I have been threatening to share some cruise photos since we got back. So here they are:
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
28 mins....
well I started week 8 of C25k yesterday. 3 sessions of running 28 mins continuous, with 5 mins warm up/warm down....I am a little amazed to say, I did it! not 'easy' - first 14 mins were faster than the second 14 mins - and by the time the voice told me I had 5 more mins to go I was hanging on for the end - but I did it - all of it - no stopping. And it felt great :D and thats all I have to say about that!!!
I have been threatening to share some cruise photos since we got back. So here they are:
I have been threatening to share some cruise photos since we got back. So here they are:
Friday, September 23, 2011
I ran away!
well, not quite 'away' - but I figured it must be getting very boring, my constant running posts and not much of anything else posts - and so stopped posting. For a bit. Now, its catch up time.
So last time I had completed W6.1 of the Couch to 5K running plan and was looking forward to doing 6.2. Week 6 is a blur now - I remember I did it and I have the logs on Nike+ showing me that it was Wednesday, a sunny day and I had a big smiley face - but can I remember the actual run?? nope! I guess it was uneventful and went ok then!! For the record it was 2 x 10 min runs with a 3 min walk in the middle. Simples. 6.3 though - theres another kettle of fish - remember that one quite clearly! It was a 25min run - no walking *GASP* it was also a cold day and the rain started a bit and blew sideways at me resulting in a very cold and painful ear. I decided during this run that I needed new kit and needed it fast. I completed the run fine by the way *high five*
So - shopping spree at the weekend followed. Trying to be good and not overspend, I went to Sports Direct to buy a pair of long tights and a jacket. I got them - and also a long sleeved top and a new cap.... slightly more than went for but very nice kit. The jacket is Addidas Climastorm so is windproof as well as showerproof. And its blue, not stupid girly PINK! like everything else in sports direct womens running dept was. I bought a mans hat so I could have the black and blue one instead of PINK! on it (really hideous Barbie pink....) and the long tights only have the PINK! inside the waistband so no one will see it, and are black with a reflective trim everywhere else. The long sleeved top unfortunately was only available it either ALL Barbie PINK! with 2 black side panels - or black with PINK! side panels - went for the black one with the least PINK! Its only going to show when I run wearing only the long sleeved top - put the jacket over the top and hideous PINK! is gone.
So - after a re-jig of the coming weeks schedule to accommodate a haircut on Wed afternoon (cant run after having my hair done!! never get it to look that nice myself so have to make the most of it LOL) I planned my week 7 to run on Sunday, Tuesday and Friday.
Sunday I got up, set off and did week 7.1. In my new jacket and cap, but with my usual cropped joggers and Tshirt on. Jacket brill - in fact I got too warm, might not be cold enough for that yet! Cap also brill, although am going to have to think about adding flaps to stop the wind blowing in my ears - it hurts a bit!! 7.1 run was a 25min non stop run - again managed it fine, although was quite tired by the end.
As I wasn't working Tuesday this week, on Sunday night I decided I was booking myself a cinema ticket and going to Newcastle on an early bus Tuesday morning, returning in time for Tom finishing school at 3.45pm - so my run was put off till Tuesday afternoon about 4pm, and I went to class to be weighed on the Monday evening instead of on Tues morning as I have been doing. After what I know was a good week where I counted my syns carefully and ate only free foods - I weighed in at 2lb heavier than last week! I really wasn't a happy bunny. In fact I'd go so far as to say I was pissed off. Every other time I've had a gain I have known there was a reason. This time there isn't one. I might have weighed heavier because it was later in the day and not 9.30am, I may have been retaining fluid, who knows - but I was pissed off. And a bit grumpy. Actually a LOT grumpy!
Tuesday morning I'm up and at 'em and on the 8.30am bus to Newcastle armed with a list of shops to visit and my booking reference for the cinema. Its only 3.50 a seat on Tuesdays at The Gate in Newcastle - I had booked for The Inbetweeners movie at 11.30am.
