W6R3 and a personal milestone

[Puppy-love]

When I started this adventure in early July, I set myself a target of trying to run for 20 minutes by my 60th birthday. It seemed a bit of a dream but it’s always good to have a goal. I achieved the 20 minutes a week ago so I set a new target - to run as far as possible around the Serpentine in Hyde Park as I’m back in my home town for a few days. Last night I struggled to sleep because of horrible hip pain that appeared from nowhere and I was despondent as I thought I wouldn’t be able to run today. Miraculously, the pain went as quickly as it came and, equally miraculously, I ran around the Serpentine and a bit more in 25 minutes.

If any of you were in Hyde Park this morning and you noticed a crazy old girl leaping around in joy that was me. I am so chuffed. Birthday is Tuesday. Maybe won’t be running on Wednesday. Happy running my virtual friends.

[calcon Graduate]

A big well done to you, it’s always a great feeling when you set a goal and then achieve it. Have a fantastic birthday when it comes and take a well earned break on Wednesday as the running will still be there the following day. Again a big well done🏃‍♂️🏃‍♂️🏃‍♂️

[Puppy-love Graduate in reply to calcon]

Thank you calcon. Wise words that running will always be there the next day. I can get hung up on running on a particular day and then it becomes a bit tick box instead of joyous. I’m aiming for joyous.

[Jazzyrunner Graduate]

That’s just fabulous - well done, brilliant achievement! Lovely place to do it too 👏🏻 Onwards and upwards from here - and have a wonderful birthday! 🎉🏃🏼‍♀️🥂

[Puppy-love Graduate in reply to Jazzyrunner]

Thank you and thank you. We’re officially runners now JR. Woo hoo!

[Jazzyrunner Graduate in reply to Puppy-love]

🙌🏻

[Hatman Graduate]

Hi Crazy old girl. Well done on reaching your 20 minute goal.👍🏼

You do realise that you are now two thirds of the way towards your next goal of 30 minutes? In July even 20 minutes seemed almost impossible? Now you have done that. You are fitter, healthier and perhaps even tightened the belt a bit?

Well Done you! All you need to do is just continue being as determined as you have for the past few weeks. Sounds as if you might have enjoyed most of the journey? Keep that up too. I’d better warn admin that you are coming soon. Get that Graduate badge polished up for you. Perhaps include some very gentle stretches?

nhs.uk/conditions/nhs-fitne... Enjoy the rest of your journey and have a great birthday party, you Runner You!

[Puppy-love Graduate in reply to Hatman]

Thank you for you very encouraging words. Running for thirty minutes does seem achievable now. Thanks for the advice about stretching. I’ve been doing a bit but I’ll read the link as I’m sure I should do more. I do feel fitter than for a long time.

[Hatman Graduate in reply to Puppy-love]

Things can only get better. Have fun.

[Buddy34 Graduate]

Well done you and so you should be so chuffed 😊

[Puppy-love Graduate in reply to Buddy34]

Thank you. 😊😍

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

Happy birthday for Tuesday, congratulations on completing run 3 of week 6, you are now OFFICIALLY a RUNNER, I understand why you were jumping up and down yesterday. 😊 🏃

[Puppy-love Graduate in reply to AlMorr]

Thank you. Especially for calling me a runner... 😆🏃‍♀️

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate in reply to Puppy-love]

👍 🏃

[Elfe5 Graduate]

Very well done and happy birthday for Tuesday. 😀

I had my 60th a couple of months ago and am very excited about the running too! 😄😄

[Puppy-love Graduate in reply to Elfe5]

Thank you. 😊

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate]

Wow, well done Puppy-love , what an acheivement...and all before your target date too?! I'd have loved to see you jumping for joy in the park this morning, I'd have been jumping with you!!! Haha...have a lovely birthday and enjoy the celebrations x

[Puppy-love Graduate in reply to Mummycav]

Thank you so much. Fortunately Hyde Park is full of people doing weird stuff so nobody seemed concerned. 😊😘

[60fit Graduate]

Well done! 👏 This programme is the best birthday gift we can give ourselves 😀🏃‍♀️ Enjoy your special day on Tuesday! 🎂

[Puppy-love Graduate in reply to 60fit]

Thank you. 😊

[TinyClangR Graduate]

Great stuff PL - I’m not far behind you age wise so I totally get what a great achievement it is. Wishing you all the best towards 30 mins ! 👍🏻

[Puppy-love Graduate in reply to TinyClangR]

Thank you. I know 60 is just another number but it’s also a great motivator to get fit.

[AliHC Graduate]

Congratulations! What an achievement! Hope you enjoyed your 25 minute milestone!

Have a wonderful birthday on Tuesday 🎈🎁 xxx

[Puppy-love Graduate in reply to AliHC]

I did. Thank you. Graduation doesn’t seem so far away now, does it?

[AliHC Graduate in reply to Puppy-love]

No it's not that far away now! I still can't believe it! X

[Puppy-love Graduate]

Just read your post.your run today was much tougher than mine. I’m enjoying a few days away from hills but I’ll be back to trying to avoid the worst of them next week. X