The magic of 3x a week

[Beany123]

Took a bit of a sabbatical over Xmas as I had some personal stuff going on. Anyway, I got started again in January and was really struggling even with 4k. Anyway, I promised myself I was going to run 3x a week and have done that for two weeks. In just two weeks I've improved my parkrun time (still v slow @ 36.45 but had slowed down to 39) and did 6k last night, with some hilly bits and with NO stopping or even slowing down! That feeling is magical. It really does make a difference running 3 times a week. Looking forward to 7k next!!

[Buddy34 Graduate10]

Isn't it great with just a few weeks of running 3x a week everything just falls back into place. 😊

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate10]

I have recently increased my two runs a week to 3, this is because I am doing Ju Ju's Magic 10, I am glad that you are enjoying running 3 times a week, 36.45 for a 5K is not very slow, if you can run sub 40 minutes OK. I thought the headline was to do with the Magic 10, no it's just that you find running 3 times a week 'magic'.

[Beany123]

Yes, I think it makes a big difference! I am actually starting to enjoy it again too, instead of forcing myself out!! I wish I could properly follow Juju’s plan but I run with a group twice a week and then parkrun. Maybe if I run home from parkrun it will help add on those km (it’s at least 2-3 k from my house)...maybe in a couple of weeks though 😂

[Beany123]

In the summer I’ll be happy to run on my own a bit more, but at the moment it’s too dark before and after work...actually who am I kidding? I’ve no idea how dark it is! I can’t get up before work as I’m far too lazy 😂 I get up at 6.30-7 already- can’t face any earlier!

[Grannyhugs Graduate10]

Great effort and your park run isn't so slow, many of us are quite happy running at those times 😉 great you are getting back into a regular routine, does make all the di8. Happy running

[Beany123 in reply to Grannyhugs]

Thank you Grannytobe. I am happy running at that pace for now and maybe one day I'll get sub 30 but it's not the be all and end all. My partner runs his socks off at parkrun to get a decent time but I go as fast as I go...if I went faster I'd be out of breath, hurt myself and probably start to hate running. It's all too easy to put off the odd run but you never regret getting out, do you ?

[Annieapple Administrator]

It’s a fab routine that becomes a must wherever you are in the workd🤣

[Beany123 in reply to Annieapple]

I love it!

[FatterPenguin Graduate10]

I'm in a similar position having had an enforced break in January. I am back to running three times a week but this week is the 5K week - three lots of 5K. I'm still a full five minutes slower at Park Run than I was in December and I'm desperate to get back to my previous speed, but it's so much harder than I anticipated.

Oh and if I was running 5K in 36 minutes I'd be holding a party!!!! If I ever get sub 40 minutes I will be ecstatic 🤣

[Beany123 in reply to FatterPenguin]

You will! Im at least 4 stones over my ideal weight but with this consistent routine I'm starting to feel fitter and more toned. I don't want to weigh myself as I have had a tough time self esteem-wise and don't want to stress about scales! Your time will certainly improve over the weeks and you'll be so proud of yourself. Just go easy on yourself and be glad that you're doing it! You're doing a lot more than some!

[FatterPenguin Graduate10 in reply to Beany123]

I've gone down 3 dress sizes (mix of dieting and exercise) and I haven't weighed myself once! Not a clue how much I weigh and I don't care, I don't want my mood to be effected by numbers on a scale! So long as I eat right and keep running I reckon it will all come right in the end! 😊 so I wish you well on your healthy routine and keep ignoring those scales! 😘

[Beany123 in reply to FatterPenguin]

Excellent advice...thank you xxxx

[GoogleMe Graduate10 in reply to FatterPenguin]

I lost 20kgs and didn't really drop a dress size at all. I love the scales!

[ju-ju- Graduate10]

It so does.... consistency is key. Well done

[Beany123 in reply to ju-ju-]

Thanks Juju. I've watched all your videos for motivation even though I'm unable to follow your plan to the letter (doing 2 club runs a week and parkrun due to work and it being too dark to run alone). I'm actually thinking that I might add on the extra kms after parkrun each week to up my distance, for now. At club we do speed sessions and 5-6 k (Im in the beginners group-we did c25k together but many have had time off for various reasons so we're still at 5-6 k). I cant keep up with the intermediate group yet! Anyway, thank you for the motivation -your videos are fab!!