Bus journey was uneventful but busy, full of students. I arrived in the town at 9.30 - only to be greeted with a text from my mam saying she was poorly and needed me to collect a prescription for her..... I rang and explained I was in Newcastle and had cinema tickets booked and wouldnt be back till after 3 was that ok, it was. So i then rushed around the shops to get everything I needed before the film as now there wouldnt be time afterwards to do anything but get a bus straight back to Blyth. I went to start Fitness - which is Petes fave shop - and was only wanting a pair of shorts to wear OVER my running tights because they are - well - tight!! and I felt a bit exposed.... I got a lovely pair in the sale. trouble is I also got a short sleved top (turquoise - LUSH!) and a pair of running gloves (essential really) and a new sports bra..... ooops. Still - I did really need a new bra - the one I was wearing was a cup size too small and only a level 3, and so required the wearing of a second bra under it! NOW I only need the one - its the correct size, and its a level 4 - and was billed as the top selling bra for running. It also wasnt as expensive as other places.
So the movie was fabulous and I laughed so hard I snorted more than once - sitting on my own in the premiere seats at the back...anyway - after the movie I dashed back to Lakeland and bought a box of jam jars (on the list!!) and then leapt on the first bus back to Blyth. On arrival back in Blyth I leapt off the bus and briskly walked to the doctors - it was now 10 to 3 and I had to get prescription, fill it, and deliver it to Mam and be home by 3.45. Queue in docs - 5 mins later have script and am dashing across to chemist by mams. Queue in chemist - 10 mins later they tell me they DONT HAVE the medication on the script and if its needed today I have to go to main Boots store... I take the script back and dash across Blyth to Lloyds (nearer to mams than other Boots!) - queue in Lloyds.... 10 mins later they give me filled prescription yay! So its now 20 past 3 - so i dash back across Blyth to mams, deliver prescription, mix her one of the rehydration sachets, make sure she has the anti sickness meds - and have to dash right across to the other side of Blyth to be home for Tom - I arrive home at 3.44! knackered and with sore feet and achey legs. And of course NOW I have to go for a run..... well as you can imagine - even a warm calm day, wearing my nice new turquoise short sleeved top and level 4 bra, and even running a totally new route couldn't make me go faster or indeed keep me going right to the end - I managed 20 mins of the 25 running and walked the rest. I also think that choosing that moment to actually run a different route was a bad idea as I couldn't really pace myself very well and went off to fast - and was concerned about crossing roads, and trying to decide where to go in my head etc and so not really concentrating on my breathing. I also stupidly routed it so I was running uphill back home - and it killed me. But at least I did go - and did try!! and was pleased with the new sports bra and top!!!
So today was 7.3. Another 25min run. Weather isn't wonderful today, bit windy and quite cool - so decided to try out the long running tights and shorts combo with my long sleeved top (aka PINK!) Wasn't feeling too bad this morning despite have a couple of Amarettos last night (thats another story - bet theres no weight loss for me on monday *sigh*) I took my phone as well and used the runkeeper app again - as long as I have somewhere to safely keep my phone it works great and I like having the accuracy of the GPS tracking my speed and distance. It was tough going I have to admit - I wasn't at all sure I was going to make it to the 25 mins again - but gave myself a stern talking too and pushed on till the voice said it was over. I got waaaaay too hot with the long tights and long sleeved top on, but it was too cold to go out in a short sleeved one before you were running - cant win!! I could however have easily managed with cropped pants on.
So - here I am at the end of week 7 with only 2 more weeks to go till the end of the program - very tired, quite confused over how much/little to wear at this time of year, and looking forward to week 8 and it being stress free. Yeah right....
So last time I had completed W6.1 of the Couch to 5K running plan and was looking forward to doing 6.2. Week 6 is a blur now - I remember I did it and I have the logs on Nike+ showing me that it was Wednesday, a sunny day and I had a big smiley face - but can I remember the actual run?? nope! I guess it was uneventful and went ok then!! For the record it was 2 x 10 min runs with a 3 min walk in the middle. Simples. 6.3 though - theres another kettle of fish - remember that one quite clearly! It was a 25min run - no walking *GASP* it was also a cold day and the rain started a bit and blew sideways at me resulting in a very cold and painful ear. I decided during this run that I needed new kit and needed it fast. I completed the run fine by the way *high five*
So - shopping spree at the weekend followed. Trying to be good and not overspend, I went to Sports Direct to buy a pair of long tights and a jacket. I got them - and also a long sleeved top and a new cap.... slightly more than went for but very nice kit. The jacket is Addidas Climastorm so is windproof as well as showerproof. And its blue, not stupid girly PINK! like everything else in sports direct womens running dept was. I bought a mans hat so I could have the black and blue one instead of PINK! on it (really hideous Barbie pink....) and the long tights only have the PINK! inside the waistband so no one will see it, and are black with a reflective trim everywhere else. The long sleeved top unfortunately was only available it either ALL Barbie PINK! with 2 black side panels - or black with PINK! side panels - went for the black one with the least PINK! Its only going to show when I run wearing only the long sleeved top - put the jacket over the top and hideous PINK! is gone.
