Speed – not to be confused with the film of the same name starring Keanu Reeves and Dennis Hopper

[londongirln19]

It was the first time it felt really cold leaving the house this morning. - Okay it’s only 6C but I’m a soft Southerner. I was glad of my new running tights, thermal top and moth-eaten Oxfam-reject, cashmere sweater and wished I’d worn gloves. Having tried Stepping Stones on the previous run, I’d decided to have a go at Speed. It sounds terrifying. As the sky looked full of rain I chose to forgo the delights of the Heath’s woods and meadows and streams and stick to the paths near the boating pond. I liked the idea of a shorter run and wanted to be able to concentrate on Laura’s words of encouragement without having to worry about mud and leaves and flashers.

I made the mistake of accidentally going up a hill for the first burst of running and was immediately overtaken by a man wearing a T-shirt that read 'Running the Big Beast Isn’t Hardcore – Finishing It Is.’ I’ve really no idea what the Big Beast might be but the message seemed horribly boastful and macho, and reminded me of all the reasons I’ve always hated running in the past. (Back home I googled the Big Beast but all the search engine could come up with was Big Breasts, some of which were pretty hardcore to be honest.)

Back on the flat I dutifully ran up and down alternating 1-minute runs of 165 and 150 beats per minute, repeated 6 times. In the 9-week programme I think my least enjoyable run was week 3, because I found all those short runs interminable - much more irritating than simply getting into the rythmn of a long one. Today, it didn’t bother me so much. I just padded up and down avoiding the dogs and fishermen, and trying to keep my shoulders relaxed and my arms at 90 degrees.

I was glad to finish but not quite as exhausted as I’d expected. (Can I be doing this right?) Next time I’ll try Stamina, though I’m missing listening to real music. I think I’ll go and research some more tunes that will keep the pace up.

[DeliaItaly Graduate]

You made my chuckle, super post! Delia

[londongirln19 Graduate in reply to DeliaItaly]

How's it going with the Kinks and Stamina? I'm desperate to find some more music that will help me run a little bit faster.

[DeliaItaly Graduate]

Well I've only done Stepping Stones so far and it was hard. That was Sunday and I've had flu since then and haven't run I'll be back to SS on Friday I hope. Dire as it may be, for me, I really think that Laura's music works best for keeping time.

[londongirln19 Graduate in reply to DeliaItaly]

Hope you feel better soon. I'll post any jolly tunes I find that might inspire us to run faster.

[rubbishrunner Graduate]

Made me laugh! Not sure I would want to run - or finish- the Big Beast - ooh, how hardcore and macho!

[londongirln19 Graduate in reply to rubbishrunner]

Congratulations on graduating.-

I'm in awe of anyone who can do this programme on a treadmill - it's only the scenery that keeps me putting one foot in front of another. Time to change your name, perhaps?

[rubbishrunner Graduate]

Started on the treadmill, but moved on the road ... enjoying reading about the Stepping Stones, Speed and Stamina since I've not started them yet, still trying to get comfortable with 30 minutes - but now the weather is getting icy may have to revert to the treadmill

[londongirln19 Graduate in reply to rubbishrunner]

I'm dreading the ice too, but I'm sure you get a lot more of it where you are.

[rubbishrunner Graduate in reply to londongirln19]

Yaktrax?!