For those just wanting the short version -- Week 9 Run 3 done. You'll not want the ramble that follows 😁
Was going to wait until tomorrow to try parkrun but felt particularly great this morning, no tightness, no aches and generally more relaxed than usual. No flaffing about, gear on and out the door, will be plenty of parkruns to do another time.
Seems to have been the morning for it, group of 4 women ran past as I warmed up and several other runners where at different points along the path as I started off. Have never seen this many use this path at once in all the time I've walked here nevermind run. One of the runners past me before turning point and seemed to be similar height and build so upped the pace and some time later eventually was in stalking distance as I wanted to observe his stride and landing since a stampeding rhino lands with more grace than I do (still working on my ninja steps). Disappointed to see he was landing on his heels so didn't help my cause after the effort to catch him however it meant I had run further so for first time was able to branch off the path and do a couple of hills (very short ones but still, was feeling a little guilty at some having to run hills the whole way through and I'd avoided them till now).
Had a nice walk back with a gentleman that I frequently see walking along the floodgates. Apparently has been observing over the weeks and was very complimentary about my progress and suggested I join the local running club to take it further. Turns out he is a runner from another club. Runners are generally nice folk indeed 🙂
Then was out for breakfast to celebrate and a slight name change BrokeyBusted... BrokeyNotSoBusted 🤪
Great program with even better community here. Many thanks for the support, advice and guides - game changers.
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Some advice for any still reading (impressive willpower) that are new to the program or considering starting...
I went into this program with quite a few pains as result of previous injuries from years ago but did it with support from physiotherapy so if you have ongoing pains I'd recommend you check in with your GP or see a physio first and they may offer specific strengthening exercises or techniques to help with your pain management.
I've been a smoker over half my life and still smoke but no excuse not to be able to run and hopefully helps towards incentive to stop. Don't think you must quit first, get out and do that first run.
Read the guide... READ the GUIDE. It might be long (shorter than my posts 🤔) but contains a ton of valuable and essential information so dedicate some time to read and absorb as much as you can. Once you get speed down and keep your body hydrated it makes a huge difference.
It's your journey, so find your 'slow' pace and don't worry about anyone elses time or speed or what others think. Be confident in yourself and trust the program and bare in mind it isn't rigid - The 9 week program took me 11 (or 12) actual weeks as I took 3+ days between initial runs as I was going too quick and suffered so don't feel rushed, go slower and extra rest days are fine if you need them.
Post your runs often, good or bad. Others will love to follow your progress, share your successes and offer advice on those days that just don't go as planned. I found it helped keep me on track and a good reference that you can come back to check if needed.
Good luck and I wish you many happy miles.
Graduation Day! I did it!
Graduation day has arrived 
Graduation run- a day early 🏃♀️😊😊🏃♀️🍾🍾
Week 3 and Graduation Day
W9R3 - GRADUATION DAY!! 🏃🏼♀️🏆🥇🎓
