Slightly surreal but elating

[Perry-Formis]

I went for another early run this morning - awake at half past 3, still awake at 4.15 so got up to do my Week 4 Run 1.

Got ready, got out the front door - should have known - it was tipping down but after a seconds hesitation I thought "lets just go". So off I went on the five minute warm up walk, and I am getting pretty wet, which takes me to an unlit path where I usually run.

Switched on my head torch only to find the battery is flat - should have checked it last night. Anyway start the first 3 min run because I think there wont be any one around at this time of the morning so no danger of collision. I cross the bridge over the river - I can hear it roaring beneath my feet but I can't see it. Now its time for the first 5 minute run, feeling a bit trepidatious, but with the help of Herbie Hancock playing some ridiculously funky music I complete it.

Now the half time bell has gone, so I turn around. Eventually its time for the second 5 min run. Im feeling quite confident now because I have slowed my pace and I am not experiencing the usual calf and shin problems - my new shoes may also have something to do with that too.

By this time I can hardly see through my glasses as they are covered in water droplets, there is a fine mist of rain/spray all around me and as I turn the corner and come out of the dark wooded part of the path I can see faint traces of light on the horizon, mist is coming off the surrounding fields, its all very beautiful. I now have Curtis Mayfield playing ridiculously funky music and It feels like I am running through the memory of a strange but rather nice dream. I feel quite elated as I finish the run. I am soaking wet, my new shoes aren't waterproof so my feet are wet and cold but I feel great if a little breathless.

So glad I started this running malarkey - have a good feeling that I will be doing this for many years to come.

[misswobble Graduate]

Absolutely wonderful. I saw that dawn rising 😁

Curtis Mayfield as your fellow traveller! Me too. People get ready to move on up 😁💪👍

[Perry-Formis in reply to misswobble]

Thats the track I was listening to - move on up - the extended version with all that funky percussion going on. I love it

[misswobble Graduate in reply to Perry-Formis]

Yup! Me too! Brilliant. Did Steve Cropper pen the famous intro?

I love the Impressions - Mayfield's backing group. A group in their own right of course. Lovely stuff. I love People Get Ready. Very easy to run to that one.

[Perry-Formis in reply to misswobble]

I am not that familiar with his earlier stuff with the Impressions. I am definitely going to have to check it out though. He has such a sweet voice.

I don't know about Mr Cropper although these guys were so talented I wouldn't be surprised.

[dijep Graduate]

Well done for carrying on despite the weather 👍 Your run route sounds wonderful. I chickened out this morning as there was a thin layer of snow, bit worried about slipping. May go later, although I prefer to run earlier in the day.

[Perry-Formis in reply to dijep]

Thanks for the reply. Don't blame you for giving it a miss if theres snow on the ground. I would think twice too.

My route is nice - takes me past playing fields, a cricket pitch, nice tree lined path and then past the local sewage works. Can be a bit smelly some days.

[dijep Graduate in reply to Perry-Formis]

Just got back from run 1st of wk 3 and the sun came out : )

[Perry-Formis in reply to dijep]

Lovely. Hope your run went well. 3 mins can be a long time sometimes.

[dijep Graduate in reply to Perry-Formis]

It was weird I found the 3 minutes seemed better as I could get into a rhythm. I've never tried running before so I find it difficult to have a consistent stride( of that makes sense) 3 minutes gave me more time to sort it out!

[Perry-Formis in reply to dijep]

Yep, I think I know what you mean. I did the first 5 min runs today and for the first time whilst doing them I felt like I was running naturally, it was unforced and whilst not effortless, it felt like I had hit my natural stride for a couple of minutes at least.

Hope it continues like that for both of us

[Joanney69 Graduate]

Fabulous 😊 I love running in the rain ☔ who knew it could feel so good?

Well done for getting out there in spite of the weather ☺

I laid in bed listening to the rain and decided not to go out - maybe later 😁

[Perry-Formis in reply to Joanney69]

Yes. first time for me but it won't be the last. Won't have much choice living in sunny Wales ha ha

[Joanney69 Graduate in reply to Perry-Formis]

I know what you mean - I'm in sunny Cornwall 🌞 ☔ 🍃 💧🌧️💦😂

[Alast]

Well done you for getting out there, and so early too. (I thought I was mad because I usually go out at 5:15 in the morning, I'm impressed with your time!). Completing the first run of W4 in such conditions too means you've earned another well done, that's the biggest weekly step up in the whole of C25K. Good luck with the rest of it.

[Perry-Formis in reply to Alast]

Thank you. I had an early night last night as the previous night I only managed 3-4 hours sleep. Consequence of that is I woke up early and couldn't get back to sleep.

I enjoy the early morning runs - just like you it seems - especially when the sun is just coming up. It can be so beautiful, makes you feel glad to be alive.

I was a bit worried about the 5 min continous running - it doesn't sound much but, yes, it is a big step up. Anyway turns out nothing to worry about.

[Roxdog Graduate in reply to Perry-Formis]

I love early morning runs too - but usually wait until the first glimmer of light!

[mom24uk Graduate]

I loved reading your post and am looking forward to your next outing! Well done on your surreal, soggy, sprint today 👍👏 (maybe not a sprint but it started with an s 🤣)

[Perry-Formis in reply to mom24uk]

Thank you. That means a lot. I think this mornings run inspired me, it was quite a strange but nice experience. Shame about the soggy shoes.

[Roxdog Graduate]

Sounds like the scene for a spooky film! Well done for your bravery!

[Perry-Formis in reply to Roxdog]

Yes. Just needed a full moon and the scene would have been set.

[Wenderwoo Graduate]

Well done, and I like the thought of the ridiculously funky music - I must download something similar 👍😁

[Perry-Formis in reply to Wenderwoo]

Well it certainly got me moving - Herbie Hancocks album HeadHunters is funktastic

[Speedy60 Graduate]

Sounds like a cracking run. Go you 👊

[Perry-Formis]

Thank you. I did enjoy it. I am beginning to understand why this running malarkey is so popular.