So after last weeks adventures and getting 'the feeling' I was optimistic re this weeks 28 minutes effort.
On friday evening I cheated a teeny bit and did my 'warm up' by walking a quick as possible round horses field whilst clearing up thier poop, (I'm obsessed!!) and then set off for 28 minutes over the fields. It again was nice to run in the day light - I'm adjusting to this new experience!
It was hard going and difficult to get into a smooth rhythm as its all 'off road' but we trotted along merrily enough, I did find it a bit odd as I ran where I usually ride my horse, around a big park with lots of dog walkers and when you're on a horse, people (usually but not always) smile and say hello, but whilst running all I got was strange suspicious looks. I reciporocated and kept a wary eye out for dogs that wanted to chase me. (not scared of dogs but didn't want to 1. get bitten 2. have to stop for owner to get rogue (SPELT CORRECTLY NOW FOR THE PEDANTIC AMONGST YOU!..;-)) dogs under control)
I was pleased to have got all the way round and back to the start point (4k) within the 28 minutes, I was less pleased that i then had ti run past the gate and keep going to another few minutes as mentally I was 'aiming for the gate!' but a good run and pleased with self!
Next run - yesterday and for a change it was lashing it down and blowing a hooley! I got in from riding horse (who was naughty!) and got changed into my (dry this time!) gym kit and dragged protesting husband out too. I had mapped a run of 5km, and had in my mind to get as far round as possible but accept I wouldn't make it all the way. For the first time I had on gloves and a hat (which as I have been running since December, after work in minus something degrees seems a bit like shutting door after horse has bolted!) Off we trot. I was making a conscientious decision to not go too quick on off set as I knew we had some hills to slog up on way home. (I live in the only hilly bit of Essex I think!!)
It was, as always a bit tough - I genuinely thought I'd be finding it easier by now, and when we got to 14 minutes and good ole laura suggests going a bit faster if you feel like it I can barely choke down my snort of derision. Hat and gloves off by this point and head down as we tackle the hills, at one point the wind was blowing so hard in my face and it felt like I was actually not moving. I only managed to continue by cheering self up by thinking - oh well even if I jog on the spot for the next 10 minutes, time is passing and 28 minutes will pass regardless! - somehow we did make it to the top of the hill and I was hyperventalating and gasping as I jogged down again. Managed to calm self down and actualy get some air in but when laura gave it the 1 minute to go - there was no reponse in my request to legs to move slightly quicker!
Finally time was up and I was a mere 0.5 km of the 5km target! So although it was tough I was very pleased with the distance travelled and feel confident that if I was on a flat treadmill I'd have aced 5km already! 
I'm really starting to umm and ahh about what next now though, I love a 'process' and really think I'll need a structure and a goal to aim for once I'ved completed (next monday!)
So wk 8 r3 tomorrow.... hopefully another daytime run and maybe off orad again, but we'll see what the yucky snow does!
Thanks for reading - tea and cookies for anyone who makes it to the end of this blog!
I must be mad!
Wk 8 run 2 and smiling thanks to the community support 
Week 7 R1 + R2: 🎵The cold never bothered me anyway🎵 
Wk 8 run 3 and Park Run 3 - ran ALL the way!!!!!!!!!
Early morning running
