Week Eight - Complete …WOW! 😲

My penultimate week is done.

In the words of the great Victor Meldrew ''I don't bloody believe it!''

W8R1

I set off on Saturday morning with a plan, and that was to have the most relaxing run a 28 minute run can possibly be. I took Dreams79’s recommendation of the ‘Morning Run with Headspace’ guided run by Nike. It was a balmy 19 degrees outside and the run around my usual lap was tough but thoroughly enjoyable. Towards the end or the run I started to get the slight pangs in my right calf and knee that I've had issues with since the very beginning, I've been promising myself a gait analysis and some new trainers for some time now... so I finally got round to doing it on Sunday …and boy, I’m glad that I did! Fist bump goes out to Dreams79 for the Headspace recommendation 👊

W8R2

Monday evening came along because life had gotten in the way, so a rare evening run was on the cards for me. Time to test out my spanking new trainers for the first time… Damn! they felt sooooo good! I wish I’d bought them sooner, an absolute dream to run in.

I fancied another chilled out run after a tough start to the week at work. But WOW! It’s so much busier in the evening! People getting dropped off after work… RIGHT WHERE I’M RUNNING… People driving their cars ...IN MY ROAD when I want to cross it, HONESTLY! the cheek of it. To top it all off there were a bunch of chavs loitering in the local car park, I had my torch and was glowing like a beacon so out came the sarky hollers “Piiiiick up the paaaace a bit maaaate!" On of them shouted in his best Pompey accent “Eeeeezzzz goin’ backwards innee?!” and on it went... until I vanished into the darkness. I smiled a wry smile to myself, they were a living embodiment of the gremlins that we all occasionally meet when we’re out on our runs …better luck next time you pesky gremlins.

28 minutes was up, and I was puffed out, but no leg pain! - those shoes were looking like a very good investment.

W8R3

On this run I tried out some long compression socks that looked suspiciously like... stockings! I’ve convinced myself when looking in the mirror they look more like football socks... Yeah... they look exactly like football socks... that's exactly what they look like. This allowed me to confidently leave the house without feeling like a complete tit.

8 minutes into my run then it all went a bit pear shaped, my phone had some sort of melt down and switched itself off completely, I faffed around for a bit mid-run but then thought there’s NO WAY I’m stopping now... I thought back to someone on here called ‘SubterraneanAlien’ she runs with no Music and says it’s quite meditative and mindful. I knew roughly what time I started so thought sod it... I’ll just run and time myself on my watch - It wasn’t as bad as I’d imagined it to be actually, just me and my slightly creepy loud breathing! the compression socks also felt really good, 28-30 minutes done ✅ and actually no music was surprisingly refreshing. Fist bump goes out to SubterraneanAlien for getting me to run with no music 👊

Right then... the home straight, week 9 starts tomorrow morning!!!

Happy running everyone, hope you're all having a good week x

⚡️ThunderSloth⚡️ out

[Dragonflies Graduate]

I think that superb and entertaining summary of your week 8 deserves at least 3 fist bumps! 👊👊👊

Have a great well deserved break before starting W9 👍

[Hidden in reply to Dragonflies]

Right back at ya Dragonflies 👊👊👊

Thanks! x

[Ibot]

Omg you are nailing this!! You are totally my new god!!

All prayers to the god of Sloth!!

Just realised no advertising for any shops 🤷🏽‍♀️ You feeling ok?

Perhaps check your temperature 🤒

[Hidden in reply to Ibot]

Definitely not nailing it but I’m open to the idea of becoming some sort of deity or cult leader with you as the first/only member. We should call it something like ‘Fifty Shades of Awesomeness’ OR ‘Dude where’s my Ambulance’ and we’ll basically run everywhere… still up for it?