So - after a re-jig of the coming weeks schedule to accommodate a haircut on Wed afternoon (cant run after having my hair done!! never get it to look that nice myself so have to make the most of it LOL) I planned my week 7 to run on Sunday, Tuesday and Friday.
Sunday I got up, set off and did week 7.1. In my new jacket and cap, but with my usual cropped joggers and Tshirt on. Jacket brill - in fact I got too warm, might not be cold enough for that yet! Cap also brill, although am going to have to think about adding flaps to stop the wind blowing in my ears - it hurts a bit!! 7.1 run was a 25min non stop run - again managed it fine, although was quite tired by the end.
As I wasn't working Tuesday this week, on Sunday night I decided I was booking myself a cinema ticket and going to Newcastle on an early bus Tuesday morning, returning in time for Tom finishing school at 3.45pm - so my run was put off till Tuesday afternoon about 4pm, and I went to class to be weighed on the Monday evening instead of on Tues morning as I have been doing. After what I know was a good week where I counted my syns carefully and ate only free foods - I weighed in at 2lb heavier than last week! I really wasn't a happy bunny. In fact I'd go so far as to say I was pissed off. Every other time I've had a gain I have known there was a reason. This time there isn't one. I might have weighed heavier because it was later in the day and not 9.30am, I may have been retaining fluid, who knows - but I was pissed off. And a bit grumpy. Actually a LOT grumpy!
Tuesday morning I'm up and at 'em and on the 8.30am bus to Newcastle armed with a list of shops to visit and my booking reference for the cinema. Its only 3.50 a seat on Tuesdays at The Gate in Newcastle - I had booked for The Inbetweeners movie at 11.30am.
Bus journey was uneventful but busy, full of students. I arrived in the town at 9.30 - only to be greeted with a text from my mam saying she was poorly and needed me to collect a prescription for her..... I rang and explained I was in Newcastle and had cinema tickets booked and wouldnt be back till after 3 was that ok, it was. So i then rushed around the shops to get everything I needed before the film as now there wouldnt be time afterwards to do anything but get a bus straight back to Blyth. I went to start Fitness - which is Petes fave shop - and was only wanting a pair of shorts to wear OVER my running tights because they are - well - tight!! and I felt a bit exposed.... I got a lovely pair in the sale. trouble is I also got a short sleved top (turquoise - LUSH!) and a pair of running gloves (essential really) and a new sports bra..... ooops. Still - I did really need a new bra - the one I was wearing was a cup size too small and only a level 3, and so required the wearing of a second bra under it! NOW I only need the one - its the correct size, and its a level 4 - and was billed as the top selling bra for running. It also wasnt as expensive as other places.
So the movie was fabulous and I laughed so hard I snorted more than once - sitting on my own in the premiere seats at the back...anyway - after the movie I dashed back to Lakeland and bought a box of jam jars (on the list!!) and then leapt on the first bus back to Blyth. On arrival back in Blyth I leapt off the bus and briskly walked to the doctors - it was now 10 to 3 and I had to get prescription, fill it, and deliver it to Mam and be home by 3.45. Queue in docs - 5 mins later have script and am dashing across to chemist by mams. Queue in chemist - 10 mins later they tell me they DONT HAVE the medication on the script and if its needed today I have to go to main Boots store... I take the script back and dash across Blyth to Lloyds (nearer to mams than other Boots!) - queue in Lloyds.... 10 mins later they give me filled prescription yay! So its now 20 past 3 - so i dash back across Blyth to mams, deliver prescription, mix her one of the rehydration sachets, make sure she has the anti sickness meds - and have to dash right across to the other side of Blyth to be home for Tom - I arrive home at 3.44! knackered and with sore feet and achey legs. And of course NOW I have to go for a run..... well as you can imagine - even a warm calm day, wearing my nice new turquoise short sleeved top and level 4 bra, and even running a totally new route couldn't make me go faster or indeed keep me going right to the end - I managed 20 mins of the 25 running and walked the rest. I also think that choosing that moment to actually run a different route was a bad idea as I couldn't really pace myself very well and went off to fast - and was concerned about crossing roads, and trying to decide where to go in my head etc and so not really concentrating on my breathing. I also stupidly routed it so I was running uphill back home - and it killed me. But at least I did go - and did try!! and was pleased with the new sports bra and top!!!
