WK6R3 Done - now I'm officially a runner 😊

[Zip54]

I can't imagine the conditions being much worse for this but I've been stealing myself for this one. So in the cold rain, wind and dark I ventured out to tackle my longest run yet - 25mins non stop knowing that i had done the preparation, had a relaxing weekend and had hydrated well yesterday. Trusting that all you lot have got through this one I set off and dealt with the tough first 5 minutes including landing in cold puddles and getting soaked telling myself it would get easier once my body settled into its running state. Then got to the half way point which was further than I was expecting it to be but conveniently was on a corner - I won't say it was easy but my body wasn't complaining and the rain and puddles were no longer bothering me. Turning around and heading back I'd figured out where I should get to for the 5 minutes to go warning and then I hit a wall. As soon as Sarah Millican said 5 minutes to go my lungs just started complaining, it was hard to breathe in enough and breathing out felt uncomfortable. I slowed my pace telling myself I could keep going for just 5 minutes and how good it would be to finish this. It didn't help immediately but gradually my breathing eased off and I focused on making it to the 1 minute to go point. At 1 minute I turn a corner and start going slightly downhill on my route which is great as I allowed myself to go faster and managed to keep running right up to the end. I am so thrilled I did it, I can definitely feel my lungs have had a workout now, here's hoping for more adaptation ready for the next one on Wednesday.

I'm wondering if the sudden breathing difficulties at 5 minutes was purely psychological as nothing else changed except this was the point where I was running for longer than any previous runs. I'll find out, I guess, at the next run which is the same length only difference is now I know I can do it.

Hey everyone thanks for reading, it was a long one, enjoy your running.

[NusiaFab Graduate]

Congratulations Zip54!! Running in the rain and puddles is rubbish but it makes me feel like a superhero😂 so great job on completing the run in those conditions!! Hope the next run will be easier on your lungs!

[Zip54 Graduate in reply to NusiaFab]

Thanks NusiaFab I'd definitely agree with the super hero part, it feels as if I can tackle anything if I can go out in those conditions. What totally surprised me was how much I forgot about the rain, wind and puddles once I got past the 5 minute mark. Did you find that on your run too?

[NusiaFab Graduate in reply to Zip54]

I could not agree more! Once you are warmed up then rain is no longer a problem! Good luck on your next run😊👍

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

Congratulations on completing run 3 of week 6, you are now OFFICIALLY a RUNNER, well done, onwards and upwards to week 7, not long now until you graduate.

[Zip54 Graduate in reply to AlMorr]

Thank you AlMorr it's odd to think of myself as a runner rather than a couch potato but I'm certainly enjoying the extra energy and bounce 😊

[Couchphoenix Graduate]

Well done Zip54, running 25 mins is tough, especially in the rain. I think a certain amount of your breathing difficulties later in the run could as you say have involved an element of being psychological. If you try to relax more and enjoy it (easy to say I know) you’ll find your breathing a lot easier. Good luck for your next run 👍

[Zip54 Graduate in reply to Couchphoenix]

Thank you Couchphoenix that's good advice.