If I had started C25k in warm weather like this . . .

[Deryn61]

. . . I am not 100% sure I would have completed!

Just back from a 6 mile run. I had a few enforced stops/slow downs (dog issues, toilet issues, lonely lady dog walker desperate to chat issues) but also one where I just had to stop running and walk and have a proper drink to recover.

I tried finding a shady route but it was exposed in parts, and also sheltered so no breeze!

My legs were tired before I started (note to self - take it easier on a Saturday if your long run is Sunday morning - yesterday I walked around 6 miles and gardened for most of the evening!).

I made the mistake of running up the canal path from the car about 1.75 miles, got to a dead end so turned back - and when I saw the car I just wanted to get in and drive home! It really took a lot to make myself run on!

Shortly after, I surprised myself by putting on the fastest sprint I have ever done in my life but only because my dog, (who had been plodding along behind me with his tongue hanging out, stopping every so often to take a drink from the canal) suddenly sprinted ahead - that means only one thing! Sheep alert! A field that i have run/walked past at least 40 times recently today had sheep in it! I only just managed to grab him before he went under a gap in the fence, so he had to go back on the lead for a bit.

The adrenaline nearly made me sick! But I made myself calm down and carry on and ran back (past the flippin car again!), pausing only cos my path was blocked by the lonely dog walking 76 year old lady, bless her (I was very grateful for an excuse to take a breather by then!).

On my final stretch, back towards the car again, I met a lovely young lady runner (30 years younger, about 8 ins taller, at least 2 stone lighter than me - bitch !) also dressed in black vest capri pants and cap (but looking stunning and not even pink in the face) who was going in the opposite direction.

I didn't think anything of that, was praying my legs would hold out, I was just counting down the yards till I could stop, when I realised my dog was no where to be seen. Definitely no sheep around, so wondered what had happened. I had to turn back AGAIN! Bit concerned - what if he had fallen in the canal and not been able to get out, what if he had dropped due to heatstroke? Then I realised what had happened. The dozy dog had followed the other lady runner the wrong way up the path!

So in my dogs eyes I am tall, slim and haven't got a face the colour of beetroot either!

[icandothis Graduate]

Excellent blog ive laughed all the way through reading it. Well done, its a nightmare when you have to go pass your finish point...... now im hoping my next run will be a little more exciting, thanks for sharing, you have made my day

[Anonymous36 Graduate]

Lol I love your dog

I can't run past the car, I've tried it many times but the force is too strong! Well done for doing it, I know how bloody hard it is

I'm with you on the heat thing, there is not cat in hells chance I would have completed c25k if I'd started in this heat! I was out of the door at 6:20 this morning so I could run while it was cool, it didn't work! I can't breath and run when it is so warm

[Anonymous36 Graduate]

P.s.i did manage 4 miles before life without an iron lung became unlikely and I gave up

[AliB1 Graduate]

I doubt i'd have completed it the course either if it was this warm back in January! It's hard coz I love the sun and being able to be outside and chilling in the garden BUT just not for running in.

You did so well running past the car and keeping going. Know the feeling coz at our parkrun you run past the car park at the start of each loop. Both times i've run there i kept thinking on the start of 2nd loop that nobody would notice if i just ran to the car and went home. such a mental challenge to get over.

your blog did make me smile...i would love to be seen as tall, slim and not bright red during my runs....is it time for me to get a dog lol?

[mrslazy Graduate]

Just reading this makes me feel exhausted. Well done you for your determination. To hot to run for me today. And the side of my foot still hurts from my 20 minute effort. Going to try a pair of trainers my daughter has left here before I go for the gait testing and £100 investment.

[TJFlute]

I also did 6 miles in 24 degrees! I deliberately went out at 10.00am because I know my 10k in a few weeks time is at that time, and I will need to be prepared in case it's that hot on the day.

I love your post! I think you both did really well today

[Tapira Graduate]

What energy! Can I borrow your dog...and then I can be lithe and athletic too?!

[mair99 Graduate]

Its a laugh a minute on here... i'm chuckling away and my husband keeps asking me what is so funny...

What an effort! good work.

[BTX4 Graduate]

To do that distance in the heat is amazing. Well done!

Such great blog too - chuckling away to myself here

[MartC78]

Having started the programme this week i know what you mean my first run was fine but i was out later for my second one and the heat really hit me. I made the decision to take a two day rest so my wk1 run3 is tomorrow. i will be up extra early to ensure i beat the heat. However in my head if i can run now i can run anytime!! Taking a extra day break has surprised me that i have actually missed having a run.

My sister in law did the the sheffield half marathon to day and it was touching 28 - 30 degrees it has been a major motivation.

Well done for continuing !!

M

[GoogleMe Graduate]

Really enjoyed reading that - could have written so much of it myself (except not yet the 6 miles bit) Well done!