I'm not dead yet...

[Beth5]

Today was W3R1 and I have to admit I was a bit nervous about it, I've never been a runner and the thought of running for 3 minutes was nervewracking and it was all unknown as I got injured on W2R3 on my first attempt at C25K. Got on "my" treadmill at the gym - someone else was on there on Wednesday and I was most put out by that and turned on the MP3 player to get Laura's instructions. Started the warm up listening to Laura's guidance and heard the schedule.

Did the first 90 second run, that was the easier bit as I already knew I could run for 90 seconds, then had to recover in time for the bit 3-minute run. Dropped the speed slightly (to 6.8kph) to make sure I didn't trip myself up by going too fast and then went back to my normal 7kph for the last 30-45 seconds. When Laura said that I'd done it I cracked the biggest smile that I think has ever been seen in the gym and felt that rush of "I did it" but had to watch I didn't get to confident as there were two more runs to go.

Recovered well enough during the 3-minute walk and then for the final 3 minute run I was able to keep the pace at my normal 7 kph. Finished up very tomato faced and sweaty but pretty pleased with myself for getting through it. Know that each week will get tougher but hopefully that little bit of self belief will keep growing. I'll probably do R2 on Monday. Not sure if I'll make it out on Sunday as the forecast is for very cold weather... if the sun is out then maybe I'll make it out to try a W2 run, though I think that the coldness may make it even more difficult to make the transition and have some pretty interesting sore patches on my legs from walking out and about in the wind and cold...

Have also signed up for the 5x50 challenge which Greenlegs blogged about a few days ago so am on a long term journey it would seem.

[greenlegs Graduate]

Brilliant Beth - that makes12 on the 5x50 team! You can't duck out now!

I'd loved to have been at your gym when you did that big smile. Do try running outside if you can - it's so good to be able to try out different routes for distraction purposes!

And by the way - you are a runner now.

[Beth5 in reply to greenlegs]

Thanks Greenlegs, I strategically located "my" treadmill where nobody can really see my face so the big victory grin went largely unnoticed. If it's not snowing or horribly cold then I might venture back out to Barking Park as I know that having outside as an option will be a benefit but just don't know if I can face the cold on Sunday...

PS your graduate badge looks great

[greenlegs Graduate in reply to Beth5]

Lots of layers and a buff and hat and gloves... not nearly as bad as you think it will be. Then you end up all hot and sweaty!

[ancientrunner Graduate]

In a few weeks you will be amazed to find you are cross if you start to struggle at 20 mins. It is amazing how this works. I'm not someone who is normally keen on the cold but I do find I enjoy running more when it's cold. - and felt excited to see a few snow flurries before going out this morning. Always end up taking the gloves off and wishing I had one less layer on so I'd say give it a go outside.