Yeah, I’m getting a bit concerned that you work for trading standards, so I’ll be keeping my PR stuff on the down low from now on, I’ll start hitting the sales hard once you’re back on night shifts I think.... (Good news about getting back to work BTW) xxx

[Ibot in reply to Hidden]

Thank you. I’m nervous. Thankfully on days fri-sun. Nights start Monday 🦇🦉

Why not the cult of sloth has a ring to it 🤩 if you promise nice things I’ll totally be your first member 🤪

[New_Runner_KD]

Well done you! So pleased for you - you're really nailing it!! Wow, just realised what a short time is left on the plan for you - you'll be a graduate in just a few days!! Have you got a plan for your final run yet? I'm starting week 8 tomorrow, so quite a bit behind you now, but I think I'm only going to leave one day inbetween runs instead of the two that I've been leaving lately, it worked on my first weeks, so I'm going to try that again. I seem to be getting fed up with my usual route, so I'm getting my partner to drop me somewhere near and I'll run back for my first 28-er.

Have a brilliant week 9 - routing for you!!!

KD

[Hidden in reply to New_Runner_KD]

Aah than you KD! As I say I don’t know about nailing it… but muddling my way through, and getting a bit lucky I think. I know… I can’t believe it three runs time I’ll be a graduate!

Yes I have a plan: I live really close to the beach on the south coast, there’s a perfect path that runs all the way alongside the beach and goes on for miles, but I’ve been saving it especially for my graduation run, I’ve completely avoided it for nine weeks and it's within walking distance of my house. The local beach is a very special place to me and I’ve enviously watched the runners there for many years, next week I’ll become one of them for the very first time, It will be my prize at the end of C25K!

Yes, sounds good change you route to mix it up a bit, it can become a bit repetitive can’t it. You’re not far behind at all, I’ll be there at the finish line to give you a huge cheer when it’s your turn to step up to the podium - not long now KD keep at it xxx 💙

[New_Runner_KD in reply to Hidden]

Aw thanks TS :-). I know what you mean about the beach run being great - I was in Lancing for a few days last week and ran along the path alongside the beach for one of my 25's - it was lovely! It will be a brilliant graduation run Took the dog back for a walk on Saturday and the path was full of runners in an organised race, so took him on the beach instead - he didnt mind! I did watch them enviously, especially their pace!

[Hidden in reply to New_Runner_KD]

oh sounds lovely, Lancing is just up the coast from where I work.

I know exactly what you mean about the pace of other runners, I forgot to put it in my post but last night I got mobbed by about 30 runners going in the opposite direction, it was an all female running group, they had matching luminous tops and they were incredibly quick! Looked like a lot of fun... but I don't think they'd want me tagging along 😊 not that I'd have a hope in hell of keeping up...!!! 🤣

[New_Runner_KD in reply to Hidden]

😂😂 - you will be able to soon - the rate you're going! 🏃👍

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Great job on week 8... time for that victory lap, enjoy

[Hidden in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Thanks UNM ------YES!!!

[paul1960 Graduate]

well done mate

[Hidden in reply to paul1960]

Cheers Paul, are you still tearing up that treadmill?! When are you doing your W8R3? 👍

[paul1960 Graduate in reply to Hidden]

cheers mate w8r3 friday then next week .monday.wensday .and friday graduation,

[Hidden in reply to paul1960]

Great, I’ll keep an eye out for you posts Paul, have a good run tomorrow and get set for that final week!

[Fabulous450 Graduate]

Fantastic ThunderSloth! Well done you! You’ve smashed W8, even with the phone malfunction and I’m sure you’ll be smashing W9 too!! 💪🏽! Enjoy your final week of the programme! The podium awaits!! 😁😁🤩❤️

[Hidden in reply to Fabulous450]

Thanks Fabulous! x I just had a good read of your last post to see what you’d been up to lately - running round in the darkness by the sounds of it!!! HaHa! Sounds like you got a bit of a bargain with that head torch - great idea I’ll keep an eye out on eBay and get one for those dark mornings - holding a little torch is a pain in the bum! 💚😍

[Fabulous450 Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thanks you!! I used my phone once. Not ideal and not as bright. The head torch was pretty good as well as nice and light. 👌🏽❤️

[IgaT Graduate]

Oh wow!!! Huge congratulation on this week's runs! Only 1 week left and the badge is yours!

I need to try running without music. But I'll do it probably as my consolidation run.

[Hidden in reply to IgaT]

Thanks IgaT, yes the running without music is definitely worth a go just to see what it’s like, I think I’ll do the same and save it for runs after C25K... unless my phone has other ideas 😡 how’s your hip doing? Feeling any better? I’ve been having a go at that legs up the wall thing - love it 😍 thanks for that tip xxx

[IgaT Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Front of my hip doesn't want to behave. It's not worse, so I believe it is temporary and go away soon.

