For those of us who can’t stick with programmes

[Gillma]

...at the moment.

I keep starting programmes with enthusiasm, in my attempt to attain a comfortable 5k by going towards 10k.

Since last July and the triumph of 30-min graduation, I’ve tried C25k plus, others that I’ve figured out for myself, dipped my toe into Sami Murphy, zero to 10k hero, re-doing C25k, and ‘just running’. I get frustrated that I seldom get past week 2/3 of any plan.

The good news though is that this snacking approach is sort of working.

I ran my Parkrun course on Friday (alone) and found it remarkably easy - until I realised I’d forgotten to do the last lap!

Grumbling at myself I went back after a pause, drink and stretch and did 800m at (for me) warp speed and my overall time over what was eventually 4.8k was improved.

Soooo - my point is that although I’m not running three times a week (too cold, too busy), and although I can’t find a dream programme that fits me the way C25k did - I am getting the job done.

The other thing is: 4K? Easy? Who’d have thought those two words would live together in my vocabulary.

Happy run-snacking - if that’s what suits you, too, at the moment.

[ju-ju- Graduate10]

It sounds like you are doing just fine doing your own thing... and warp speed, I love that. Let’s make that a thing!!!

[davelinks Graduate10]

Well done Gillma! Do you think the pause did you good to carry on? I think so..😊

[Gillma in reply to davelinks]

Yes I’m sure the break helped. davelinks - it’s interesting ‘breaking the rules’ at times. I discovered a new gear which I now have in my bag of tricks for another time. I did wonder for another time about doing it all again: ie, a long, long, slow, joggetty warm up and then a series of such rests and sprints (well, they were sprints for me) - just to see if I could do a few of them.

Talk about making a virtue out of a mistake!

Hope you’re having running fun at present.

[Hidden]

I can really relate Gillma. It's hard to find the time atm and it is cold/dark. My approach is similar (ly chaotic) and I am pleased to report that I am still running too Maybe if I were younger or had more time I could commit to a plan but I am happy jogging about -3 times a week if I can (more last week on holiday) or whatever is feasible with the timetable- no point beating my self up.

Just keep doing your thing. It seems to be working for you

[Gillma in reply to Hidden]

Thanks @helenwheels - yes, I certainly feel frustrated with myself at times. I listen to my body but sometimes wonder if I’m hearing only what ‘I’ want to hear. Hope you’re enjoying your ‘method’ at present.

[Wizziewood Graduate10]

Well done! good for you ... you're getting out there, keeping fit and not stressing about statistics ... each to his/her own!

Keep up the good work ... happy running!

[Gillma in reply to Wizziewood]

Thank you Wizziewood!