I did it!

[Friedflamingo]

After a very difficult and discouraging first run (as per my previous post) I regrouped, took onboard all the advice I was given by the supportive people on this forum, got my running shoes back on, went out on a rainy and windy day... and I did it! I ran all 8 mins and completed W1R2! I feel terrific!

After Friday I genuinely thought I couldn’t be able to get through 8mins of running so I’m very proud of myself and very grateful to everyone who offered practical advice.

Here’s a few mistakes I now realise I made on the first run:

1) As many pointed out, I ran far too fast. I had a preconception of what a run should be (I.e full pelt) but after listening to advice and watching some YouTube vids I realised I had to slow it waaaay down to not much faster than my walk. I couldn’t believe it when Sanjeev told me my first run was finished and to start walking again!

2) After looking at the route I took on day 1, I realised that 75% of it was uphill. So today I took to my local (very muddy - see pic below!) running track. Kept it all on the level which meant I didn’t have a literal uphill struggle.

3) I kept going. Despite feeling low after my first run I was encouraged by all the positive comments on the forum and I stopped looking at it as a failure. It was just a first step. I can’t wait for the next one!

[bananahead Graduate]

Well done Fried flamingo , excellent advice too. Enjoy your next run.

[Buddy34 Graduate]

That's really great . You should be so pleased you completed your run and all the advice worked for you. Well done you 😊😊😊

[Enxo Graduate]

That's swell! Really well done!

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

That’s such brilliant news we’ll dine

[Friedflamingo in reply to SueAppleRun]

I watched some vids on that Japanese slow running you recommended and it was so helpful! Really helped me with my pace and form. Thank you 😃

[Hidden]

Well done 👍🏼 I’m so glad that your second run was a much more positive one for you! Keep going 😁

[Portlandprincess Graduate]

Brilliant...feels good!

[Wenderwoo Graduate]

Excellent, well done!

[Debston Graduate]

Great stuff! It's as much a mental challenge and being able to get back out there after a not so great run is so important. Keep going, you're doing great. ☺

[Grannyhugs Graduate]

Brilliant news, well done on all this learning so early on your journey. You're going to be great. Happy running

[Annieapple Administrator Graduate]

Well done!!! That’s the stuff runners are made of.... persistence & taking on board advice & enjoying the run whatever! 👍😁