Well today marks a milestone, and it's not just the 25 minute run (done!) or Laura telling me 'you're a runner' (woohoo!). So far I've religiously stuck to the NHS podcasts, listening all the way through to the end of the warm-down every single time, kind of in a superstitious way. Today however, I listened to the podcast for the first five minutes but when the music kicked in, I switched to my own playlist. I kept time using my shiny new Garmin Forerunner and stopped after 25 minutes solid running, then changed back to the NHS podcast and scrolled ahead to the all important congrats from Laura.
Having my own music gave me such a boost and because I'd planned the length of the playlist to be about 30 minutes, I knew roughly how many songs I'd need to get through before I was almost done.
I was worried about deviating from the podcasts but I feel like this run showed me I can still keep time and achieve goals even if Laura's voice isn't in my ear telling me how long there is to go. There will come a day when I have to 'leave the nest' and this was a good indication that I'll be alright on my own. I got into an amazing stride about 2/3 of the way in, all cylinders pumping, feet hitting the ground to the beat, breathing even... felt great!
(P.S. I don't want to criticise week 6's music overly much because I'm still so grateful to the NHS team for all the hard work put into making the podcasts. For me, week 6 has been such a challenge that using my own music felt like it changed things up enough to keep me distracted from the distance I had to run.)
So if anyone out there is struggling with week 6, try some more upbeat, pumping tunes - might help!
Week 6 run 3 done!!!!!!
Week 6 run 3 completed
Week 6 in the bag!! Run 3 powered by Metallica
Another week 6 run 3 post!!
Week 6 Run 3... DID IT!!
