Did I really say that after W6R1?

[61Lady]

After the euphoria of W5R3 and heeding the warnings about W6, I went out this morning full of apprehension and trying very hard to ignore a knee niggle that seems to have developed.

I’m thrilled to say W6R1 is safely tucked under my belt and yes, I did find it tough and went even slower than Friday (hard to believe possible).

And the knee niggle? What knee niggle?

While eating my post”run” forest fruits and Greek yoghurt (no grapes) I actually said out loud “I wish I could run every day, it makes feel good”. Oh my goodness, I think I may be in the very early stages of becoming a runner 🤭

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

Oh that feeling of happiness, wellness and goodness that comes after a run is priceless isn’t it?

Well done

[LeeU Graduate]

You are becoming a runner, in fact, in 2 runs your couch should be officially declaring you a runner!

Much like everyone else, I love the feeling after a run, I love the feeling of being care-free as I'm running, it's a release, a break from reality if you like, it's me time.

Enjoy the rest of the program, I hope your knee holds up and allows you to reach your goals.

[61Lady Graduate in reply to LeeU]

Ohhh - I look forward to hearing from Sanjeev about it being “official”!

Pretty certain I don’t actually look like a runner but no one else knows that I feel like one ! Just wore a knee brace for my outing today and it didn’t give any trouble in the half hour so fingers crossed that doesn’t knock me off course while I’m still keen. Thanks for your encouragement

[LeeU Graduate in reply to 61Lady]

I love it when people say that they don't look like a runner, what does a runner look like?

I've done a ParkRun, I have 5k times (from last year before I injured my ankle) of 42:06, I have run for 6-7k and can plod on for over an hour, does that make me a runner?

If your answer to that is yes, then I'm 6' and was 21.5 stone when I did those, is that the picture of a runner you had in mind?

Irrespective of waiting until the end of the week, you are a runner, you get up and go out for a run, that to me makes you a runner.

Enjoy.

[ShetlandWendy]

Hi I’ve just read your post and I’m feeling your enthusiasm! I’m ecstatic this morning as I run the 2x 8mins on week 5 day 2..... feeling quite scared for the next one, 20 mins non stop, I think...... any advice.... I’m quite big 16stone ( lost 3&1/2 on slimming world up to now) and getting anxious about this big run 😩😭😩.... well done for completing it xx

[LeeU Graduate in reply to ShetlandWendy]

ShetlandWendy please don't be worried about the next run, if you have completed all the runs so far you should be fine.

I say should because the biggest issue you will face is yourself, your head mainly. You, like everyone else that looks at the run sees one thing 20 in big bold numbers.

Make sure you stay hydrated on both run and non run days.

Just go out, take it nice and steady, control your breathing and just plod on, ignore the time, count trees, do maths in your head, plan the weekend, or just focus on controlling your breathing.

I think the first time I did W5R3 I was around 23 stone.

Slow and steady, believe in yourself and relax. YOU CAN DO IT!

[ShetlandWendy in reply to LeeU]

Thank you for the encouragement xx it’s a good idea to think of other things for distraction... I will keep this in mind xx

[LeeU Graduate in reply to ShetlandWendy]

Please post up after your run, I'll keep my eyes open for it.

[61Lady Graduate in reply to ShetlandWendy]

Great weight loss - well done that’s brilliant.

I’ve been SW too but it stalled a bit at start of April and only just getting back on track now. I hardly feel qualified to give advice but what worked for me was going through related posts on this forum and following tips ie. hydrate well the day before, relax you shoulders and neck and take it slowly. what worked for me personally was a really good playlist just for the occasion ... six 5 min songs so I could sing along and know where I was time wise on the outing.

Hope it goes well for you

[ShetlandWendy in reply to 61Lady]

Thank you for your reply, my playlist is what has got me this far (old school house music from the 90’s!) I think I will go slower than slow I think xx

[61Lady Graduate in reply to ShetlandWendy]

As I said in my post for that run - people could walk faster but I didn’t care. I’m seriously overweight ... and over 60. You’ve got this far so you can definitely do it - just take it slowly and I’m sure you will be fine

[ShetlandWendy in reply to 61Lady]

You are an inspiration and you inspire me ⭐️🥰⭐️

[Wondermoon07 Graduate in reply to ShetlandWendy]

Hey Wendy

Also 16st and just completed W5R3 yesterday - the biggest issue I had was the voice in my head saying “why are you doing this? This isn’t you. You should stop now!” - well a good dose of telling the voices where to go in good old fashioned Anglo-Saxon and other than that, you can just keep on plodding. You absolutely can do this and the feeling of euphoria afterwards is amazing! Keep in touch - let us know how you get on

[ShetlandWendy in reply to Wondermoon07]

Wow well done you👍 was you scared before you did it? Will do xx

[Wondermoon07 Graduate in reply to ShetlandWendy]

Apprehensive of course- I typically run Mon + Wed + Fri but decided to get it over and done with.

You’re already an incredible inspiration with what you’ve achieved so far, this is just adding to it: this is 20 mins of your life you’re never going forget! You should be so proud of yourself

[ShetlandWendy in reply to Wondermoon07]

That is a good way to look at it xx

[ShetlandWendy in reply to ShetlandWendy]

I did it 🤣🤣 I ran for 20 mins .... thank you for your advice, I just kept distracting my negative thoughts when they crept in xx

[Mojojojo71 Graduate]

Awesome 😎🍾

[NikonikoFred]

lol and it only gets better

[PlymBorn]

Well done ! Looks like you safely avoided the “dreads” of W6 R1 ... knew you could do it ! 👏👏