41 - 6ft 2" - 20st 12lb - W8 R2

[Sedge]

I'm back! After having to take a few more rest days to nurse a non-running injury I set out for W8 R2 this morning, my first run for a week.

I've got to say, that on the actual runs I feel fine, I stick to a steady 8min per KM, and my breathing is controlled.... at the half way point I mutter "no blinkin chance" when Sarah suggests I could speed up if I feel strong, and carry on plodding at my metronomic pace. Whilst I still find it challenging, I am sure I could carry on for those extra two minutes now, which means that after my W8 R3 I'll be ready. The improvement in my cardiovascular performance has been nothing but life changing.

My issue is the recovery..... I am still of a certain stature (although over 2st lighter than I was on W1R1) and the earlier runs were more forgiving. 28 mins of impact takes its toll on my body, I am finding one days rest isn't normally enough, and I'm having to build in extra days. This means I'm probably going to miss my target of graduating before my Birthday on 5th August... however, I feel like its a foregone conclusion, and if I have to wait a few more days, I'd rather that than an injury.

I am working on my strength, and using the exercises on the NHS website, I think I may start looking into Yoga/Pilates too to help. Anything that will aid my body in either limiting the damage I cause when running, or improving the healing.

See you at the finish line!

[MontyMooDog Graduate]

All sounds good to me. Yes it's life and not a race so extra days recovery are fine. Have you got a proper pair or running shoes that minimise impact??

[Sedge Graduate in reply to MontyMooDog]

Hi Montymoo - I did purchase some new shoes during lock down, but obviously couldnt get gait analysis etc; I didnt spend mega bucks, but will have to go to our local specialist to see what they say!

Thanks for the reply, see you at the finish line.

[MontyMooDog Graduate in reply to Sedge]

I graduated last week and just done my first consolidation run in some new shoes I treated myself to yesterday. I too am a large lad. Have come down from 17st 2lb to 15st 10lb over the 10 weeks I've been doing this. New shoes are Brooks Ghost 12 and feel like I'm running on air they are so comfy 😂🏃‍♂️👻😁

[John_W Graduate Ambassador]

You're doing great and I'm impressed with your determination.

The pressure on your body will lessen as you continue to lose weight - 2 stone is very impressive. It's a virtuous circle.

Hopefully you'll carry on with the running and you'll continue to see further weight loss - and you probably know that diet is a much bigger contributor.

[Sedge Graduate in reply to John_W]

Thanks John, yes diet has been the biggest factor in the weight loss without doubt, I never eat the calories burnt whilst running as I can never be sure how many I've burned.

In all honesty, the biggest change has been cutting alcohol, I have only drank twice over the past 12 weeks, and I am sure this is where the majority of my excess calories were coming from. There are the odd times I really fancy a beer after a long day, but then I think about how much harder the next run will be, and so go grab the squash!

[John_W Graduate Ambassador in reply to Sedge]

Takes a lot of willpower and mental strength that. I try and stay dry Mon-Thu - but still only a moderate drinker at the weekends.

You're getting fitter (running) and healthier (diet) every day - keep it up!