust of air, past the 30 sign coming into the village and lastly passing the old guy in his wheelchair coming the other way. I even managed a quick hello and a bit of a faster pace st the end and it was all over. Yay I did it!!!

Walked home with a huge smile on my face. I have to say that this was probably the best run I’ve done yet and I’m sure it’s thanks to your support and tips. I couldn’t have done it without you!

[cheekychipmunks Graduate]

AngryFlower, I’m soooo happy for you! 👏👏👏👏 Aren’t you glad you didn’t walk away? Absolutely fantastic achievement - now you know you have it within you to smash the whole programme! 😀

Well done runner! 😀😀👏👏👍👍

[AngryFlower Graduate in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Yes I am the rest won’t be easy but that particular run was a huge hurdle so I’m glad I didn’t let it beat me.

[Jell6 Graduate]

Glad you did it, well done. Oddly enough , I have just sent you a message 😐

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Jell6]

Spooky... I was just about to, when I saw this post So happy for AngryFlower x

[AngryFlower Graduate in reply to Jell6]

Thanks for all your support, it’s very much appreciated!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

This is fantastic news...I was quite literally, just this moment, going to message you...having given you some thinking time.

Absolutely awesome and very well done you!!! The right decision and you made it, and you did this... yes...you!!!

Take heart from the folks on the forum, who are supporting you and encouraging you... that is what this is all about...positive encouragement and support..yes, the odd little gentle shove if need be... but always a positive one

" Don't ever let the negativity of others rain on your sunshine day"

So, so proud and pleased for you xx

[AngryFlower Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks, couldn’t be happier about this achievement!

[Ang33333 Graduate]

So pleased for you! Glad you did it!

It's funny how we have landmarks 9n our runs. The turning to...., the first bridge, second bridge, our tree-where our early runs began and ended- , the bench.. They break the runs up! 😁

[AngryFlower Graduate in reply to Ang33333]

Yes true it does break it up. I forgot to mention the chickens though-ha ha!

[Rooster678]

Bloody fantastic! I read your post twice and felt your elation throughout it. I'm very proud of you, you've shown great determination to get through this run and your slight changes to get you through it have really worked for you. Top job! Well done!

[AngryFlower Graduate in reply to Rooster678]

Thanks, it just shows how valuable the advice from others on this forum it. It has certainly helped me.

[sarah65]

Well done! No going back now. The 20 minute run is a psychological battle, now you’ve won it you know you can complete the programme (and beyond ...)

[AngryFlower Graduate in reply to sarah65]

Yes too true and it’s given me some oomph to carry on.

[Honeybee99 Graduate]

Wow, well done. Was a bit gutted for you yesterday when you said you were quitting, but pleased today you javen’t It also inspires me to carry on!! I’ve just done week 5 run 1, so just behind you and this run you’ve completed is freaking me out. Great to have a positive 😊

[AngryFlower Graduate in reply to Honeybee99]

Looking forward to your own post. You can do it!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Onward and upward!

Glad you are still here.

[AngryFlower Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thanks so much, I went slower just like you’ve been telling me!

[kwell39 Graduate]

Congratulations!! I am doing my happy dance with you! What an accomplishment. Feel proud!

[AngryFlower Graduate in reply to kwell39]

Oh I like that, I’m doing a ‘flower dance’ too!

[Sofabunny]

Oh well done..your post made me think of that daft Wurzels song..I've Got a Brand New Combine 'arvester

P.S That is because I so old👵..

[Tartancat Graduate in reply to Sofabunny]

I've got the Wurzels on my playlist - always brings a smile to my face (cuz I's old too!)

[AngryFlower Graduate in reply to Sofabunny]

Ha ha, it’s all going on here in the countryside you know!

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

Oh...brilliant news! Well done Flower😊so pleased for you....

You have run for 20 minutes without stopping...amazing isn't it. You can put a smiley face on that run and remember that great feeling for next time...

Onwards and upwards without a doubt!😊x

[AngryFlower Graduate in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Yeah it’s so brilliant because I really didn’t think it was going to happen. Amazed!

[Tartancat Graduate]

Chuffed to bits for you. Such determination getting out there when you felt so bad after your last run. Now you can achieve anything!

[AngryFlower Graduate in reply to Tartancat]

Yes I was very close but I got the right help at the right time, so pleased!

[icklegui Graduate]

This is what we *love* to read! Well done!! Watch out for week 6 but remember how good this was and keep that in your heart. In your head - keep the slow and steady mantra!

So pleased!

[AngryFlower Graduate in reply to icklegui]

Yeah it’s definitely a step up isn’t it, my head will definitely be my biggest stumbling block but I’ll keep trying.

[Crawlhome Graduate]

Very well done AF, I've been thinking about you all day and hoping to hear this kind of news. Wishing you the best of luck in your future runs, good and bad!😁🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[AngryFlower Graduate in reply to Crawlhome]

Thank you so much, going to keep plugging away at it.

[Bham81]

I'm pretty new to this and nowhere near running for 20 minutes but I've just read your post and wanted to say well done! You must be so proud! I can totally relate to breaking the run down into sections, and your landmarks.

[AngryFlower Graduate in reply to Bham81]

Yes, interestingly I also found that turning back at the halfway mark psychologically better than a circuit. My next run is tomorrow (Thursday) and the forecast is foul here so I’ll be looking for a gap in the weather. Still going to do it though!

[Tbae]

Brillant you.💥🏃‍♀️💥👏👏

[AngryFlower Graduate in reply to Tbae]

Thanks so much!

[Running59]

Well done I’m so proud of you. See I told you not to give up. Bask in the glory that you ran for twenty minutes, now think back to week 1 run 1. You did this. Think how far you have come . Take each week as it comes, if you have to repeat a week that’s ok too. This your C25k and you can run it how you want. Welcome to the world of running. You are officially a runner 😊

[AngryFlower Graduate in reply to Running59]

Yay, I’ll keep running and let you know how it goes. It’s true I was so scared on week1 run1 but I’ve achieved something that I really wanted to do and there’s more to come I’m sure!

[Running59 in reply to AngryFlower]

When you finish the program (and you will). You must order yourself a medal and a tee shirt. Your over the psychology barrier now. Keep thinking positive thoughts, have an early night before your run. Remember this is not a competition, the only person your competing with, are those inner demons.

[ForeverYoung21 Graduate]

Well done you! I’m only 1 run ahead of you, so totally get where you’re at!!

[AngryFlower Graduate in reply to ForeverYoung21]

How are you finding week 6?

[lexi6 Graduate]

Boom! 🎤

[AngryFlower Graduate in reply to lexi6]

Yeah!!!

[Hidden]

Brilliant news! well done AngryFlower I’m so glad you stuck it out you’re one tough cookie 🍪

[AngryFlower Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thanks and brilliant name by the way!

[Hidden in reply to AngryFlower]

Cheers! Ha! 'AngryFlower' is an awesome username too... I wouldn't mess with you 😁

[Arian1]

Well done. So glad you persevered. The reward when you done it feels amazing! Now you done it once you know you can do it again so keep going and stay positive.

[AngryFlower Graduate in reply to Arian1]

Yes I think the next run technically isn’t any further/longer so that’s got to be a good thing.

[ra4200 Graduate]

Brilliant - well done!!

[AngryFlower Graduate]

Thanks so much!