So today was 7.3. Another 25min run. Weather isn't wonderful today, bit windy and quite cool - so decided to try out the long running tights and shorts combo with my long sleeved top (aka PINK!) Wasn't feeling too bad this morning despite have a couple of Amarettos last night (thats another story - bet theres no weight loss for me on monday *sigh*) I took my phone as well and used the runkeeper app again - as long as I have somewhere to safely keep my phone it works great and I like having the accuracy of the GPS tracking my speed and distance. It was tough going I have to admit - I wasn't at all sure I was going to make it to the 25 mins again - but gave myself a stern talking too and pushed on till the voice said it was over. I got waaaaay too hot with the long tights and long sleeved top on, but it was too cold to go out in a short sleeved one before you were running - cant win!! I could however have easily managed with cropped pants on.
So - here I am at the end of week 7 with only 2 more weeks to go till the end of the program - very tired, quite confused over how much/little to wear at this time of year, and looking forward to week 8 and it being stress free. Yeah right....
Monday, September 12, 2011
The wind beneath my wings....
I'm bored with running titles now.... (OK OK I'm brain dead and cant think of one - plus it's VERY windy.... )
So today I was supposed to be running C25K W6.1. I say supposed to be, because I haven't run today. BUT!! I'm not skipping a day, oh no. I'm not letting as little thing like a hurricane stop me from completing my planned run. I did it YESTERDAY instead. The weather man was kind enough to give us plenty warning of the hurricane this time, so I went out Sunday morning for my run as I really did not fancy running in 85 mph winds.... It's not quite at 85mph yet, but its exceedingly blustery out there, much windier than yesterday morning when I did 6.1
Week 6 is again 3 different sessions. Day 1 was what the voice (btw the female runner who talks to you during the NHS podcasts is called Laura - but I much prefer referring to her as 'the voice' - its far more Big Brother) calls 'consolidating what we have already achieved' and consists of 5 min warm up walk, 5 min run, 3 min walk, 8 min run, 3 min walk, 5 min run, 5 min cool down walk. I thought I might feel like I was being too easy on myself - after running for a full 20 mins without stopping on Friday - but it didn't! It wasn't hard as such, but no way was it a walk in the park. The added wind factor meant it was quite tough going and my speed was slow. I also changed the last run to 8 mins instead of 5..... because I wanted to run a bit further, burn some more calories, and improve my average pace a bit. Also - because despite the fact my legs were still feeling Fridays 20 min run - I was enjoying myself and wasn't ready to stop.
Hang on a mo - rewind a little..... 2 things about this blog post are setting off a warning light in my brain. 1- I had the weekend free with no running scheduled, but because I heard about todays wind I ran EARLY. and 2- The voice told me to stop and I ran on for 3 more mins because I wanted to. ALERT!! 7 weeks ago I would have blown off the Monday session and just missed it, no biggie right? so what if it would have upset my whole running schedule. And as for running longer than I need to? ppffffffft - like I would have ever even run! and I certainly wouldn't have done more lengths at the pool or walked an extra KM 'just because'. That's 2 big changes in attitude to exercise right there. MASSIVE.
Could this be one of the plans of the program or is this just a useful side effect? I would hesitate to say I'm addicted to running - but I think I am addicted to the results of the running. I like the feeling after I have run (endorphins - cant whack 'em) and what has been achieved by running. I like the fact I have burned calories, worked my muscles, burned some fat, added to my fitness, achieved another goal by completing the session. That's it - I'm an achievement junkie! Moving my run forward because I cant wait till the next hit...... doing that extra little bit more running than I should, for that extra 'self satisfaction' high...... quite a scary thought. Long may it last!
