First consolidation run

[Skyblueandblack]

Being in hospitality and my pub being allowed to open last Monday for the first time in over five months. I had to break my usual Monday, Wednesday and Friday running routine. I had planed to run Tuesday and Thursday but having been on my feet for well over twelve hours the day before my heels were killing me (note to self, I must by some new work shoes).

So my first consolidation run was put off until today.

I read a little while ago of someone who went back to a 20 min run for their first CR and thought that might be an idea. I put my phone on random play to detract from the time, as I was about to leave I decided I’d get Jo to help me with this so put on a W9 run on the app.

Being half term there were a lot of people about in the park where I usually run and they all seemed to be just where I had intended to run so despite it meaning a long gradual climb I diverted up a side road…..a long climb, but guess what it didn’t phase me at all. Back into the park there’s a short but sharp climb which I had avoided throughout C25K but again I managed that quiet easily. Yes I knew I’d climbed it but I wasn’t gasping after I’d done it.

A few seconds after Jo said I’d run 15 mins my watch told me I had run a mile....then it was 20; seems silly to stop now so onwards I plod. Jackson Browne's 'Sky Blue and Black' (yes that's where I picked my name, it was playing when I signed up )..... All of a sudden it was ‘you’ve a minute left’. I look down and see I’m just short of the 2 mile mark so I ran another 14 sec to hit it.

Overall 3.22kms and 41 seconds faster pace than my W9 runs.

A great run; I starting to think that I might manage to 5Kms in 30 minutes sometime in May.

Back in November I 60 secs were hard work and was worried in case I’d never get through C25K. Despite a major set back meaning an enforced break. I’m so chuffed that not only can I run for 30 mins but I will be able to increase my pace in the not too distant future.

Now off to buy a couple of pairs of work shoes.

[Hidden]

Well done! I did the W9 runs a couple of times when I graduated then moved on to the Nike Run Club app and am enjoying it. There's runs of varying times/distances and a coach to help you through. Whatever you decide, enjoy it. You'll soon do that 5k but running for 30 minutes whatever the distance is a great achievement. x

[SassyF Graduate]

Great post! Progress comes when you sometimes least expect it... that’s what I’ve found anyway.

How good does it feel to be able to run up hills you’ve previously avoided! Brilliant. Well done!