Week 9 Run 1

[Runforurlife]

Ok, so that's done!! Headed out this morning at 7am, a very mild and windy day here, leaves flying everywhere, scent of Autumn on the wind. Lovely... Headed out on a familiar route and one I was looking forward to but it really did turn into a run of two halves.

First half, I was ALMOST gazelle like 🦌and everything was GOOD. "Yesss" I thought, "this is it.." However, by the time Jo told me I was half way through I could feel myself flagging 😩I entered the park and pressed on but it was a struggle and I felt disappointed I wasn't still 'flying' ..hmmm.. On I slogged, trying to keep upright and not lean forward as I tend to do when I'm tired.. The gremlins kicked in, maybe I'm not cut out for a 30min run and it's now too much, I left it too long between runs this week (3 days), I'm not as fit as I thought I was at this stage..bla bla bla... AHH!!

I managed to get a second wind for the last 10mins and really pushed on, I could do it, the tunes propelled me on.. Bowie 'Jean Genie' for the last 2mins..this will get me through... Sorry to the dog walker who looked slightly startled at my breathless outburst of "JEAN GENIE" as I huffed past in my last 30secs attempt at a "sprint" (lol Jo, nice one)... And it was done. Week 9 is ON 💪🏻

Good luck everyone today with your runs!

[Hidden]

Perfect a lil bit of the late great Mr Bowie👍 a sprinkling of autummness and a panting Runner singing along🎵🎶 great start to the day 🙂 two runs off graduation 🥳

[Runforurlife Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thanks! I know, can't believe just 2 more runs... I'm already planning my next run

[Jericho2332 Graduate]

Yes! Well done! 30 minutes in the bag 👍🏻💪🏻 that's excellent stuff, slowing 2nd half is normal! I did it lots on my first 28+ minute runs.

What matters is you did it, 30 mins without stopping! And some out loud singing to boot 👌🏻👌🏻🤣

2 to go! 💪🏻 Save the full gazelle experience for run 3 👌🏻 you got this!

[Runforurlife Graduate in reply to Jericho2332]

Thanks! yes, needed to hear that..second half of a run slower than first half all completely normal 🤪 Still getting my head around the fact I ran for 30mins non stop. It is coming together, I can do it.. Trying not to now be planning my next run too soon!

[Candyfloss64 Graduate]

Well done you. I try to do the harder runs up an incline at the beginning of the 30 mins and by half way, I'm mostly running down hill. Which is awesome. By then I'm quite comfortable. I think I'd struggle to run flat for 30 mins.

[Runforurlife Graduate in reply to Candyfloss64]

Thanks, that is a good tip. First half of my run is mostly flat and downhill, second half mix of flat and a hill. I will mix it up! I've also now stuck to running on paths and hard surfaces as I found I was slowing on grass, even if it is better for the knees.

[Bambi2020 Graduate]

Well done- I did week 9 run 1 this morning too so 2 more to go for us!!!

[Runforurlife Graduate in reply to Bambi2020]

Yay! Well done to you too. I felt quite emotional this morning as Jo announced WEEK 9!!! It sounded so far off in those early weeks and I wondered then how I would ever run continuously for 30mins but here we are 😀

[Bambi2020 Graduate in reply to Runforurlife]

Hopefully the next 2 runs will go just as smoothly and we’ll be joining the graduates on Tuesday 🤞🏼🙂🙂

[LauraRuns Graduate]

Wooo!! Well done on getting run 1 of week 9 completed ☺️ Only two more runs to go until your graduate 🥳

I’ve found that if I start off slower then I’m able to maintain my pace and even speed up a little in the second half. I also do my uphill section at the start and end on flat/downhill sections so maybe mixing up your route too as someone else has mentioned 🏃🏼‍♀️

[StoneDragon Graduate]

RAUL, well done on your first 30 minute run 👍 that's awesome. As others have said try and start a little slower, then you can finish strong and speed up at the end (I think that's what I did on that euphoric gazelle run of mine) 🦌🦌

I'm having to get my running high from reading all your success stories at the moment and I cant wait to hear how you all get on next week 💪🙌

[Runforurlife Graduate in reply to StoneDragon]

Thanks SD!! I am definitely planning a slower and steadier start for Run 2, coming up on Monday. Damn that competitive spirit in me to always get a faster time Ever since you so wonderfully described your now infamous gazelle-like run, I have been wondering how to reach the same giddy heights!

How are you doing? How are your ankles? I hope feeling a little less achy and stiff. When is your next run?

[StoneDragon Graduate in reply to Runforurlife]

haha - I think the gazelle run was all down to the steady start, my pacing was good so I didn't flag for the entire run!! 🦌

I'm still injured 😩 - but I am making improvements. In an ideal world I'll be back out there on Monday but it may take longer. Keep your fingers crossed for me 🤞

Good luck for your next run and then graduation 🙌👍