bummer start to week 2....

[AuntieAli]

well, that wasnt a good start! beginning went ok. all strapped in things so tight you'd be lucky if my chin wobbled!!

laura was plugged in and was so relieved when she said we would start off with our usual 5 min brisk warm up walk. Phew!! ease me in gently, thanks Laura.

all warmed up i went in to the first 90 second run actually not bad at all. I made it!!

back to the walking. then the run. okaaay, bit more effort, but still managed it.

then the walkikng and then...... that was it. I got round the bend of this corner where I run downhill and then to a roundabout and then back up the hill but the other side, and I just lost it. got all dizzy, panicky and just couldnt breathe. sweet jesus!! I thought that i wouldnt make Christmas.

I absolutely had no idea what happened but I thought after a little stop and a unbutton of aldi hi-viz top, Id better just turn back home, but keep breathing and walking. really didnt feel well.

after id had a couple minutes walk and managed to get back to "normal" (as much as you can on this running malarky at this stage anyway) I thought - "bloody hell Ali, what you doing?". So, I switched off Laura - because I'd lost track of where I was up to anyway - and I decided to get back to it.

this time, with Carole King (sorry music lovers!) blasting in my ear, I decided I'd run to the top of this long road, then have a rest whilst crossing the road, then walk a bit then run a bit more.

And I did it. I got back in to the running zone! I ran almost to my front door. So glad I gave it another go before I came in and collapsed.

So, mixed bag of emotions. I dont know what buggered me up, but Im going to change my route for Wednesday to try and get rid of a hill or two. Maybe I panicked in thinking I can run down this bleeder but coming up in a bit for 90 seconds will be another story??

Anyhoooo -- drat, double drat, but I'll be back on Wednesday full steam ahead.

[gdeann Graduate]

Ali, you tried and you ran...good go! you will have bad runs...I was physically ill following a few of my first runs. For me, if I prepare mentally, try to eat good food choices and take in more fluids on run day, it makes a world of difference. Don't beat yourself up, you got yourself off the couch and running. Good job!!!! Gayle

[AuntieAli Graduate]

thanks Gayle. am going to try prepare self more mentally that I will have good and bad runs. I already know I wont give up. Grrrrr!!

Ive made the lifestyle change in relation to food, but you're right I might need to drink more fluids on run day. thanks for that. will keep you posted. Ali

[Chewy]

Brilliant blog Ali, loved it. I found that my body did some very strange things in the first few weeks, it was as though it was having a conversation with me:

Body: What are you doing ?

Me: I'm learning to run

Body: *laughter* You're kidding us right ?

Me: No, I want to learn.

Body: Well we'll see about that, you realise it's been 30 years ?

Me: So about time for a change then isn't it ?

Body: I'm not happy about this I can tell you.

But in the end it gives in, occasionally whines but on the whole the mind wins.

[RainbowC Graduate]

Great post! I definitely agree with finding a different route; I live in a hilly area, and have a choice of going downhill at first, with a rather steep uphill return; gradual uphill first half, then return back the same way downhill second half; or rather more small up & downs, but fairly level overall. In the early weeks I tried to do all three routes, but very quickly came up against the fact that I simply can't do the steep uphill return. The more gradual hills, however, have got noticeably more manageable over time, which is very rewarding!

If you have to include hills, can you manage to head up them at the start? Although it's hard work and makes the first bit tough, the payback when you go back down and it's so much easier is great!

[rolphie2 Graduate]

Well done for having another go and finishing will at run. I live in a very flat area and get really upset at the slightest incline I don't know what I would do if I had to run up hills!! Keep going and it will get easier (well ish) and you will be able to run further, believing is half the battle. You can do it

[AuntieAli Graduate]

thank you ALL for your words of wisdom and encouragement.

I am a bit deflated but not defeated!! I shall get out tomorrow - flatter route, well watered and with a positive attitude..........

I can do this! grrrr!