Long time no blog! W3 done...did W4R1 today.

[nextjenn]

Wow. Well I have waited a few hours to write this!

W3 wasn't easy but I made it, didn't stop once. Considering I added 2 runs to the first week and 1 to the second I thought if I could complete W3 I will try and move straight on to W4.

Knowing the majority of my problem is mental...a nightmare about my run was not a good start to wake up with!! However I tried not to think about it and just got out there. I started with the first 3 min run and that was a shock, 3 mins is now a warm up! The first 5 min run was like a baptism of fire...straight in there 90 seconds after the first 3 minutes. My legs felt like lead and I felt myself giving up.

The 2.5 min walk really helped me compose myself (or so I thought!) and the second 3 min run was upon me. This time I hurt and by hurt I mean my legs would not move...I forced through it in tears...yes I was actually crying as I was running/shuffling along. I felt like a right numpty! Trying to keep my head up I fought to get through thinking that if I made it through this one I could be proud and anything I could get out of the last 5 mins would be a bonus.

During the 90 second walk stubborness and frustration kicked in...followed by more tears! Im so glad my partner was there or I would have hidden in a bush! I started the 5 mins and just pushed...I couldnt run and it ended up more of a shuffle. When that final beep sounded I just froze...and exploded into tears!! People walking their dogs expecting a quiet Sunday morning stroll found me all sweaty and in hysterics!!

Not sure how to take today. So pleased I didnt stop, but I feel like I let myself down. Time to focus on the mental barriers as well as the physical ones

Keep running people...if I can do this then so can you!! Nearly 1/2 way there!

[SBG356 Graduate]

Hey Jenn - no way did you let yourself down, how can you think that?! You did it! You dug deep, you persevered and despite the pain and hard slog of it you kept going - YOU DID NOT STOP!! So you completed the run, can tick it off and move on to R2; that is an achievement so be proud!

Your tears are because you want this so much; you are frustrated because you think you should have been better but believe me, we all have runs like that and beat ourselves up about it but again - YOU DID NOT STOP! Remember that, enjoy a rest day or two and get out there and show the world what you can do! Before you know it you will be graduating so kick those gremlins into touch and get ready to laugh in their face when you stand on the finish line with your green badge! Best of luck!

Sue x

[nextjenn Graduate in reply to SBG356]

Thank you so much for this reply I was so chuffed I ran and read it out to my OH! I think you are spot on with the tears, hoping I can banish them tomorrow.

I cannot imagine the day I get my shiny green badge, I will be ecstatic!

Thank you again, so much. I will believe in myself next time and every time after that!

[SBG356 Graduate in reply to nextjenn]

My pleasure Jenn! That is what it is all about here - giving and receiving encouragement and motivation to our "family" members!

Yes, believe in yourself, take it slow, pace yourself, hold your head up and just run! Lets hope the next tears will be of joy, I am sure they will be!

Sue x