While reading another unrelated running based article today I stumbled across this link to
Mark Remy's Rules to Run By - 10 mins and several hearty chuckles later I now want to read the book... so have ordered it, and his other book - a runners field guide, from Amazon. Ok who IS this imposter pretending to be me and what have you done with the real me??!!
Just to end today - here's a BRAND NEW running song - think this might just have to be adopted as the theme tune for my running journey - thank you Matt.
So today I was supposed to be running C25K W6.1. I say supposed to be, because I haven't run today. BUT!! I'm not skipping a day, oh no. I'm not letting as little thing like a hurricane stop me from completing my planned run. I did it YESTERDAY instead. The weather man was kind enough to give us plenty warning of the hurricane this time, so I went out Sunday morning for my run as I really did not fancy running in 85 mph winds.... It's not quite at 85mph yet, but its exceedingly blustery out there, much windier than yesterday morning when I did 6.1
Week 6 is again 3 different sessions. Day 1 was what the voice (btw the female runner who talks to you during the NHS podcasts is called Laura - but I much prefer referring to her as 'the voice' - its far more Big Brother) calls 'consolidating what we have already achieved' and consists of 5 min warm up walk, 5 min run, 3 min walk, 8 min run, 3 min walk, 5 min run, 5 min cool down walk. I thought I might feel like I was being too easy on myself - after running for a full 20 mins without stopping on Friday - but it didn't! It wasn't hard as such, but no way was it a walk in the park. The added wind factor meant it was quite tough going and my speed was slow. I also changed the last run to 8 mins instead of 5..... because I wanted to run a bit further, burn some more calories, and improve my average pace a bit. Also - because despite the fact my legs were still feeling Fridays 20 min run - I was enjoying myself and wasn't ready to stop.
Hang on a mo - rewind a little..... 2 things about this blog post are setting off a warning light in my brain. 1- I had the weekend free with no running scheduled, but because I heard about todays wind I ran EARLY. and 2- The voice told me to stop and I ran on for 3 more mins because I wanted to. ALERT!! 7 weeks ago I would have blown off the Monday session and just missed it, no biggie right? so what if it would have upset my whole running schedule. And as for running longer than I need to? ppffffffft - like I would have ever even run! and I certainly wouldn't have done more lengths at the pool or walked an extra KM 'just because'. That's 2 big changes in attitude to exercise right there. MASSIVE.
Could this be one of the plans of the program or is this just a useful side effect? I would hesitate to say I'm addicted to running - but I think I am addicted to the results of the running. I like the feeling after I have run (endorphins - cant whack 'em) and what has been achieved by running. I like the fact I have burned calories, worked my muscles, burned some fat, added to my fitness, achieved another goal by completing the session. That's it - I'm an achievement junkie! Moving my run forward because I cant wait till the next hit...... doing that extra little bit more running than I should, for that extra 'self satisfaction' high...... quite a scary thought. Long may it last!
While reading another unrelated running based article today I stumbled across this link to
Mark Remy's Rules to Run By - 10 mins and several hearty chuckles later I now want to read the book... so have ordered it, and his other book - a runners field guide, from Amazon. Ok who IS this imposter pretending to be me and what have you done with the real me??!!
Just to end today - here's a BRAND NEW running song - think this might just have to be adopted as the theme tune for my running journey - thank you Matt.
Friday, September 09, 2011
Running back to you
Forgive me for the lack of posts! I know I was away on holiday so can be excused that week- but we have been home a week since and I seem to have been so busy with back to school and back to work I just haven't gotten round to posting.
Today I want to share my continuing running journal, and then over the weekend I will upload some holiday pics and info.
So - as we jetted off on holiday I had completed week 4 for the first time, not enjoyed it and decided to repeat the week if possible while I was on the ship. I am pleased to report I managed to complete 2 more week 4 runs on board, one on the Saturday afternoon and one on the following Monday. I also swam in the sea on the Saturday, did laps in the pool on Monday and more laps in the pool on Wednesday morning - making sure I was down early and ready for the pool opening so there was only me in it!
