Something has changed.......

[Madge50]

After all this time I think I can actually run! I've always considered myself a 'wobbler' really, slow and steady at the back. I'm always near the back at my local park run chasing down 35 minutes - getting there slowly but surely. All the 'races' (that's 2 x 10k's) I've done so far, again I've been close to the last finishers.

Anyway, did Race For Life on Sunday with my daughter, we joined the joggers group, we found ourselves weaving and dodging walkers and those with buggies etc., it was a great experience and being in amongst walkers/runners of very varying abilities made me realise just how far I've come with C25K, my stride is better, I don't 'shuffle' as much, I relax a lot more. It was lovely running through the city of Cambridge, a few bottle necks as the colleges don't like you treading on their fancy manicured grass, waving at people punting on the river and a load of totally confused tourists trying to cross the race route! Coming across the line hand in hand with her was very special for me.

I seem to have suddenly realised, yes, I can run and I love it, it's taken a long time I know. Been out today and my legs are like lead! Managed 7k with a bit of walking, but legs felt like solid lumps and so heavy, still recovering I suppose. Still enjoyed being out and already looking forward to park run on Saturday.

I would never say running or 5k is easy, but I think I've finally convinced myself I can do it, so I now view 5k as a 'standard' run, that I know I can do.

Keep going you lot, it doesn't matter how long it takes, to quote a favourite forum mantra:

Keep running, keep smiling

Mx 😄

[Irishprincess Graduate]

That's brilliant Madge when it all falls into place. Patience and repetition are key and the body learns to accept that, hey, it's running and it had better get used to it! Well done on the RFL too. Sounds a lovely day.

[Madge50 Graduate in reply to Irishprincess]

Thanks IP, yes, RFL was good, the atmosphere was brilliant tinged with a little sadness, a couple of memories, one lady abandoned her wheelchair at the last little bit and with the help of a couple of friends walked over the finish line, just fab, and one lady wheelchaired the 10k, it was privilege to cheer them in, (I couldn't find any words) may be its that, I'm lucky that I can actually run

Mx

[misswobble Graduate]

Wahay! Well done. Great feeling isn't it. Your running opens up all sorts of new possibilities. I run to shops that I thought previously were a bus or car ride away. I think nothing now of just running there with a small rucksack on my back.

WEll done on your Race for Life!

[Madge50 Graduate in reply to misswobble]

Thanks Misswobble, if my office moves to a more local spot, I'm considering cycling........(fair weather of course - if it's raining I prefer to run 😄😄)

Mx

[Sonic-sloth_Lisa Graduate]

I am on week 9 and have also just ran my first RFL. This was also my first 5k so I didn't really know what to expect. Came in at 36 mins which I'm over the moon with as it was an uneven ground cross country run (at Houghton Hall, nr King's Lynn).

You're right - it was a strange feeling running at my own (not that fast) pace yet overtaking people. C25K rocks!

[Madge50 Graduate in reply to Sonic-sloth_Lisa]

Thanks Lisa, I'm no speed demon, that was a great time, we did it in about 38 minutes, which I'm really happy with.

Mx

[ancientrunner Graduate]

Well done - no stopping you now!!

[Madge50 Graduate in reply to ancientrunner]

Thanks ar, yes, just proves its a head thing, big time!

Mx

[poppypug Graduate]

Yay ! Well done Madge, I can relate to this post sooo much

I am always near the back at Parkrun and the 2 10ks Ive done , I have always been in the last quarter . Its all a learning curve isn't it ? You've just got to keep plugging away and get those miles on the legs and then gradually you can feel something fall into place ,and a 5k doesn't seem so scary anymore !

You are brilliant Madge, Atta Girl ! xxx

[Madge50 Graduate in reply to poppypug]

Oh pops, I'm just so happy now, and no I've not been on the sherbet dib dabs! And very happy to stay right where I am, rocking along on the 5s and 10's.

We're gonna have to get one of those medal boards soon, who'd have thought it 😄 ha ha, prizes for wobbling! Brilliant!

Mx

[Curlygurly2 Graduate]

Wobbler? No no no....I've seen you running and I know you're a runner xx

[Madge50 Graduate in reply to Curlygurly2]

Hi Curly,

Ha ha , I know! But just goes to prove this is such a head thing!

Mx

[Curlygurly2 Graduate in reply to Madge50]

I hate my style, I saw myself on video, and I can see my shadow running beside me in the strong sun... I hate it! I look like Les Dawson beetling along...That said, I can run - I CAN!

[Madge50 Graduate in reply to Curlygurly2]

Les Dawson?, oh no, no ,no, remember in our heads we are gazelles! Prancing ponies! That's all that matters! 😀

Mx