UrbanDruidry

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 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!

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.

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!

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!

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.

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!

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 had some trouble today with icy patches, and frozen slush that I couldn’t see very well. I ran most of the way on the road, and I’m now getting used to sharing a lane with oncoming traffic. I don’t feel as self-conscious about it and I’m sure they must know I can’t run on the pavement in its current state.

But we’re missing the point here – I ran for 25 minutes, about 2.5 miles again! It felt really great when I stopped, apart from trying to keep my footing coming back through the market. :-/

Hopefully more of the snow will have melted by Wednesday and I’ll be on the pavememt more and relaxing into it a bit better.