I did my final run this morning accompanied by Iron Maiden, AC/DC, Pink Floyd and Queensryche. Thanks so much to the people who came up with this – I never thought I’d be a runner!

Onwards and upwards, and best of luck to everyone else on [...]]]> Well I guess I’m now a C25K graduate!

I did my final run this morning accompanied by Iron Maiden, AC/DC, Pink Floyd and Queensryche.
Thanks so much to the people who came up with this – I never thought I’d be a runner!

Onwards and upwards, and best of luck to everyone else on the program – keep at it and you will succeed!

I really chilled out and relaxed all the way along Stamford St (apart from the hill to the paper shop), but [...]]]> I felt the usual nerves and tiredness as I made the initial ascent up the long hill to the first turning, but I was in my stride by the time I got onto Darnton Road.

I really chilled out and relaxed all the way along Stamford St (apart from the hill to the paper shop), but was tiring by the time I went past the memorial gardens.

I’m glad I turned off the ‘time left’ notifications this time, because I was able to concentrate on my posture and breathing as I did the last half mile.

Strangely enough, I got the ‘cooldown’ instruction at exactly the same lamppost as on Monday, so I’m nothing if not consistent!

I think I’m doing the right thing by going uphill for the first part of the run as [...]]]> Well I can’t believe I’m doing this after only 9 weeks, but I’m actually running 5K in 30 minutes.  No stopping, no slowing to a walk, just consistent jog for 3 miles 3 times a week.

I think I’m doing the right thing by going uphill for the first part of the run as it gets me warmed up quickly and I can look forward to the route levelling out when I get level with the hospital grounds.

I hesitate to sound cocky, but I can feel myself getting into ‘the zone’ after about 10 minutes where my body gets used to the exercise and I develop a rhythm.  I find myself relaxing into it by the time I’m half way through and I can almost feel the energy being burned off.

I thought it might be more motivational to turn on the 10, 5, 2 and 1 minutes remaining counters on the iPhone app, but I found this morning that they’re a bit of a distraction.  I’m turning them off for the rest of the week.

My head struggled with the initial ascent up Mossley Rd but I got into gear just as I turned off onto Fountain St.  Coming down the other side on Mellor Rd was a welcome change as it’s [...]]]> I decided to try something different today and wanted to work both the hospital and the college runs together.

My head struggled with the initial ascent up Mossley Rd but I got into gear just as I turned off onto Fountain St.  Coming down the other side on Mellor Rd was a welcome change as it’s all downhill.  Back along Stamford St wasn’t too bad after the slight incline to the paper shop was out of the way, it levels out after that.

Turning the corner and going back up the hill on Mossley Rd is always a psychological struggle, but I made it onto Beaufort Rd and past the college.  Just the incline on Stamford St to the paper shop again and I was on the home straight.  The final bell dinged just as I got to the church and I walked round the gardens to cool down.

I’m pleased that I ran 2.9 miles according to Google maps, and if I extend my last stretch to the Old St into the town centre I should have my 3 miles/5 kilometres for next week, if not more!

I made about the same distance as on Monday, getting the cooldown instruction around 100 feet further along the road.

I noticed that my legs were far more eager than my head to do the run, which really surprised me. [...]]]> Another “didn’t want to get out of bed” days today, but I did of course.

I made about the same distance as on Monday, getting the cooldown instruction around 100 feet further along the road.

I noticed that my legs were far more eager than my head to do the run, which really surprised me. I’m back on my weightloss program so I’m coping with less energy again and it’s a difficult horse to get back on.

Still, I’m doing remarkably well and I only have 4 more runs before graduation!

I didn’t really have the energy to do the run this morning – just one of those days. But I did it anyway and I’m within spitting distance of completing the third circuit round the college, just over three miles!

The snow and ice has gone and the feeling of [...]]]> Cor, that was a struggle!

I didn’t really have the energy to do the run this morning – just one of those days. But I did it anyway and I’m within spitting distance of completing the third circuit round the college, just over three miles!

The snow and ice has gone and the feeling of traction underfoot is wonderful!

I can really see the finish line now, and I’m starting to look forward to graduating.

Still, I’m doing the time and distance consistently. [...]]]> The euphoria that I should be feeling about being able to run for 25 minutes, and covering 2.5 miles in the process is being spoiled by the buttock-clenching anxiety that I’m going to slip on a patch of black ice or frozen slush at any minute!

Still, I’m doing the time and distance consistently. I just wish this snow and ice would f**k off!

The worst part was the black ice again. Every time I came to a junction I had to slow right down and [...]]]> I wasn’t really daunted by another 25 minute run today, but I did feel a bit tired and wondered if I would complete it. I did of course, and felt great afterwards.

The worst part was the black ice again. Every time I came to a junction I had to slow right down and mince across it, fearful of slipping and pulling a muscle or worse.

I also managed to avoid the icy puddles today so I didn’t end up with a frozen foot!

I think there’s another 25-minute run on Friday and then it goes up to 28 minutes next week. I’m pretty sure I’m doing the 2.5 miles, but I’ll check with Google maps. I’m not really fussed if not, I’m sure the weather and slippery surface is slowing me down a bit anyway.

I managed to do [...]]]> Today was a double achievement as I managed the 25-minute 2.25 mile run, and I’ve also lost the weight I put on over xmas!   Never for a minute did I think that I’d be in a position to run for 25 minutes six weeks ago.  Gotta love C25K!

I managed to do most of the distance on the road, but had to resort to skipping onto the hard-ploughed snow on the pavement as soon as a bus or car appeared coming towards me, which they did with annoying regularity despite the early hour.  The novelty is REALLY wearing off this snow now.

Thanks to Led Zep, Queensryche and ACDC for the moral support and soundtrack.