The Stars Aligned - and I am Officially a Runner

[Alaiyo]

Today was week 6, run 3. I thought about putting it off another day, to get that second rest day in, but woke up early and feeling pretty good. Wk 6 R3 is a 25 minute run, with no breaks. It is sort of a reprise of week 5, which has the first 20 minute run of the program. I found week 6 harder than expected, and even didn't quite make the last run for wk 6 r2 two days ago. I wondered if I was still tired from the big jump in week 5.

It appears that "Jupiter aligned with Mars" and all the omens were auspicious today, though, because I had no problem running the full 25 minutes.

In fact, I ran 30 minutes. Yep, 30 minutes at the end of week 6. To be fair, I went veeeerrrrryyyy slowly, and only did a bit more than 3km in the 30 minutes, but this is still a pretty big deal for me. I just felt like I could go on forever. And this is definitely the first time in my entire life I could run for 30 minutes.

Now, I don't expect that every run from now on will be like today. I am still going to follow the program, and not expect to keep running right through the cool-down music unless I feel really inspired. (Yes, I followed it up with a good walk and stretch.) But I admit I am proud of myself. And now I know I can do it, so I won't be afraid. I can just focus on going a little faster.

Some of you already know that I needed a cane to walk just 1.5 years ago. Now, with the physio, dieting, exercise and everything, I can run for miles! I feel like a success story.

[CouchChip Graduate]

Amazing Alaiyo - what a journey you're having - you are indeed a runner! Congratulations

[Alaiyo Graduate in reply to CouchChip]

Thank you CouchChip!

[Minuette Graduate]

Wow that's fantastic well done!

[Alaiyo Graduate in reply to Minuette]

Thanks Minuette.

[hollyO Graduate]

Brilliant! I dont know your story but your progress is phenomenal. Iam just behind you, W6R1 tomorrow. And yes, you are a success

[Alaiyo Graduate in reply to hollyO]

Thanks Holly. In a nutshell, my story is that I was in terrible shape, barely able to walk, with a lot of health issues. But I have been trying really, really hard to be healthy, and I think being able to run is a major milestone. Good luck on week 6, you will be great.

[kathycullen]

That's a great post. Amazing. Gives us all motivation!

[Alaiyo Graduate in reply to kathycullen]

Thanks Kathy. I appreciate the support and motivation I get from everyone here.

[Hidden]

Thats is Brill! I am due to start 7 today so am holding my breath cos week 6 run 3 was a killer for me ... but I am the same as you couldn't have said that I could succeed in anything like this before this great program and the amazing blogs that keep me going! So well done you and onwards and upwards or should I say onwards and onwards!!!!

[Alaiyo Graduate in reply to Hidden]

I am sure wk 7 run 1 will be great. I think of those killer runs like this: if I had to really, but really push through it, then my body is doing more repair than usual and getting stronger. So the next time should be easier. And even if it isn't, by week 7 you know that your body will catch up to your desires if you keep trying. My thoughts are with you.

[Grannygoesrunning Graduate]

30 minutes - wow, that's great, congratulations! I think a lot of this is mental. And I'm told by others, that you can just reach a point where you can keep on running and running. I'm not there yet though.

[Alaiyo Graduate in reply to Grannygoesrunning]

Thank you, Granny. Yes, I think the endorphins kicked in on that run. You will get there too, at least on some days.