I’m not posting much but I am lurking 😁. And running. Graduated C25K in May 2022 and still out there 3-4 times a week and loving (most of) my runs. There’s always one that is a challenge… 🤣
I pop in occasionally to update everyone and share any particularly lovely runs. So here I am.
When I can, I get over to the Lakes for a bit of a run out. Yesterday I was lucky enough to get over to Keswick.
I originally planned a run up to Walla Crag but checking the gradient showed one section is 40%! I wanted to try to keep the pace steady and increase my distance so I didn’t want to pop a massive hill climb into the mix.
So a change to running down Derwentwater to Lodore Falls and back. 13km total which would be my longest run to date where the whole distance was run rather than run/walked.
For the past month, I’ve been doing low heart rate training which has dropped my pace by about 1 minute per km and increased my enjoyment of running 487% (approximately). Didn’t realise how much I was pushing the pace until I started increasing the distance and being unable to maintain it.
Bank holiday weekend in Keswick isn’t the quietest time to do a run. So I set off at early at 10am from the Moot Hall, thinking about all the people who have started and finished their Bob Graham round from here.
Cloudy on the tops of the mountains but it was warm enough for short sleeves and shorts, once I got going. The lake was calm and it was still fairly quiet out so the running was easy. Everyone very friendly.
Into the wooded section and there was a couple in front of me with a bulldog with a massive stick (about 8 foot with a fork at the end). The dog was trying to find the centre of gravity so he could pick it up which meant he was throwing it around across the path. I sneaked carefully past to avoid being kneecapped. She was so apologetic and embarrassed and we both laughed.
On to a rougher section, across three streams which were flowing fast and overflowed my trail shoes (I’m lazy with rock crossings and tend to just ford streams if they’re shallow enough - faster and more fun). Down past the boat launch and people inflating paddle boards. More beautiful trails through the woods and up to the waterfall which is in full flow. I was totally, wonderfully alone. I clambered over the rocks to find a stop for some photos and to have a gel (blueberry Huma which was lovely). And then back, passing quite a few of the people I overtook earlier (the dog had given up on his stick).
Much busier on the way back. Saw a few trail runners out, most in pairs chatting away. Lots of very helpful walkers too, holding gates open and stepping aside to let me through. Everyone very happy which was understandable as it was a beautiful day in a wonderful location.
Town was madness itself with people not understanding that maybe walking 6 abreast on a path means someone might need to pass from behind. I tried not to startle anyone but a few people were a bit surprised to have a runner squeeze past at whatever pace they could manage in the crush.
Back to the Moot Hall and 13km complete. I would do it again tomorrow (but my coach would shout at me if I did 😂).
Hope everyone’s running is as enjoyable as mine was and is. For those earlier in your running journey, this would have felt impossible to even imagine when I started. Week 1 running sections felt like they lasted forever and I only just managed the increases each week. It never felt easy. But your body is amazing and adapts (and I really should have slowed down - everyone told me!)
Running unlocks so many wonderful places, a fantastic community and lots of fun. Wishing you all a wonderful C25K and whatever adventures lie ahead. As Tim used to say, “Keep running, keep smiling”.
Another milestone reached
Windy run 🏃♂️ 
I can't run 5K in 30 minutes, can I still Graduate ???
Week 9 GRADUATION RUN DONE 
