Strangeness and charm of Week 7

[spongecat]

I finished Week 7 yesterday. Took a bit longer than I thought because I felt a bit beaten up after Run 2 and gave it two full days rest.

Run 1 was not too bad at all. Shot off a bit too quick and had to check myself to complete the run. When Michael said "up the speed for the last minute" I gave it a go and surprised myself but was puffing away like mad at the end and was glad for the 5 minute walk cooldown.

Run 2 was very odd. I decided to try a new route that I usually walk and a lot of it is on roughish track that is used by tractors as well as local resident's cars who go up to check on their horses so had to look where I was going so as not to turn an ankle. That's the last thing you need! It was also quite hard going compared to pavement and tarmac. Now I deliberately went anti-clockwise because part of the run towards the end is on a not-too-fierce hill and I didn't fancy running up as it's quite long, so opted for downhill which was fun.....but there was a much shorter, steeper climb on the other side (there always is!). Well I must have looked like Sisyphus, getting slower and slower with Michael cheerfully saying "run this last minute faster if you like". You have to be kidding, I thought. Now this part opens out onto a main road with a wide pavement so I turned up the 'Tunes in case any passing White Van Men started hollering..."G'wan luv, you can do it!".

I also had a 4km walk home so I didn't plan that one very well and needed a couple of days to feel fresh again.

Run 3, after having learnt my lesson I did a route with very few road crossings and only one short uphill slope and a bit of a run in the woods too. Seemed to settle into a steady rhythm that I felt really comfortable doing but I'm still really really slow, only covering 2.5km in 25 minutes. 😔 Which is rather embarrassing.

However, for the sprint at the end I actually managed it without completely blowing myself up. So maybe there is hope for me yet if I get to the end of this challenge!

Also saw my optician who is a keen runner (belongs to a local running club) and she suggested that I might enjoy Parkrun, there are a couple not too far from me. Sounds like fun and I'm usually up for a bit of volunteering too!

Good luck to all of us in these trying times. Week 8 I'm coming for you!

[Ruby69 Graduate]

I love hearing about yr running experiences. I’ve got one more W7 run to do and like u said I thought it knackered me so I took 2 full days to recover. It really made a difference. Onwards 🏃🏻‍♀️🏃🏻‍♀️🏃🏻‍♀️🏃🏻‍♀️🏃🏻‍♀️🏃🏻‍♀️

[spongecat Graduate in reply to Ruby69]

Thank you for your kind words. I think this is why the programme is so clever....it gives you the joy of completing a what was once thought a nearly impossible task but makes sure you don't get too over confident in our beginners rush of excitement.

This site is so good for encouragement. I still cannot believe I'm running/shuffling/doddering along!

Yay for us for Week 8. ...let's do it!

[carolinestanford Graduate]

You are doing really well. I’m honestly running about the same pace so don’t worry 😉 just keep going! 😊

[spongecat Graduate in reply to carolinestanford]

Thank you! It's always comforting to know that you are not alone.

[Run_Matty_Run Graduate]

It sounds like you week seven was similar to mine! Great work!