My first run on the treadmill went really well, I had forgotten just how much easier it is in a nice air-conditioned gym with no wind/rain/blazing sunshine/holes in the ground/dogs/cyclists.... anyway - it went well, I felt good. Run 2 wasn't quite as successful because I left my iPod in the cabin and so had no podcast to tell me when to run and when to walk! So I did the 5 min warm up walk timing myself with the clock on the treadmill, then started running, and forgot I was only running for 5 mins and managed to run for 10 instead. I did complete the full amount of time needed for the run, but not in the correct order LOL. Its that damn 'its easier on a treadmill' thing - I was so enjoying myself running along that I just forgot to stop!
We flew home on the Thursday and I did the final repeated run of week 4 on the Saturday - boy was it hard going. I felt like I was dragging legs of lead about and the wind and the open air suddenly seemed very hard work. I was still very tired after our weeks cruise though, so even though it felt hard I decided I had to now be ready for week 5.
So we come to Monday this week and I began week 5. Its a funny week this one as its the first time you do a different run for each session. Day 1 is to run 3 x 5mins. I wasn't particularly looking forward to it after feeling like I had dragged myself round on the last session - and I was pleasantly surprised to find I not only found it quite easy, but I thoroughly enjoyed it as well! This made me look forward to Wednesdays run.
Wednesday was back to work day, and I had to pop into Blyth to pick up a few things straight after work before heading back home, so I didn't get to run till about 1.30pm. I will have to get used to running about this time as my running plan is now to run every Mon/Wed/Fri to leave weekends free, and I'm working mornings - so midday running it will be! Anyway, back to W5.2. This session was to run for 2 x 8mins. It was fab! I really enjoyed the run and found that I appreciated only having to walk the recovery once between the 2 longer runs. By the end of the second 8mins my legs were feeling it and I didn't feel i could have gone on much longer - but was so pleased with how it went. I also recorded my fastest time so far of just under 6mins per km for the running sections.
W5.3 was scheduled for today. The dreaded 20 mins of continuous running...... I had to pop to work this morning, then to the post office, before coming home to go for my run. I admit I was apprehensive, and yes despite me saying I believed in the program after week 3 - still a bit sceptical. 20 mins seemed an awful long time to run for someone who just 6 weeks ago could barely run to the end of the street, and probably wouldn't have even tried. I walked the usual brisk 5min warm up and got myself into a position where the first few mins running would be with the wind behind me and on the slight decline so I could adjust my pace and not get too puffed out early on, and get myself into the groove before having to run into the wind and on an incline. I am amazed and delighted to say I managed the whole 20 mins without a problem. I don't think I could have gone on much longer mind you - when the voice said times up I was very much ready to stop! But I was beaming from ear to ear as well. It felt amazing! amazing to know I had ran, continuously, for a full 20 mins, amazing I had not had a stitch, or had to stop, and truly amazing I hadn't even really had to push hard at the end to keep going - which makes me feel good about tackling the longer runs that are coming over the next 4 weeks.
I'm still a bit gobsmacked. I actually ran non stop for 20 mins. And it wasn't a shabby average speed either - I was doing 6min KMs - which is bang on target for a 30 min 5K which is the desired result of this program! I may have to keep pinching myself just to make sure I haven't actually dreamed it.
Something else I have learned today is that I'm ready for the long runs mentally. I am starting to find the stop/starting recovery walks between runs frustrating. I recover faster than the time it gives you and I'm itching to get running again. Next week might feel like a bit of a step back as week 6 session are again 3 different planned runs, and are returning to the walk/run/walk/run format. However I now have complete and utter faith in the program so will not be deviating from the plans - I want to be running that 30 min 5k at the end of this and so another week of building up fitness and stamina will help - roll on Monday for W6.1!
oh - and Aldi - please can you get your lovely cheap running kit in really soon? I need long running pants and a long sleeved top and jacket before it gets too cold!!
Today I want to share my continuing running journal, and then over the weekend I will upload some holiday pics and info.
