No... a stitch! For the very first time in this wonderfully controlled programme (and after many, many years in fact), after 5 minutes into the run, I felt the twinge.
'Run it off' my P.E. teachers used to say, but I remember the pain sometimes becoming excruciating (halcyon days they were not!).
MJ on the other hand, said in a previous week, if you get a stitch, slow down, take deep breaths, it'll pass', and that is exactly what I did and it did soon pass, but I was worried there for a minute, remembering that pain from P.E. (yes that was the last time I experienced a stitch, which tells you something about my fitness regime all those subsequent years :).
Changed route today, starting on a long straight road which had a very slight downward gradient, with the most gentle and cool tail breeze. Chill in the air, blue skies, sun on the rise... beautiful!
Intention was to do a full circle, round to the top of the road where I started, twice, that's about the distance for this run. Halfway round however, roadblock! Both road and footpath closed, no alternative but to turn back. Where was the sign? (I missed the sign, it was there, at the beginning 'Road Ahead Closed'. I take back the mental curses aimed at the Local Authority Roads and Transport planning department.
The easy downward slope and zephyr behind turned tail on me. That same road that put a smile on my face became a steep uphill challenge, wind in my face and grey clouds growing overhead. Time to get the head down, focus, don't let those mind demons get in - you've trained for this, you're a Runner now, remember?
It did get tough, but tough is getting easier now, if that makes sense? My mind is more in control, my breathing is good, my pace regular (slow and steady) and legs are definitely stronger. Yes they tired quite a lot toward the end, but soon into the warm-down walk, I felt great again, a bit of a hero in fact, - 'that was tough, but you did it, well done!', my head says, 'thank you me!', it says back.
Family and colleagues really noticing the weight loss now, thanks to this fantastic programme and wonderful support network, plus better diet discipline. So many benefits gained in so few weeks with more to be gained over the next few and beyond no doubt. Onwards and upwards!
W8R2 vs Beer and the telly
W8R2 another Tony Tiger run!
W8R2 \"Not Sure!\"
W8R2... No Trauma :-)
W8R2 smashed it 😉🏃🏻♂️
