W9:3 “I (don’t) want to break free-eee”

[ktsok]

Well. Here we are. I have teetered to the end of the C25K plank, and jumped.

I have found myself unmotivated to run these past few week 9 runs. I think part of it is due to reluctance to leave the safety net of the structure. What next? I’m not in the oat-fed thoroughbred racing stable, itching to go; I’m dozing off in the donkey ride section. I have had painful runs where for the last minute I have gazed at the countdown on my wrist, then lurched to a stop on the dot of coach’s ‘now slow to a walk’. The idea of breaking free and scanning new horizons doesn’t quite compute.

I got home and it was getting dark. I felt a bit tired… perhaps I should wait until tomorrow? Then I thought about running after C25K, and how easy it would be to slip out of the routine, if I didn’t run when there wasn’t really a good reason not to.

So I donned the clobber - thin leggings, thin sleeveless top (I have finally learned my lesson), and stepped out.

I was determined to try to enjoy this run. I didn’t want to grind to a hot gasping halt at the 30 minute line. I wanted to finish with something in the tank, so the engine will start again, even if the SatNav is gone.

My mantra was, slow down, stay comfortable. If I started to feel uncomfortable in any way, that is, breathing got a little ragged, temperature rising, knees tweaking: slow down; stay comfortable.

So that’s what I did.

I had planned to do a circular route, but it was so muddy that I turned round and retraced my steps, sticking to the road. It felt peaceful. I felt comfortable. I got to 20 minutes, then 25, and 30, and continued to feel comfortable. Why not? I thought. There is running beyond week 9, run 3, after all. So I kept plodding on, into the setting sun, with Rodriquez playing in my ear. It was all rather poetic.

I ran 5K today, and I felt good the whole way. The doctor said I would never run again.

He was wrong.

Thank you for all the support, gang.

[E27M14 Graduate]

well done! Really proud of you 👏 So what next? Which watch do you have ? Some of the garmins do suggested runs each day, or you can follow a Garmin plan. Or just free-style it!

[ktsok Graduate in reply to E27M14]

Thanks EM.

Garmin Vivoactive… I shall explore.

No idea what next… I think at the moment it’s just, make sure there IS a next!

[RunforMum Graduate]

What an inspiring post 👏👏👏

[ktsok Graduate in reply to RunforMum]

Thank you! 🙏

[Oldgirlruns Graduate]

They said it couldn’t be done but you did it! I’m so pleased for you ktsok, well done! And enjoy whatever running you do in the future!

[ktsok Graduate in reply to Oldgirlruns]

Thanks Oldgirl!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Huge well done to you... quite a run towards that podium, where everyone was waiting to cheer you home.

Not a donkey dozing, maybe a pony, pondering... ?

What next? Well there is an overwhelming amount to choose from, But,,, waiting a while. could be the pony plan... no pony express here.

For what it is worth, when I graduated eight plus long years ago... I just ran...I ran because I knew I was able to,. I ran for what I still refer to as , pure joy. Because for me, anyway, running is about joy.

You describe your run, in your last few sentences, peace, comfort and music.. poetic. and I would add, joy.

We have links to where to go next... but the base line... just run, for how long, for how far and where and when you wish... ( always taking that one rest day, though). Mix the runs and locations... short ones,, medium time and a 30 minute one? reverse the routes, find new ones or stick to your favourite ones.

If you wish to keep running you will and when you have had a couple of weeks enjoying your success.. then have a think where to move to.

We are here to support you whatever you decide... move across to Bridge to 10K... lots of support there, just as here. links to 10K plans and the experience of the team and other posters to help.

Huge well done again, and maybe .. go get that badge... you have, after all really earned it!

[ktsok Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

I was thinking about the run, whilst on the run, as a comfy slippers run. Not that I wear slippers, but you get the gist. I think that’s my goal - to run comfortably. I don’t feel the need at the moment to push harder; I want to run softer.

It isn’t joy, for me, more like a satisfaction and increase in general wellbeing and bonhomie.

I shall carry on posting here and there, if I may?

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to ktsok]

Of course! Always welcome!

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

Congratulations 👏🎉👏🎉 that's great and there is never an end, quite a lot of us use the Nike Run Club app which has guided runs and plans. But first consolidate, run 3 times a week for a while to build it into your habit and just enjoy running

[ktsok Graduate in reply to SueAppleRun]

Thanks Sue. I remember using NRC before and they were pretty good. I might treat myself to a music subscription…

[PaulS83]

🤩

[KayleighAnn]

I really enjoyed reading this, a tad emotional really.

Massive congratulations to you!

[ktsok Graduate in reply to KayleighAnn]

It was, a little. Thanks Kayleigh x

[misswobble Graduate]

Fantastic ! Well done. You nailed it!

Take it steady in your route to wherever. We have to get stronger a bit at a time. It’s a lovely journey though so enjoy yourself 😀👍