Didn’t want to but I did it anyway. Wk1r2 in smashed it

[Rainbow2019]

Hello lovely people. How are we all?! Looooong post again sorry but it’s mainly for my own self reflection and posting on here makes me feel like I am part of a wider challenge that I can’t just quit on.

So today I had my 2nd run planned. I won’t lie it was feeling more like a chore than something I actually wanted to do when I finally rolled out of bed this morning. When I looked out and it was snowing then hailing and sleeting and generally freezing and miserable, I was almost happy that I might not be able to do this today. As the day went on and my fit bit was shouting at me to move I kinda felt a bit guilty. I went back to my list of reasons to do this. I also looked at my pre drawn up list of possible excuses and how I would work round them. Yep - weather and lack of motivation were on there with “do it on the cross trainer instead” and “think of the bikini u want to wear on holiday” next to them. Then my fella in his oh so supportive manor declared that I wouldn’t complete the challenge and why does it matter I look fine as I am. Think his comments spured me on the most! (Although he could be as cute as my little boy and say I’m so pretty not that I’m just “fine as I am” lol)

Armed with this renewed motivation I made a promise to myself that regardless of the weather I was going to complete some kind of cardio today. When I got home from the fellas I donned my trainers (which by the way are sooooo not waterproof as I’ve now found out! Note to self - complete week 3 and treat myself to some new 1s. Waterproof 1s. Maybe even some smart 1s! Yes people we now have smart trainer which can track our runs. Who knew!? Am I the only 1 thinking “what next?!”)

Anyways - by the time I got home the weather wasn’t so terrible. Cold, damp, getting dark but still just about light enough to drag myself outside and get through this!

Managed to get out with zero faff today! And no stupid pink rucksack. Wireless headphones, light jacket for keys and phone, set app and music going and straight out of the door. Looking pretty amazing and sort of like the glider runners that may pass me by.

Warm up done, feet soaked already and nearly fallen over a few ducks. Can they not see me and that I have no bread? Just move outta my way!!

Get ready to run - now this part on Friday I was like omg I am so not ready. Today - bring it on. My goal given that I didn’t do so great on Friday was to make it past the 1st 4 runs and just power walk if I really couldn’t push myself. I am so goooood! Made it through all 8 runs. All of them! So instead of laughing to myself when the lovely Sarah McMillan gave her words of encouragement and thinking oh if only you knew! I was actually agreeing with her. I totally nailed it tonight. Walking back home I felt AMAZING! I am actually looking forward to run number 3.

On reflection I think that reading all your words of advice about pace really paid off. Ok so I didn’t run the fastest but in pacing myself I finished the challenge! I now have a renewed motivation and faith in myself that actually I can do this. I am doing this. I’m challenging myself not the rest of the world. On my way back home I could actually visualise myself been 1 of those gliders sailing past looking healthy and glowing (as opposed to my knackard beaming lobster aura!)

I’m already feeling healthier (I have more toned legs and I swear my belly’s not quite so big. Maybe just wishful thinking but I’ll take it!) I’m more aware of my eating and consciously making good choices (apart from the curry last night but it was delicious and the restaurant was beautiful and weekend calories don’t count right? Same as biscuits if u break them in half the calories all fall out? 😂)

So lovely lovely people, hope your experiences are as inspiring to you as mine are to me. Look forward to reading your progress. Only 25 more runs until we graduate. I wouldn’t have EVER said this before but I am looking forward to the next run!

Keep up the good work peeps! We’ve got this xxx

[Myzinnyboy Graduate]

Well done you ! I’m just back from my first run and I feel great ! A bit of a faff getting out with sorting out phone dog and keys but away I went. Looking forward to Wednesday . Did I just say looking forward !

[DiscoRunner Graduate]

I think you’ve found the key to staying motivated. Nice and slow so you can do it coupled with the amazement of what you’re achieving and physical results. You’ve got this!

[Bwfcmadrid]

I didn't know calories fell Out of biscuits when they're broken up 😆 made me chuckle that did. Enjoyed reading your post...

[Hidden]

Well done on completing wk1 run2. I was the same and dreading run2 after the first one. I probably found that run the easiest out of the 3. I have just completed week 1 and looking forward to week 2 but also dreading it at the same time. Good luck on your running journey

[SeeJillRun Graduate]

Yay! Glad you managed to run all 8 and well done for getting out on such an awful day. It’s great that you’re feeling the benefits already, that’s one of the great things about this programme. Won’t be long now till you’re addicted like the rest of us! 🏃‍♀️

[Richyrunslow Graduate]

5 months ago i made the same excuses and, like you, i worked out how to overcome them. Now i am looking forward to my next runs on a regular basis. Some runs are better than others. Some runs just take a lot of effort and some just fly by. I started Parkrun once i completed C25K and i really recommend that you look into your local organised event when you are ready. Good luck!