So - as we jetted off on holiday I had completed week 4 for the first time, not enjoyed it and decided to repeat the week if possible while I was on the ship. I am pleased to report I managed to complete 2 more week 4 runs on board, one on the Saturday afternoon and one on the following Monday. I also swam in the sea on the Saturday, did laps in the pool on Monday and more laps in the pool on Wednesday morning - making sure I was down early and ready for the pool opening so there was only me in it!
My first run on the treadmill went really well, I had forgotten just how much easier it is in a nice air-conditioned gym with no wind/rain/blazing sunshine/holes in the ground/dogs/cyclists.... anyway - it went well, I felt good. Run 2 wasn't quite as successful because I left my iPod in the cabin and so had no podcast to tell me when to run and when to walk! So I did the 5 min warm up walk timing myself with the clock on the treadmill, then started running, and forgot I was only running for 5 mins and managed to run for 10 instead. I did complete the full amount of time needed for the run, but not in the correct order LOL. Its that damn 'its easier on a treadmill' thing - I was so enjoying myself running along that I just forgot to stop!
We flew home on the Thursday and I did the final repeated run of week 4 on the Saturday - boy was it hard going. I felt like I was dragging legs of lead about and the wind and the open air suddenly seemed very hard work. I was still very tired after our weeks cruise though, so even though it felt hard I decided I had to now be ready for week 5.
So we come to Monday this week and I began week 5. Its a funny week this one as its the first time you do a different run for each session. Day 1 is to run 3 x 5mins. I wasn't particularly looking forward to it after feeling like I had dragged myself round on the last session - and I was pleasantly surprised to find I not only found it quite easy, but I thoroughly enjoyed it as well! This made me look forward to Wednesdays run.
Wednesday was back to work day, and I had to pop into Blyth to pick up a few things straight after work before heading back home, so I didn't get to run till about 1.30pm. I will have to get used to running about this time as my running plan is now to run every Mon/Wed/Fri to leave weekends free, and I'm working mornings - so midday running it will be! Anyway, back to W5.2. This session was to run for 2 x 8mins. It was fab! I really enjoyed the run and found that I appreciated only having to walk the recovery once between the 2 longer runs. By the end of the second 8mins my legs were feeling it and I didn't feel i could have gone on much longer - but was so pleased with how it went. I also recorded my fastest time so far of just under 6mins per km for the running sections.
W5.3 was scheduled for today. The dreaded 20 mins of continuous running...... I had to pop to work this morning, then to the post office, before coming home to go for my run. I admit I was apprehensive, and yes despite me saying I believed in the program after week 3 - still a bit sceptical. 20 mins seemed an awful long time to run for someone who just 6 weeks ago could barely run to the end of the street, and probably wouldn't have even tried. I walked the usual brisk 5min warm up and got myself into a position where the first few mins running would be with the wind behind me and on the slight decline so I could adjust my pace and not get too puffed out early on, and get myself into the groove before having to run into the wind and on an incline. I am amazed and delighted to say I managed the whole 20 mins without a problem. I don't think I could have gone on much longer mind you - when the voice said times up I was very much ready to stop! But I was beaming from ear to ear as well. It felt amazing! amazing to know I had ran, continuously, for a full 20 mins, amazing I had not had a stitch, or had to stop, and truly amazing I hadn't even really had to push hard at the end to keep going - which makes me feel good about tackling the longer runs that are coming over the next 4 weeks.
I'm still a bit gobsmacked. I actually ran non stop for 20 mins. And it wasn't a shabby average speed either - I was doing 6min KMs - which is bang on target for a 30 min 5K which is the desired result of this program! I may have to keep pinching myself just to make sure I haven't actually dreamed it.
Something else I have learned today is that I'm ready for the long runs mentally. I am starting to find the stop/starting recovery walks between runs frustrating. I recover faster than the time it gives you and I'm itching to get running again. Next week might feel like a bit of a step back as week 6 session are again 3 different planned runs, and are returning to the walk/run/walk/run format. However I now have complete and utter faith in the program so will not be deviating from the plans - I want to be running that 30 min 5k at the end of this and so another week of building up fitness and stamina will help - roll on Monday for W6.1!
oh - and Aldi - please can you get your lovely cheap running kit in really soon? I need long running pants and a long sleeved top and jacket before it gets too cold!!
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