W4r1 🏃‍♀️ ups and downs

[ktsok]

I found myself making a lot of excuses before I even got out of bed this morning. I was not NOT going to run, but I was setting up for ‘failure’. Sore throat, runny nose, two long bouldering sessions at the weekend, definitely a bit dehydrated, two cigarettes... 😬

I brought this armband thing to put my phone in, so left the house in my flimsiest outfit yet after doing some warm up stretches 😇. It was a tad chilly but a beautiful morning.

You know, even only half an hour after the run, I’m struggling to remember what I was feeling during it - I know it was pretty bad, as I was seriously questioning whether I could keep going. There was definitely a lot of negativity going on. It’s a bit like childbirth though - the endorphins/rush of joy at the end of the slog makes you forget the hard bits. I feel great now, but I know I didn’t whilst running!

(By the way, I hope this is helpful to someone - there are all these amazing stories of people graduating, and triumphantly ticking off another week, and it’s easy to think other people aren’t finding it as hard/feeling the pain, meaning you must be the unfittest of the unfit, etc, etc, continue down the rabbit hole, etc).

I knew I was going to make it when I finished the first 5 minutes. During that first 5 minutes, I wasn’t sure. Michael told me I was 2.5 minutes through and I could have cried. He told me I had a minute to go and I had to force myself to keep going (uphill at this point, too 😩). But then I had the 2.5 minute recovery walk, which seemed to go on forever (I’m still unconvinced the app didn’t pause and restart). I realised I had recovered and the final 3 minute and 5 minute runs were... ok?!

I kept walking for an extra few minutes to get to 5k in 38 minutes, 16 minutes of which was jogged.

Yes, it was OK. I’m doing OK. Well done chaps 🙂

[BaddieThePirate Graduate]

I agree! Once I graduated I thought I was quite good at running. I kept going out knowing I could do 5km, then finding it horrendously difficult. Then I'd finish my run, feel great, feel that sense of achievement and be really surprised on my next run that it was actually quite difficult.

I always find the first km hard, then find my rhythm and there is usually a sweet spot, then the last leg can be difficult again. Some runs are just amazing, but mainly the best bit is when you've finished one and feel great.

[ktsok Graduate in reply to BaddieThePirate]

Haha! Yes, can totally relate (on a MUCH lower level). I wouldn’t be so foolish as to feel smug, but a good run leaves you with a sort of simmering confidence, so it comes as a real slap in the face when you start gasping a couple of minutes into the next run 🤣

Looking forward to finding the sweet spot!

Merry Christmas 🙂

[E27M14 Graduate]

I did w4r1 today too. In broad daylight with people out and about! The only one that even seemed to see me though gave cheery words of encouragement as he overtook me 😂

I found it hard at times but the feeling at the end is amazing. I am so chuffed to have got this far. Time to put away the running shoes for Christmas, Boxing Day is going to be tough 🏃‍♀️

[ktsok Graduate in reply to E27M14]

Ooh well done! I’m so lucky - I mainly just see (and am seen by) sheep, who don’t comment. I say ‘baaa’ occasionally to prove I am conversational 😉

Boxing Day is going to be tough!!! Let’s do it together 🤪

Merry Christmas!

[ButtercupKid Graduate]

Just finished week 4 myself and it does feel like a big jump after week 3, but you definitely can do it. I’ve been thinking each week that once I can run the first one I’ve already proven I can do the other two, so I just have to get on and do them. Consequently, week 5 looks like sabotage ! However, you already know lots of things you could have done better because you describe them in your post. Just think how much easier it’ll be when you get it all in line 😀

[ktsok Graduate in reply to ButtercupKid]

Oooh well done on finishing week 4. Yes, it looks like we shift several gears in week 5. I’m beginning to have faith in the program though, are you?

Have a lovely Christmas x

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to ktsok]

And to you ! I’m becoming more confident in the programme, but more importantly, I think, I’m learning to trust my body. As a child I was fat and clumsy; I’m still fat but I’m astonished at how co-ordinated and capable I can be if I listen to my body instead of my memory 😄

[ktsok Graduate in reply to ButtercupKid]

What a great Christmas present

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to ktsok]

I know - it astonishes me !