Set out this morning with a steely determination to not only get this run successfully done and dusted, but to improve on my pace. My second run of the week has proved to be my best one for the last couple of weeks. It’s a dull morning and not too warm. Pretty perfect conditions for running.
Got to the riverbank where Michael was waiting for me. He sounded exactly like he did on my last run 😂 but I put that thought aside and set off at what I thought was a reasonable pace! Music 🎵 playlist specially selected for the run. First 5 minutes weren’t as difficult as usual. Doubts creep in - did I set off too fast? Checked my watch at 1 km and yes, looking good! I plod on to the gate and leave it open, I’ll shut it on my way back. Hoppity skippety turn around at the halfway mark. Glance at my watch - if I can keep up this pace I can do it! Why am I so competitive, when it doesn’t matter at this stage ?! When did I start looking at my pace rather than just concentrating on completing each run?
Michael chips in at the expected intervals, it’s still reassuring to have those time markers. 2 km - still looking good. At 20 minutes I’m starting to tire, maybe I can’t keep it up, I’d hate not to finish, I’ve completed every other run in the programme! I slow down a tad - but determination kicks in and I try to lengthen my stride. I’ve got past 3 km and although I’m tiring now, I know my pace is good and that I have a good chance of beating my PB if I can just keep going. I try and speed up for the last few seconds. Michael says the run is over, but I keep going for a few seconds more in case there is a discrepancy on Strava.
I’ve done it! My penultimate run of the programme and it’s a good one. So proud that I’m almost there. Pace improved by 23 seconds. Wooohoo! My second 30 minute run and it went really well. Graduation beckons!
Written by
Jools2020
Graduate
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Thanks! I’m not sure exactly where that competitive streak came from! 30 minutes to go! I’m ready! I feel I could go out and do it now.... only kidding 😂
Thank you, Ian. I didn’t know I was competitive 😀. This is such a great programme and I’ve enjoyed the support from my forum ‘buddies’ on here, too - even if sometimes it’s been from the IC!
It just felt good this morning and it’s a mental attitude, too, about the middle run of the week. I also like to run early! We could be running at the same time, although usually I’m closer to 5.30 than 6.00. I’ll look out for your graduation run post! Good luck!
Just the one left. Your achievement is fantastic and you’re still improving, although it’s a journey, it’s still just the start of your running life and you’re doing awesome!
Thank you and you’ve made my day! Just take it run by run, don’t try to break any records 😂 says she, who was doing exactly that this morning! I like that I’ve given you inspiration 😊. Good luck, I’m sure you’ll do fine.
It does. I started as a total sceptic and unfit overweight 52 year old. My friend inadvertently bullied me into running and so far I am hooked. Seeing everyone else completing with their own challenges gives me the inspiration and belief to continue. So well done to you and thanks x
Well, I am in total disbelief that I’ve almost finished the programme! I’m 66 and I should be tucked up in a chair with my crochet squares 😂, instead I’m out running and smashing my personal bests! Believe in yourself! You can do it! You may find that as a runner you become more focussed on eating a more healthy diet, too! I’ve seen many people on here say that they have lost weight because of this.
Thank you so much, Jane! 💕 I just may shed a tear or two. Yes, we’ve been on this journey together and we have been AMAZING ! I certainly may shed a couple of tears at the end of my graduation run! I will have to celebrate on here, so look out for my post. Later I will go to Costa and have a coffee and cake! 😀
For sure! I can’t wait to read your post... if I could I would be on the line with bubbles 🥂🍾 cheering you on .. but I will have to make do with a fab celebratory post in reply to your graduation post!
It’s emotional! And yes! We are all superstars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🎓🏅🏅🏅
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Graduation 🎓 run - no roast or pancakes 
Week 9, Run 1- Very Pleased