Legs against the wall - so simple, so amazing

[Hidden in reply to IgaT]

I was going to say pain in the ass, but no... pain in the hip 😕 Take it steady IgaT give it a couple of days if it needs it, I know you’re smart you’ll do the right thing 👍 take care 🙂⚡️

[IgaT Graduate in reply to Hidden]

When it will need an additional rest, I will give this hip time. For now, it is doing good enough with some home regeneration strategies.

[Hidden in reply to IgaT]

As long as you’re not doing scientific experiments on yourself IgaT that’s cool 😎

[IgaT Graduate in reply to Hidden]

I'm always doing scientific experiments on myself! I am the best subject - I can check the subject almost 24/7 and I have full medical history! And it is double fun!

[Hidden in reply to IgaT]

🤣 never change IgaT - you’re one in a billion 🙌

[IgaT Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thank you, I guess

[SOULY47 Graduate]

Your post has made me giggle. You cannot beat proper fitted running shoes and my hubby swears by his compression socK/sleeves for his calves but i do laugh as he looks like a footy referee dressed in black. I too had a music failure on yesterday when my headphones died so I sang to myself lol. Good luck with week 9. I have 1 more to do!!

[Hidden in reply to SOULY47]

I’m glad it made you giggle SOULY47, honestly, the new trainers have made such a difference the pressure is being much more evenly distributed on my hips and I’m getting no knee pain now whatsoever, absolutely brilliant. You’ve just backed up my idea that they look like football socks and not a pair of pop socks or whatever those things are called! That’s great 😁

Oh my gosh you did very well there, I’m not sure I’d be capable of singing and grunting at the same time...

Wow! Last run.. when are you doing it? I’ll keep an eye out for your post and cheer you across the line 🏁 all the best with it Souly 👍 x

[SOULY47 Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Hopefully tomorrow but I may leave it for Saturday as I'm not working

[Katnap Graduate]

Loving all your pop art 😸

Only 1 week left! Enjoy!

[Hidden in reply to Katnap]

Thank you Katnap, love a bit of pop art especially onomatopoeia (had to check the spelling on that...!) are you still running with your C25K group? Do your kids do the group thing too, or do you run with the kids separately? 👍

[Katnap Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Kitten 2 already does cross country and parkrun. Kitten 1 is overcoming physical challenges and is surprised to actually now enjoy his runs with the c25k group

Numbers have dwindled a bit but there's still 40+ of us 😸

[Hidden in reply to Katnap]

Oh good to hear Katnap, that’s still a good size group then. Aah! good for K1, it’s great for them to see progress like that seeing the change In themselves and the social aspect of the group too that’s fantastic. Sounds like K2 is absolutely smashing it! You must be V proud of them 👍🔥😎

[Marcia-H Graduate]

😂😂😂 in stitches at this!!!!

We call the neighbour victor meldrew but for more grumpy reasons!

I can't stop thinking you look like a Japanese school girl with the knee high white socks/stocking on 🙊🙈

Such a funny post!! Enjoy week 9 👍💪

[Hidden in reply to Marcia-H]

Oh I see Marcia... you get a shiny new Graduate badge next to your name... honestly, you've changed! Japanese school girl indeed... RIGHT that's it! They're going in the bin now!

😂😂😂LOL! good one 👍 Thanks Marcia looking forward to it 😆💪

[Marcia-H Graduate in reply to Hidden]

😎

[ButtercupKid Graduate]

Sounds all good, ThunderSloth. I’m another music-free runner and I highly recommend it. You can get some great thinking done ! All the best for next week x

[Hidden in reply to ButtercupKid]

Thank you Buttercup! I did suspect that you might be 'music free' wth all the incredibly creative (bonkers) ditties that you come up with! I’ve got myself a mantra now too for when things are getting tough “stronger every step, stronger every step…” seems to work well 👍😁

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to Hidden]

A little bit of chanting never did Buddha any harm. Although on second thoughts, he’s not exactly svelte, is he ? 😄

[BeckySharp1]

Best of luck for your final week. loved reading your post

[Hidden in reply to BeckySharp1]

Thank you very much Becky, I feel a bit guilty unleashing a whole week of my nonsense on everyone all at once, it ends up being a very badly written essay… But I suppose it’s better than spreading the nonsense out…!

