W5R3 - Good morning Mr Fox

[Chewy]

As I rounded the end of the lane from home on my warm up walk I passed the entrance to the farm yard and there stood an adult fox with his brush held high. We both stopped and watched each other for a few moments before he scuttled away behind the barn and I continued my walk.

I'm not one for omens or superstition and you might think that in rural England you'd see foxes everywhere but since leaving the suburbs of a major city 20 year ago, where they were an almost daily occurrence, I think this is about the third fox I've seen.

But whether by the luck of Mr Fox or that the programme works I managed to run for 20 minutes today. Yes, 20 minutes, I can't believe it myself. I ran outwards into the country deliberately rather than a circular course and over the long walk home I've been saying "20 minutes" to myself over and over. It's remarkable.

So I am living proof that if you're in your 50s, 40lbs over weight and haven't exercised for 30 years you can learn to run for 20 minutes. I'm not dreaming all of this am I ?

[newstart1 Graduate]

Well Done Chewy, That feeling is great you will be smiling all day. I second you as a forty mid way to fifty year old and about five stone over weight (if you believe BMI) Now toned fat.

This Programme is bloody brilliant as you if i can do it ANYONE can. Big congratulations enjoy your day.

[Chewy in reply to newstart1]

Thanks Newstart, I agree it's an amazing programme.

[Fraz73 Graduate]

Fantastic job Chewy. It's a great feeling isn't it? I think W5R3 is one of the biggest mental hurdles plus it means you're over the half way mark of the programme. Enjoy a celebration day, you've earned it!!

[Chewy in reply to Fraz73]

Over half way through, it only seems like the other day that I started.

[notbad Graduate]

Lovely blog Chewy - enjoy that feeling, you've earned it.

[Chewy in reply to notbad]

Thank you Notbad, I confess that as I sit here responding I'm enjoying a celebration beer, which is no good for the figure but even at the end of the day I'm still not quite believing I ran for 20 minutes.

[Soozz Graduate]

Fantastic, Chewy. Sounds a great run, knew you could do it! I suppose I should say Fantastic Mr Fox too! You see all sorts of amazing things when you're out in the early mornings. And just think, to graduate you only have to run an extra 5 minutes. It's an absolutely mind blower, to know you can run for 20 minutes when 5 weeks ago you (I say that, meaning me / most of us) struggled to run for 60 seconds. Bet you're still smiling....

[Chewy in reply to Soozz]

Fantastic Mr Fox that made me smile Soozz and yes, I am also still smiling about the run, 20 minutes, 20 minutes !

[gdeann Graduate]

Your not dreaming Chewy, you did it!! Congratulations! Week 6 here you come...just remember slow and steady starting out with the first two runs.

[Chewy in reply to gdeann]

Thanks Gayle, I'm going to enjoy the rest day tomorrow and just be cautious of W6 given everyone's comments about how it can be a tough week.