A run full of firsts......

[SBG356]

This was my first run after graduating at the weekend.

This was my first run in the dark after work.

This was my first run wearing winter gear-long tights, gloves and jacket.

This was my first run without music.

Overall, it was a good experience. I ran 4.5k in 28 mins and it felt relaxed and enjoyable as I was just running for me, with no times or distances to keep to. Though I was apprehensive about the dark I felt safe as I had on my new Ronhill reflective jacket in very bright pink so there was no doubt I could be seen! Also, by having no music I was aware of my surroundings so again felt safe. I was quite surprised too that I wasnt such a heavy breather as I thought I was, as its usually drowned out by the ipod, so that was reassuring.

I was also surprised how many other runners were out at that time after work and it was good to acknowledge them and be acknowledged in return! Its a great gang to be in........

So, I gave it a go to see how evening running in the dark would be and I can definitely say I will do it again - it was fun!

[gdeann Graduate]

Congrats for accomplishing so many firsts!!! The run sounds great! I love running in the dark but I usually have Steve within shouting distance otherwise my mind starts playing games and I'm a big scary-cat! Your pink jacket sounds awesome! I'm looking at a pink one also. Great distance and pace! You go girl!!!

[SBG356 Graduate in reply to gdeann]

Thanks Gayle! Pink rocks and as all my gear has some flash of pink in it I couldnt get anything that clashed now could I?! Sx

[ca66ie99 Graduate]

well done on your run, I've yet to try a run without music, left out a headphone in one ear the other day and like you was surprised that my breathing wasn't as bad as I'd thought however I'm not sure I'm brave enough to try it completely without it !! I've got my first post-graduate run on Saturday as I'm working horrible shifts the next few days, I can't believe I'm looking forward to it so much.

Big style congrats to ya !!

[SBG356 Graduate in reply to ca66ie99]

Thanks Cathy! I love running with music so wasnt too sure how it would go or even if I could keep going without it but for safety's sake on the streets of London I had to ditch it just so I wasnt too vulnerable - shame we have to think like this but that's life.....

Good luck for your run on Saturday; cant wait to run at the weekend and in daylight!!

Sue x

[janda Graduate]

Well done. Great success getting so many firsts today. Watch out for uneven surfaces when you run in the dark: a paving stone nearly got me tonight. Need to look into water-proof jacket for when I finally get hit by rain (only one real wet-run thus far!!).

[SBG356 Graduate in reply to janda]

Cheers janda! I have only had one wet-run too so been very lucky like you. This jacket is showerproof but would be useless in heavy rain I think.....not sure the pink would suit you though!!

Yep, those paving stones are a killer..... Its hard to run looking ahead, as we are told, when you have to constantly keep checking the pavements. Glad you managed to keep yourself upright and didnt lose your dignity, but at least its dark if you do......!

[Beads Graduate]

I know how pink that pink is, I have their t-shirt.

Breathing always sounds louder with headphones on, I'm sure because we hear it from the inside, whereas take the headphones out and you hear it from outside and it's no where near as noisy. I surprised myself that way as well.

Good luck with your runs.

[SBG356 Graduate in reply to Beads]

Thanks Beads.

As my work colleague said "it's highlighter pink"!

[smhall Graduate]

It sounds like a great start to a post-C25K running career Sue!!

But oh my, all of this talk about pink...what is it with pink??? First, Pinky with the stroller from hell ( a call-back from my first organized 5K blog) then you outfitted all in pink and now I find out that Gayle is considering PINK??? I almost feel mocked...PINK is out to get me!!!!

Welcome to C25K "Graduate" running!! It is quite a gang to be a part of!!

Keep Running!!

Steve

[SBG356 Graduate in reply to smhall]

Oh yes!! I forgot about Pinky!!! At least Gayle and I dont have the pink wig to match our outfits........yet!!

Thanks for the encouragement as always Steve.

Sue

[jlow Graduate]

Fabulous Sue.. I have had a horrible cold since Sunday so have yet to get back out, hopefully tomorrow.. Will be my first dark run too.. I hope we get our badges soon! Take Care Jackie x

[SBG356 Graduate in reply to jlow]

Oh no, poor you!! Soooo many on here seem to be suffering at the moment; I hope its not coming my way......

I think I will try my next run tomorrow too and then back to daylight at the weekend. Cant wait to get the badge - its taking an age!

Sxx

[psarapsych Graduate]

Hey Sue, congratulations :-). I think you were just looking down the barrel of your graduate run when w last talked. Sounds like a really lovely PG run with no pressure and a great time too :-).

Talking of pink, i think my combined xmas and b'day present will be the ALDI winter running gear in PINK! Definitely nice and luminescent.

Brilliant Sue and keep on having fun, Sara xox

[SBG356 Graduate in reply to psarapsych]

Aahh thanks Sara! It was also good to prove to myself that I could motivate myself to go out without the programme because I wanted to.

We should all get together as The Pink Ladies Running Club.....!

Good luck for your next run. Sue xxx

[psarapsych Graduate in reply to SBG356]

OMG.... Now i think you've got an idea there - I'd love to see your post for membership requirements :-). What with a badly needed design for a 'Mary Poppins' running belt for gals who nee to be prepared (re Doggymum's recent post) and a club where we can be internationally recognised (International Pink ladies' Running Club - IPLC), i think i see a book/film coming on LOL :-). Ohhhhh what fun we have, Sara xox

[Chewy]

Well done Sue sounds like a great run.

[SBG356 Graduate in reply to Chewy]

Cheers Chewy.

Sue

[Fraz73 Graduate]

Well done Sue, I agree it sounds like you had a great run. And we have our badges now so yay!! Can't wait to get out there tomorrow. Keep up the good work!

[SBG356 Graduate in reply to Fraz73]

Thanks Fraz ! The badge looks good doesn't it and yes it makes me want to get out there too; I know what you mean......happy running!!