Yeah to the great outdoors: I’ve just got back... - Couch to 5K

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Yeah to the great outdoors

Redvic97 profile image
Redvic97Graduate
19 Replies

I’ve just got back from my first venture outside and I’m rather pleased with myself. I thought I would just redo W9R3 and see how far I got so reacquainted myself with Sarah and off we went.

I didn’t run for 30 minutes, managed 15 and it was a hill that finished me off, you don’t get those on a treadmill with no incline 😂. I’m going to have to give it a name. I then couldn’t seem to get going again so just walked the rest of the way home. Bizarrely I got terrible ear ache in my right ear -had my earphones in and my hat on so don’t know what that was about 🤷‍♀️

I’m most pleased that I actually went out and got over the fear of anyone seeing me. I greeted the other runners and dog walkers, managed not to trip over my own feet and felt like a runner. I need to think about top layers -still really hot and sweaty despite what I thought was minimal, a running top and my old Altura bike coat that has been in the back of the wardrobe for years.

I’m going to stick with it, try the same route again and just see how far I get next time. I am determined to do it 😊

Happy running everyone and have a great weekend 😊

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Redvic97
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19 Replies
Grannyhugs profile image
GrannyhugsGraduate

Brilliant effort, running outside is the best, all those new routes. But tackling a hill on your 1st venture out - well done. Make your steps tiny and slow right down then you'll make it to the top. Happy running

Redvic97 profile image
Redvic97Graduate in reply to Grannyhugs

Thanks for the encouragement. I did manage to get to the top - I had all of you and myself shouting slow down in my ear (perhaps that’s why I got earache 😂). I was just shattered at the top so I will go even slower next time 😊

Grannyhugs profile image
GrannyhugsGraduate in reply to Redvic97

😂😂😂 sorry to give you earache, we will whisper next time 😉

Grannyhugs profile image
GrannyhugsGraduate in reply to Redvic97

You've just inspired me to tackle a hill I have to change down gear in the car, thank you. New route and 7k in the bag - very wet 😅😅😅

Redvic97 profile image
Redvic97Graduate in reply to Grannyhugs

Glad to be of help and well done. I’m very impressed 👍🏼

Grannyhugs profile image
GrannyhugsGraduate in reply to Redvic97

Thank you

Buddy34 profile image
Buddy34Graduate

First outdoor run and first hill , brilliant. It will get better and better the more you do it . Good luck and well done 😊😊

Sandraj39 profile image
Sandraj39Graduate

Wonderful! Indoor/outdoor is all personal choice of course and ultimately comes down to what works best for you. I much prefer the great outdoors and am lucky enough to have some lovely places to run right on my doorstep. I know this isn't the case for everyone and winter brings it's own challenges but well done for getting out there. I think many will identify with that fear of being seen by others at first - but once you're out there you realise that you're actually just another runner and no one really takes much notice! As for other runners - we're a pretty friendly bunch and I think most will acknowledge each other with a 'hi' or a runners wave!🙂

Redvic97 profile image
Redvic97Graduate in reply to Sandraj39

Thanks for the encouragement. It was lovely to greet other runners. I said hello to someone else who might have been on a walking section with a look that seemed to suggest that we both were a little surprised to find ourselves out there 😁

Nilsam profile image
NilsamGraduate

Well done for getting outside and having a go. Mmm the hills are hard, aren't they? I guess it's a different type of training now isn't it? Enduring time/ distance and environment. Really impressed. 🏃‍♀️👀👍

Redvic97 profile image
Redvic97Graduate in reply to Nilsam

It did feel different, uneven pavements and roads to cross. I also encountered a car fully on the pavement and I did tell the driver that it was a pavement not the road 🙄. Strange getting used to the breathing in cold air. All part of the joy of running 😊

Nilsam profile image
NilsamGraduate in reply to Redvic97

So pleased that you did enjoy it. The cars, bends, dogs etc are a distraction too. I head for road signs, then down to the park etc. I get to recognise where I am. A man has twice shouted, "You are going so slow!" Such encouragement you do not get on a treadmill. 😂👣

Roxdog profile image
RoxdogGraduate in reply to Nilsam

Well, it's amazing that people feel the need to shout remarks!

Nilsam profile image
NilsamGraduate in reply to Roxdog

Now he has done it twice it's not so much of a shock, I just smile and trundle on. 🐢

Roxdog profile image
RoxdogGraduate

It does feel quite different outside so brilliant that you got out there! It was quite windy here so maybe that caused the earache?

Getting used to outside running may mean you need to slow down even more ? It feels faster on the treadmill.

Nilsam profile image
NilsamGraduate in reply to Roxdog

Woolly hat..pulled over your ears...I wear it as a disguise too. Like a very slow ninja. 👀🕶

Roxdog profile image
RoxdogGraduate in reply to Nilsam

Haha! My hat is less than flattering nd I look like a weird creature I don't quite recognise in my running clothes!

Roxdog profile image
RoxdogGraduate

Perhaps try running on softer surfaces too? Pavements are quite tough

Speedy60 profile image
Speedy60Graduate

I do all my runs outdoors and still don't get my clothing right. I go shopping in a big coat, scarf, hat and gloves and can't get used to coming home and stripping down to leggings and t shirt. I'm only now starting to crack it. Soon the weather will warm up and I'll be getting it wrong again.

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