Laura says I am a runner now.

[Lesaspie]

Well maybe, I was certainly glad she was with me today, keeping me going. It was minus two degrees and there is snow on the ground now. I did it!! 25 minutes without stopping. Week 6 is complete.

Wow. I am impressed, I must admit, with the programme, with myself and with the shoes. There were icy patches so I was doubtful, but the lesson here is that it is the mind that is the obstacle so often. I nearly didn't go but my confidence that I will manage it, and feel ok afterwards is growing. It takes about 10 minutes for my breathing to settle down again, but I also notice that while my lungs have to work really hard, they don't seem to get any worse as I keep going.

My throat hurts though, this evening. Apparently this is not unusual in very cold weather, so I am not worried yet.

Thanks for all your encouragement, safe running.

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

Congratulations on completing run 3 of week 6, you are now OFFICIALLY a RUNNER, onwards and upwards to week 7.

[Lesaspie Graduate in reply to AlMorr]

Thank You!! I do feel a bit like a runner.... I only hope it doesn't get any colder. Eight inches of snow here now, waaaaaa!

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate in reply to Lesaspie]

Where are you with all that snow, some parts of the UK have not had any snow at all this winter, but records amount of rain.

[Lesaspie Graduate in reply to AlMorr]

I'm living in Estonia, tucked just south of Finland and west of Russia. Normally its minus 15 at this time with snow on the ground for months, but it's been a mild winter until today! Temperatures have been around 2 or 3, which is completely abnormal and the locals are very sad about not getting their winter, but it has enabled me to keep running. I started in January while on a visit to friends and family in Kent.

It's a good place for running and cycling as there's very little traffic.

[Roxdog Graduate]

You have progressed so quickly - so pleased to hear you have got control of your breathing! That's really good news, you are well in your way now.

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

Woo hoo that’s really great, i wear a scarf round my face in cold weather and it helps with the throat, have fun with the rest of your runs

[Nilsam Graduate]

Well done. 👍Happy running.

[Lesaspie Graduate in reply to Nilsam]

The snow descended soon after so it is now too risky for a few days. Hopefully tomorrow or Monday I can start week 7. At least I know its 25 minutes for 3 runs this week.

To make up for it I started Stretch and Flex, which seems very gentle but I like it.

Best Wishes

[Nilsam Graduate in reply to Lesaspie]

Well done that seems like an excellent idea under the circumstances. 👍

[Moosey60]

Am doubly impressed that you have got this far and in such cold weather 👍💪. You need an extra pat on the back for that. I started week 7 this week and so far so good. Hope you can run tomorrow! Happy running 😄

[Lesaspie Graduate in reply to Moosey60]

Thank you so much! I have started to crave physical activity as I find it improves my mood so much. But the snow descended on Thursday, about 20cm so it's too slippery now. Hopefully tomorrow or Monday.

If you cover your mouth and nose with a buff, it's not so cold. It's dryer air out here so my temperature perception is a bit different. But I accept the pat on the back. I am pleased with myself.

[Wenderwoo Graduate]

Well done you Runner you 👍😁

[Lesaspie Graduate in reply to Wenderwoo]

😊😊😁🎶 I can only agree with what so many others have said: "I never believed I could do this."

Its early days but that's good. Main thing is to continue!

Best wishes and thank you for your encouragement to a stranger on here 😀