I hope you’re doing well, are you on week 4? Hows it going?

[BeckySharp1 in reply to Hidden]

actually i am doing the dreaded week 5 run 3 tomorrow!! I defnitely prefer a morning run too so the alarm will be set early so I can just get up and go. my runs have been going pretty smoothly up until now but wish me luck...I may well need it.

[Hidden in reply to BeckySharp1]

Don’t dread it Becky, that was definitely my favourite run of the lot so far. You’ve got this far without an issue so you know exactly how to approach it - niiiice and sloooow, it’s not a race. Good luck 🍀 I bet you’ll love it too 😃

[Hidden]

I've just got in from my final run of Week 8. Quite amazing!

What will we do in 2 week's time?

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Oh good job Oldpurple ...I know we’d better get planning hadn’t we! I do fancy having a go at 10K but I think I’ll enjoy the 5k’s for a while, do you have any thoughts?

[Jogunlikely Graduate]

Great post TS I am very jealous of your new running shoes 👟👽 <- closest emoji to a green eyed monster I could find 😁

I don't seem to have any spare weekends until December so not sure how I'm going to get to pompey for the gait analysis. I might have to take a day off to do it as I'm starting to get niggles in knees and heels

Ps can you remind me of the shop name? 👍

[Hidden in reply to Jogunlikely]

Cheers Jogunlikely, I know I’m dead pleased with them ...no aches! (Touch wood) yes sure it’s Alexandra Sports here’s their website:

alexandrasports.com/

👍

[Jogunlikely Graduate in reply to Hidden]

fingers crossed i'm going wednesday

[Hidden in reply to Jogunlikely]

Oh well done Jog' - set yourself a bit of a budget beforehand, my trainers were more expensive than the same pair advertised on their website, I think they charged me the 'Recommended Retail Price' for them rather than the discounts they offer online, but you're pay for the fitting service - which I felt was totally worth it.

[Jogunlikely Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thanks. I know it won't be cheap! I've historic feet and knee issues so amazed I've made it this far.... I've been running in my NB trainers that I used on my 2 ultra walks. Needless to say the spring has gone out if them Hopefully I can find something as comfy. Will need their advice on trail or road shoes. I cant afford both at the mo but like trail running. But with winter will be more pavement pounding ho hum

[AngryFlower Graduate]

Hey there, very well done, loved reading these as I had to take a couple of weeks break due to injury so it’s great to know how well you’re doing. Good luck for graduation week!

[Hidden in reply to AngryFlower]

Hey you! 👋 ...I thought only the other day I hadn’t seen you in a while Flower, what happened? I’m just imagining something nasty to do with boxing now!!! 🥊 🥊 🤕 thank you 😊 it’s only two runs left now, it’s going a bit too quickly! Glad to see you back x

[Hidden in reply to AngryFlower]

Ooh just read your post, tendon problem. ☹️ how are the trainers doing now, UNM had a good suggestion with the running socks 🧦

[AngryFlower Graduate in reply to Hidden]

So far so good, the blister didn’t get any worse and the tendon is holding up. I’m currently doing week 7 but may actually repeat it due to some loss of condition even though I’m able to do the full 25 minutes. This is my first full week back with my full 6 days a week exercise programme and I’m feeling tied and my body is protesting somewhat still I think a repeat may be a good idea. Hopefully I still be joining you fairly soon on the winners podium though!

[Hidden in reply to AngryFlower]

Oh glad to hear it Flower, yes you’ll be up there on that podium quick as a bloomin’ flash! It sounds like a good idea to repeat💡it’ll just give you a bit of confidence in you tendon again too. I think back to when I first heard what you actually do on your non running days 😆, I just thought WOW! RESPECT! This is one SERIOUSLY tough cookie 🍪 and I will certainly be there to cheer you on these next few weeks to see you graduate! Take it easy and have a great weekend x

[Hidden]

Thundersloth, my friend... I don’t bloody belieeeeevvveee it, I missed your post yesterday 🙈

Fist bump right back at ya 🤜🤛

Loved reading your journey through week 8... absolutely awesome work!

