W9R2 - 4.98K

[newbie-nick]

Oh, so close... in fact, I shall claim a 5K as my watch paused itself a couple of times during the run and missed those bits out.

It was not my intention to do it - it just happened. Very cold and I listened to advice on here and wore long legs. IannodeTruffe, thank you for your weather forecast - it was accurate!! With Tracksters on and with the benefit of a windproof, gloves and a hat I was toasty... and that helped.

A lovely run on Dartmoor with no one else around at 6:30... and 1 degree!

Graduation on Friday, and my wife will start her C25K that day too!!!

[John_W Graduate]

For someone who has no intention of making the 5k mark, you seem very interested in making the 5k mark!

[newbie-nick Graduate in reply to John_W]

Not really. It just so happens that my natural running speed ties up 30 mins and 5K. I'm NOT 'going for it' by any means, and I was having a one-sided conversation with the local sheep population to check that I was still able to speak normally - if speaking to sheep is normal! I find that it is best to warn them of my approach rather than startling them and having them run out in front of me.If I did 'go for it' I am pretty certain I could run a reasonable distance more, but 30 mins is what I am doing, and I'm enjoying every last foot-fall of it.

I can't believe that I am now running AND enjoying it too.

[John_W Graduate in reply to newbie-nick]

That's a decent pace you have there and even better that it's 'conversational' - those poor sheep.

Good to read you're enjoying yourself . Great photo!

[newbie-nick Graduate in reply to John_W]

Thanks. I'm pleased with the pace... especially considering that when I was at school back in the 15th century I was a county-level sprinter and jumper, and I couldn't run distances for toffee. In fact, we set the course record for the longest time ever taken for the inter-house cross country! How things have changed in my running.Glad you like the pic. Not where I ran today, but somewhere I have run. There is a rough track leading to some old ore workings that has spectacular views. Apparently, it is also good for wild swimming... apparently!

[John_W Graduate in reply to newbie-nick]

Your athletic background has stood you in good stead. Matters not that sprinting and jumping were your specialisms back then. But the same muscles are important for longer distances too.

[newbie-nick Graduate in reply to John_W]

I have my suspicions that decades of hill walking and cycling helped build stamina. Often carrying two rucksacks - mine and one of the sore-footed etc Scouts - has played its part too... Not to mention my ludicrously heavy camera bag.

[John_W Graduate in reply to newbie-nick]

No doubt at all. Strength is hugely important.

[nowster Graduate]

Very moody photo. One half expects some demon hound to be lurking in the landscape.

[newbie-nick Graduate in reply to nowster]

You've met my dog then!

[Thommo23 Graduate]

Amazing photo, you're very lucky to have such nice surroundings. Well done with the distance - I would count it!

[newbie-nick Graduate in reply to Thommo23]

Thanks. I am indeed lucky to live here, and even luckier to have been the photographer for the National Park Auithority.Enjoy your running over Spring and Summer, and then in the wonderful Autumn.

[SassyF Graduate]

What fun you’re going to have being able to run to different places and take beautiful photos. Enjoy your graduation run! 🤩