c25k snakes and ladders - slid down a snake, now up a little ladder.

[grumpyoldgirl]

Story so far - got to week 7, went to Lisbon for a few days, came home and got hit with food poisoning. Ugh. Couldn't carry on with week 7, so I've just gone back a bit.

I started with a week 5 run2 (2 lots of 8 minutes), and it wasn't easy, but it felt like the right place to start. I walked down to the canal and did a little out and back, with the cooldown walk back up the hill to home. Phew! Definitely felt that one.

My second run of the week was also a week 5 r2, but I took a different route. Out the back along the bridle way that runs parallel to the bypass for part of the way, but then turns away and I'm running between hedgerows, with glimpses of the fields, and the sound of skylarks overhead. A confused-looking dog trotted past me, and then a little further, a woman who asked if I had seen a dog. I pointed her in the right direction and walked down the track, which was now heading downhill. My run was over at this point so I crossed the road at the bottom of the track and headed for the canal to walk homewards on the canal path. But once I got there, I realised that I still had it in me to run a little further, so I jeffed it back to the bottom of the hill that leads to home. Oh there's no avoiding it, walk back up the hill. Phew! Not easy, but much better.

Third run of the week was this morning. We had rain forecast for the afternoon, and I have a zumba class first thing, so I did that, then drove to the local woods owned by the national trust for my run in the hope of keeping dry. This time I planned for a week6 run2, (2 lots of 10 minutes) so off I went. It was very quiet there today, probably because the clouds were so ominous, but the rain held off. I didn't turn back at the half way point because it was so nice to be out in such a beautiful place, and I only turned around when I was halfway through the second run. Once again I was going to walk all the way back, but after 3 minutes of walking, I was ready to run a little bit further. Another 5 minutes was enough, but that was 25 minutes of running altogether. And bonus! Didn't have walk home up the big hill! Celebrated with a cheese toastie and a latte in a cafe on my way home😋

Photo taken on the walk back, the wild roses are everywhere there at the moment.

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

I love to think of you climbing a little ladder, the runs sound really good, hopefully the ladder will continue to grow 😁

[grumpyoldgirl Graduate in reply to SueAppleRun]

I think it was @Beachcomber66 who first said my running experience was like a game of snakes and ladders, and he's not wrong! Thanks for the good wishes, I'd like a bit more ladder and a few less snakes 🐍

[SueAppleRun Graduate in reply to grumpyoldgirl]

My ladder has fallen flat this week, who knew packing boxes would take so much energy? Sending you a little 🪜 to add onto yours

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

All sounding very positive apart from the food poisoning... what a lovely view, and the wild roses everywhere... I think I may change a route and go where there always used to be.

Those hilly bits, strengthening the legs and the body... and the added treat at the end of Run 3 ... Huge well done to you... x

[grumpyoldgirl Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

I had to avoid hills when I first started this rerun, because I could either tackle a hill or do a run, but not both! So it's definite progress, and brilliant for my glutes!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to grumpyoldgirl]

Oh yes!

[Wavy-chick28 Graduate]

Everything so green and lush at the moment love a toastie too 😋

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Wavy-chick28]

It really is, the rain and the odd bit of sunshine has really got everything going!

[grumpyoldgirl Graduate in reply to Wavy-chick28]

The toastie was a bit naughty, but so good 😊

[Ijsvogel]

What a gift nature is! And good on you for making the most of it.

[grumpyoldgirl Graduate in reply to Ijsvogel]

It really is. And thank you 😊

[PeggySusi Graduate]

I’m late to reply as it’s my turn for a holiday.. I stopped at week 8 with only four runs left.. I’m hoping to return to the same point next week (strengthened by lots of walking🤞) but I may have to go backwards too..

Your runs sound perfect.. a gradual return, in lovely relaxing surroundings, and definitely worth celebrating.

[grumpyoldgirl Graduate in reply to PeggySusi]

I've realised long since that I don't really mind taking a long time, I hate it when I can't run but if I can get out there, I'm happy, even if it is just for 10 minutes. Of course I want to graduate again, but the main goal is to stay fit and healthy and keep running. Hope your return goes well.