FOLKESTONE

[BirdyRose]

Today was my first ever run in Folkestone.

I wasn't really "feeling" it all that much. I think if someone had told me to take the day off I would have. I'm glad I didn't.

We started our run by running down loads of stairs, that was weird. I didn't really run down the stairs, I kind of carefully hobbled over exaggeratedly. 🏃

Then we got to the bottom of the coast, Doozer ran ahead of me and ran to the footpath along the sea edge. Immediately as I ran up to the edge, a gigantic enormous killer wave crashed OVER the sea wall and drenched me. 🌊 So there I was. In the freezing cold wind, starting my run with a mouth full of salt water, drenched, and looking like I've pissed myself. I only had 28 minutes left to go 😂

We ran all along the sea and made our way towards the Folkestone lighthouse. I didn't know there was an old train track and station that went all the way up there. It was fun running through that, Doozer was jumping up and down steps as if he's doing some sort of Parkour sh*t he's seen on YouTube. I chose not to pay him any attention. He doesn't need encouraging to fall on his arse.

I thought it would take me the whole run to get to the lighthouse. I actually got to the lighthouse in 10 minutes. So we turned back and ran through the train station, where there was this wooden footpath in the pebbles that led to the beach. INCREDIBLE. So naturally, we ran across that. It was so beautiful. The waves were wild. The sun kept poking out of the grey clouds. I ran the whole length for the rest of my run, I got past that all the way to another footpath along the beach then I sprinted. Whilst sprinting I got a terrible stitch, but I didn't care. That run was absolutely AMAZING.

I'm a bit sad that I only have one run left of Couch to 5k until I Graduate. I'm definitely going to continue practicing this new part of my life. I feel like running gives me more than I could have ever imagined. The reason I started running wasn't to lose weight or look cool. I literally just wanted a way to get out of bed and stop feeling so sh*t. Finding new and interesting places to run is also going to be a big deal to me from now on. Me and Dooze have some ideas.

[Shelley2310 Graduate]

Wow sounds lovely, I live just down the road from Folkestone. I hadn’t thought about running there. I might take a little drive and try it!

[Blamm0 Graduate]

I just wanted to say you are a total inspiration to me! I am a couple of weeks behind you and have loved following your success. Dealing with the negativity gremlins is an ongoing battle for me but every time I get out there I feel a huge sense of triumph. Thank you for sharing your running journey!

[BirdyRose in reply to Blamm0]

You know what I forget to mention it quite a lot but my runs ALWAYS start in the first five minutes or so with my brain telling me I can't do it, or this will be the run I quit halfway through. It tells me all the reasons to quit and I'm just battling it every time. It seems to be quietening down quicker now. I get about 20 minutes in and then I feel totally relaxed. Five minutes later I feel exhausted. 😂 This is all part of it I think.

This has been a real psychological challenge. I hope you keep battling the negative gremlins too! Tell em to piss off you ran last time so you're doing it again today 😉

[Blamm0 Graduate in reply to BirdyRose]

Tomorrow i’ve got week 5 run 3...... definitely a case of mind over matter! I ‘know’ I can do it but my gremlins think they can beat me down. No way i’m gonna let them beat me!

[Cuig1975 in reply to Blamm0]

Oh good luck tomorrow and BirdyRose that run sounded lovely, I got wet through today at parkrun but great when I finished, and yes that first 10 mins or so I ask myself what am I at? But always feel good when I’m done, I’ll never forget that 20 min run it was the most special, and keep it going after graduation I did this 2 yrs ago and stopped back at it again and I register for the occasional 5k to keep me motivated, also parkrun is fantastic..... I’m replying to both of ye in the one post sorry 😐

[WalkingWithLabradors Graduate]

BirdyRose what an absolute delight to read this contribution. I’m a lapsed C25K graduate but your run reminded me of why I enjoyed doing it so much. I’m starting again tomorrow and I’ll think of your post. Good luck with your graduation. 👍🏻

[Billycaf57 in reply to WalkingWithLabradors]

I too have lapsed and so p,,,,,,d with myself. I got to first run of week 2 and although it was so hard for me I sort of enjoyed it. I just can't seem to get going again. Feeling sad 😪

[WalkingWithLabradors Graduate in reply to Billycaf57]

Come on Billycaf57. Stand yourself up, brush yourself down and start again. If I can do it this morning YOU can too. We’re around the same age and I’m trying to battle diabetes T2. What is your ‘Why’?

[SaskAlliecat Graduate]

Sounds absolutely wonderful! It just goes to show that if you can ignore those pesky gremlins, there is often an absolutely amazing run just waiting to happen! You've got some great places to run at. Enjoy exploring more.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Running for me is about being at one with my environment........... I forgive you for being sick............but I believe the raised heart rate and sensory perception are the most wonderful discovery of running that you can make.........

Want to feel alive.......?

Run!

[Bassman999 Graduate]

Excellent read again BirdyRose, you had me running along the old train track and through the station too Since graduating a couple of weeks ago I am finding that the gremlins are beginning to fade from my thoughts and running is becoming easier.