Socks,trainers,hecklers... it’s all been going on 😆 You’re completely smashing it! Well done!

Glad you enjoyed the headspace run... & I have to say, I admire you big time for continuing with your run when your phone gave up... 👏👏

Week9 has your name all over it!

You’ve got this!

⚡️🙌

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Haha! Hope you’re good Dreams 👊⚡️💥 I know a lot of irrelevant nonsense went on this week and I felt I had to tell everyone about it! It was a choice stop or run I know I would’ve just got flustered and quit if I had to stop so there was no other option really! 😤 How’s you? Is the heel still good? 🙌 🎃

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Not irrelevant at all... All part of the journey 🙌

All good here, heel is behaving thank you 🙏

I had my running shoes on yesterday morning... but then swapped them for dancing shoes & had an afternoon/night on the pop... I’m struggling today tho🤣 Hopefully I’ll get out for my run tomorrow as planned... Although a 2 day hangover could possibly get in the way 🙈🙈

You definitely made the right choice to carry on running... Bet you felt amazing when you finished 🙌 I’d love to try it, but think I’ll wait till after wk9! 🎉

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Oooh! check you out with your night out on the pop! 🥤 good for you 💃 Now... this’ll be an interesting experiment... most of the hangover runs that I’ve seen on here end up going pretty smoothly, just keep glugging down loads of water and make sure you’re hydrated and you should be all good. I haven’t got to test this theory yet because I’m a boring dad that never goes out on the p$$ anymore, but you’ve already volunteered to be the guinea pig ...keep us posted Dreams. Yes give the no music thing a go after graduation... your very own headspace run! Ha! X

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I’ll let you know how I go! I’m hoping it’ll go smoothly, although I could be the exception 🙈

I’ve been drinking water all day! 🤣

To be honest, it’s a rare occasion for me too these days, as I’m a mum of two monkeys 😆

Business as usual tomorrow with the 8.30am swimming lessons call...🤣🤦‍♀️

Had tickets for Jack White last night tho... So it was a real treat👌

Bet your mini Thundersloth/s are so proud of you! 🎉🙌🤩

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Oh very nice!!! I bet that was a cracking gig, I didn’t know he was on tour at the minute that’s cool 😎

I’ve got two boys 8 and 2. The 8 year old is really getting interested now, I’m going to take him to have a look at the junior park run to see if he wants to get involved. The 2 year old loves getting stuck in to the warm down exercises! How old are your two? Ooh have fun at the lessons just what you need on day 2 hangover 😁

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

8&2... brilliant ages! Love that your little one gets stuck in to the warm down! 😆... & I bet your 8 yer old will love junior park run! Definitely take him & give it a try! I bet you’ll both love it 🙌👌

My two are 7&9... they’re one of the main reasons I started this, they both love running & go to an athletics club, my aim is to be able to run properly with them... although they’ll probably leave me for dust 🤣🙈

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Oh good for them with the athletics club. Absolutely! we’ve got to get these kids into a good habit of activity that they can enjoy for life! They’ll be shouting slow down mum when you’ve finished this 😆!!! Would be really nice to run with my eldest, I already skateboard with him, get some proper funny looks but... bovvered?! I’ve still got it 😎 ...the floor has just got much harder when you hit it over the last 20 odd years...! enjoy your weekend Dreams 🙌

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

You’ve definitely still got it! 😎⚡️

Love that you skateboard with him... I totally agree about getting the kids into good active habits 🙌👌

Have a great weekend too... I’m running tomorrow, chickened out today, I’m getting too old... one night out requires about 3 days recovery 🤣🙈

[blu54]

Go week 9! Just can’t imagine ever getting that far - at least down here in deepest darkest Cornwall the only peskie gremlins are those in my head and the bats!

Good luck.

[Hidden in reply to blu54]

Thanks blu54 you’ll get there, and you be a strong runner 🏃‍♀️ especially with all those Cornish hills! Keep at it and thanks 👍😁

[Dechrau]

Great Post. I'm on wk8 just completed R1. I tried running with music and didn't like it which was a huge surprise even to me. I find it distracting. I enjoy being in the moment and only the sound of my feet pounding and breathing. Well done BTW. Graduation in sight