5 Degrees C, wet and windy . . . . but we keep on runnin' anyway!

[Julian1970]

It is so easy on these cold, damp inhospitable autumn mornings to surrender to the warm, comfortable and quite frankly, best place on earth - your bed!

But one of the many great things to come out of doing C25K, for me at least, is that drive to get out of bed at 6am on a Saturday, have a bowl of porridge and head down to the seafront to join the 350+ others who are there to do one thing . . . . run!

The attached picture is of this weekends run, I'm the one on the far left of the photo, (grey shorts and green top).

Some of the guys who do Parkrun (my local one at least), have done this routine for more than 10 years, completing over 500 runs. Me, I'm just a novice. I've just completed my 15th Parkrun since graduating. I have been incredibly lucky with all my runs since starting C25K, only getting wet through sweat. Now with the probability that most Saturday mornings are probably going to be cold, wet and windy, I am determined more than ever to make that short trip to the cliff top and join all those others who don't care what the weather throws at them to complete that 5k.

I hope that all of you reading this continued to be inspired, that graduation at wk 9 isn't the end of your running, rather the beginning. Whether you chose to continue to run on your own, join a club or like me find a Parkrun; just do one thing for me . . . . . . .

KEEP ON RUNNIN'

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

Good photograph of you Julian and the other runners at yesterday's 5k run. Even if the weather is cold and windy with rain, hail, sleet and snow the parkrun must go on, although the attendance might not be as much as on a lovely Saturday morning in the summer time.

[Julian1970 Graduate in reply to AlMorr]

Cheers Al We still had a good turn out in spite of the weather (well over 300). It amazes me just how dedicated these men, women and kids are . . . it's brilliant!

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate in reply to Julian1970]

Yes indeed Julian Since graduating in June I have ran three 5k runs averaging just under 35 minutes.

It always amazes me that whenever I am a spectator at any running events someone stands out among the runners who are taking part whether young or old. Last year I saw a girl about 11 years old completing a 1K race in under 3 and a half minutes and just today I was out a 12 kilometre walk and going in the opposite direction there was a half marathon trail race. The first 3 runners who I would say were around 35 years of age were running at about 18 minute 5k pace, they finished the race in around 1.28 but what stood out was the man who was 4th, he was a 60+ year old veteran who was running at around 20 minute 5k pace, not sure what his final time was, always amazes me when I see someone like that.

[Julian1970 Graduate in reply to AlMorr]

Every week Al there are 65yo + veterans who pass me and cross the line in 20-25mins. Every week I doff my virtual cap to them. It's brilliant to be beaten by them, not embarrassing. To see them do what they do just inspires me more. That goes for the kids as well and the pram pushers (they really are showing off).

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Enjoy the cold and wet... it’s character building 😂

Good run!

[Julian1970 Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

The character I'm building must be a complete idiot . . . . .

[UnfitNoMore Graduate in reply to Julian1970]

Welcome to the asylum 😂

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Go you...the Autumn mornings..wet wild and Wonderful!

[Julian1970 Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

The same words they use to describe me Floss

[cheekychipmunks Graduate]

Well done Julian! I wholeheartedly agree with all your sentiments! I ran my 6th parkrun on Saturday, but in fabulous conditions. 3 degrees, crisp and sunny!

Hope yours is a little more hospitable next weekend! 🏃🏃🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[Julian1970 Graduate in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Looking better at the moment Cheeky!

[Agelesslass]

That’s the true spirit, we won’t let rain, sleet, snow or cold stop us running, even though I’ve been soaked and chilled to my bones twice in the last two weeks. Keep on running is good advice Julian

[Millsie-J Graduate]

Lovely photo Julian! Great post too. I much prefer cold weather running myself 🏃🏻‍♀️🏃🏻

[Julian1970 Graduate in reply to Millsie-J]

Definitely like it coolie Millsie . . . . not quite so sure I am completely sold on down right cold and wet though

[DublinC]

Great photo and what a fantastic setting for a ParkRun!

I did C25K once before and once I did the 5K I stopped - which I have regretted ever since. So, back again for another try! Hopefully I will I have a photo like yours in due course (though my local ParkRun doesn't have your gorgeous setting!)

[Julian1970 Graduate in reply to DublinC]

We are blessed with some wonderful coastline Dublin which provides a fantastic, car free, safe place to run. Glad to hear that you are giving Parkrun another go and I hope you are able to make it a regular event (I look forward to seeing the pics)

[Fabulous450 Graduate]

Great post Julian!! 🤩🤩😍! Running by the seafront looks brilliant. Well done and thanks for the inspiration. 😉❤️

[Julian1970 Graduate in reply to Fabulous450]

Always a pleasure hearing from you Fabulous