W8 R1, best run so far...

[jlow]

I found week 7 a real struggle, didn't really enjoy it at all so heading out just after 7.30am this morning I wasn't quite sure how it was going to go (especially after a few wines last night). It was a gorgeous bright sunny morning with a slight frost on the ground. I decided to wear the lovely purple Rohill running jacket hubby had treated me too for the first time.. Two minutes out the door I decided it was really cold and need to do the coat up but was struggling with phone and water and packet of tissues in hand (I think the water and tissues are comforters) whilst attempting the zip I scuppered the 5 minute warm up podcast so had to start it again.

Up until now I had sussed out where the 5 mins walk would take me and where I would roughly be when Laura chipped in (over the course of the session) however the extra few minutes walk was to change all this as so I had to alter my route and instead of taking my usual left turn I went straight on feeling quite good, I spied another runner heading toward me and thought nothing of it until they got closer and oh lordy it was a chap from my office, not a problem for him I guess but I was already red faced, I had on a head band on to stop the earache and bed head protuding out the top and no make up! I was chuffed I could give a cheery "MORNING" tho!

Carrying on I had settled into a decent pace for me and was enjoying being out in the fresh nippy air, I had few squirrels darting about, and the odd dog walker for company but what was amazing was when Laura said you have 5 minutes left.. I couldn't believe it.. I read a blog the other day when a lady said she had an adreline rush and she felt she had wings well I had that feeling today, I upped my pace and went for it, I was euphoric that I had done 28 minutes and still had some to give.. I punched the air and had a huge grin on my face for the entire 5 minute warm down.

My timing isn't great, I think I will make the 30 minutes, but not the 5k, I am currently averaging 8minutes per km but I am thrilled anyway.... & I have worn a favourite pair of jeans today I haven't been able to sqeeze into for months!!!!

[Deryn61 Graduate]

What a fantastic blog, you are doing brilliantly x

[pinkus Graduate]

Hi jlow your blog made me laugh....warmed the cockles of my heart....I look forward to getting that far as I just completed first run of Week 5....I am in Australia and when I read all the blogs on this site like yours saying you saw squirrels, and other bloggers running in the woods, the frost and ice, the moors etc it just freaks me out that I am an Aussie doing this C5K and my mates on the other side of the world are all doing the same thing, its just so inspiring and encouraging so keep it up....and isn't it great that you can fit into those fav jeans, my body shape has changed to and it just feels so good...well just wanted to say Hi, keep up the good work and I look forward to getting to where you are now...have a great day xxx

[jlow Graduate in reply to pinkus]

Hi Pinkus, thanks for your reply.. I love that fact the people all over are doing this and blogging, seems to bring us all together. W5 is a good week and I'm sure you'll feel great after R3 I'll look out for your blog. Take care Jackie x

[psarapsych Graduate]

Hi Jlow, it sounds wonderful - where are you running in the world?? Sounds nippier than where I am (Austria). I've just done W5R2 and gearing up for the BIG one - R3. Hope I can enjoy myself so much in W8.... Oh, by the way, is it just the running that's got you into your jeans or are you eating differently too????

[jlow Graduate in reply to psarapsych]

Hi psarapsych, I am running in Coventry, England.... It was very chilly yesterday, I do wish I had worn my gloves! I haven't exactly been dieting over the last eight weeks, but I have been careful. I have reduced the alcohol intake.. I was partail to a few wines in the evenings but I have stopped this in the week completely! I have lost about 5lb so far am hoping for 7lb by the end. Good luck with W5 R3 it is a special one and I'm sure you'll love it. Best wishes Jackie x

[psarapsych Graduate in reply to jlow]

Hi Jackie - did you see those special thermal gloves at ALDI with a finger pad for smartphones and MP3's ... really useful in the cold. Ahhh, the lovely wine... sadly I don't drink a lot of that any more due to weight BUT WOW when I reduced the amount the weight just fell off. Now I just have to be careful when it creeps up a little. I'm gaining muscle weight at the moment so have decided to go back on my little healthy eating plan and see what happens... Really looking forward to that R3 - it does sound very special. Best wishes to you too, Sara xox

[SBG356 Graduate]

Well done Jackie! What a brilliant run! Lets hope week 8 proves to be better for us both....xx

[jlow Graduate in reply to SBG356]

Hi Sue, I am hoping for a good week after the super start, I really hope it's the same for you. We are nearly there.. Can you believe it! Good luck for W8 Jxx

[Pearsey]

Well done jlow! I was out with you for the run 1 week 8. My ipod decided to play up-kept switching itself off. One minute i was warming up, the next I had 5 minutes to run-you get the picture. Amongst much cursing and swearing (funny looks) I timed myself and ran the whole 28 minutes-tagged on 2 minutes at the end to make up for having to stop to turn on the ipod again. I will get it right on Wednesday-I wasn't running as fast as before.

[jlow Graduate in reply to Pearsey]

Hi Pearsey, good luck for Wednesday, I'm out Tuesday, look forward to comparing notes, lets hope its straigh forward for both of us Jxx

[Pearsey in reply to jlow]

Yes-look forward to that. Feeling tired out today-in bed and asleep by 10.45 and didn't wake up until 8.15. Good job i'm not working (retired),lol!! Got visitors today, so hope it doesn't affect my run for tomorrow. Good luck for yours today-hope it went well if you've already run and look forward to comparing notes xx

[gaterunner Graduate]

Well done and how inspiring. I found week 7 hard so going to vary my route today for week 8. Hope I do as well as you. Thanks for the inspiration.

[jlow Graduate in reply to gaterunner]

Hi Gaterunner, I think changing the route made all the difference yesterday and I am glad you found my blog inspiring. I hope your W8 R1 went really well, please let me know how you got on. Good luck Jackie xx

[gaterunner Graduate]

Hi Jackie, went out on my new circular route but had not factored in a very steep hill when 2 mins into the run. I managed to get half way up at a jog but then paused Runkeeper till I got to the top at a brisk walk. I then got going again and managed 28 mins actual running. . Next time I'll walk up the hill and then start! Anyway not feeling too bad about the run. I know it's possible now. Thanks for the encouragement. Jan

[Pat184 Graduate]

Wow what at great blog jack and wonderful reply's

[jlow Graduate in reply to Pat184]

Thanks mum, just completed R2 of week 8 as always slow in the evening but it went well xxx