W5R3, chaffing... and trying to tell the time when on a run...

[HectorsHouse]

This morning I spent about an hour and a half getting up and ready to go for my run... Although I look forward to reaching the end goal, I didn't want to set off. on W5R2 I ran the last bit for about 14 minutes... but I still could not believe that I could extend that by another five minutes! But thinking of people on here - sooo many graduates - I knew it was possible. And with Laura telling me how she struggled... I knew if I just kept going, it was possible.

And I've got other work to be doing, too. right now, I'm running about one hour behind my personal schedule for the day! So, quick run report.

I was struggling when I set off for the brisk walk. I just felt tired. Early morning? maybe I hadn't digested my breakfast enough. But I got to where my start point was going to be bang on time, and from there it was "see how I get on".

Laura told me to set off, and somewhat reluctantly but with a sighed 'ok' in my mind I did. Up a gradual hill (way not as steep as last time) toward a park - which I figured I might be able to go round twice in the twenty minutes. By the time I was nearing the top end of the park I thought "surely this is ten minutes" which I confirmed by looking at my watch. shortly after Laura told me, "well done! you've done five minutes!"

My reply was along the lines of "Well done? flip! that means fifteen minutes left!! thanks, Laura..."

I made a quick change of plan and decided to go round the park a different way. I changed this when I got to the turn off, because that route would involve going up, which my legs did not want; the other turn off seemed much more sensible, as it went downhill and back toward home in a less obscure way! This route goes on the road, and then ends up the other side of the park I was originally going on. I missed the edge of it by about 10 seconds... but still... In a circular way I went round the park I intended on going round!

I learned that, even if I look at my watch, my mind plays tricks with me. I'm better off just focusing on my breathing and steps...

my route: mapmyrun.com/routes/view/14...

I exceeded my 3km goal by .19km! Bless mapmyrun, they round it up, so they say it's 3.20 in total!

Also, a word about chaffing. On Wednesday night I saw my anti-chaffing cream and thought i didn't need it for a run. D'oh! It started within about 12 minutes on Wednesday and I'm still kind-of feeling it So I made sure I applied it liberally this morning.

but no problems today

I can heartily recommend Udderly Smooth. It is AMAZING! it stays put throughout - I've done 60 miler cycle rides with it and felt no problems. It's not 'cheap' (£7 on wiggle), but v v good value; my tub has lasted me about 3 years, and there's still quite a bit in it!

Good luck with your next run, where-ever you are on the program

[Chewy]

Well done Hectors. When I did my 20 minutes I was convinced that Laura was getting the times wrong (I'm sure she wasn't) but it did feel like a long way. But now you've done it so you know you can, well done.

[Clare7645 Graduate]

Well done on competing W5R3. I have the same run tomorrow eek