I (re) graduated recently again on the C25k, so this morning I was excited to try out the new Stepping Stones run with Jo Whiley.
This first run for my newest consolidation period coincided with the need to change away from my maximum of 3.7k, hilly and autumnal muddy C25k route.
So at this time of the year I often change to my out-and-back 5k trail, a former railway route, weather proof and level. It’s perfect for interval training, speed runs, or any run where you do not want a hill interrupting your running flow. And no matter which weather, mud patches are far and few between.
So stepping stones on, I headed out. Initially Jo Whiley was a bit quiet, and after 10 minutes of running at 80% as instructed, she suggested we could step up our effort a bit! 😳 Yeah, I was a bit shocked!
Surprisingly I managed to step it up, especially once I was on my way back again, as there is a very slight gradient to the stretch one-way of ca 2.5 km. And I was surprised how far I got on my route by the time the halfway bell rang.
It was cooler as well, so long sleeved t-shirt and one over-t-shirt, but I could feel glove-weather being just around the corner.
But very glad I managed!
Happy running, everyone!
Written by
CBDB
Graduate10
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Same routes all year round for me! I just accept I’m going to get extra muddy and I might switch trainers. It has to be actually snowing for me to keep my gloves on all run! It’s great to have them in zipped pockets ready for the cool down walk!
Glad you enjoyed the first run-it sounded like a great one! The next one is called “speed”. Have you decided how you’re going to use them yet?
I remember trying the original stepping stones, and not enjoying it at all. Last year I was able to work through the new programme. To be honest, still didn’t enjoy them…I’ve never used Steve Cram, so I’m guessing that’s part of it.
Now on my 3rd time around, I’m pleased to see Jo Whiley as a coach…she is my preferred C25k coach, so I’m really used to her ways!
I have several routes, all hard surfaces, but some prone to giant puddles! Strangely, I’m using my less puddly routes at the moment…the main road (run from home) and the boating lake (although the car park can flood!).
Good post from you CBDB, recently I have been running further away from where I live, however, as it's now getting a bit colder I won't be travelling too far away and just running locally, I have a good choice of different routes very near to where I stay, one of which is only a 2 minutes walk, when it's raining that's where I run, usually 3 K but sometimes 8K
That’s brilliant. Yes, I’ve got two key routes, but once I go beyond 5k they open up to many more. Like you, I’m fortunate to have these very close to home with no need to drive to take a run. 😀
I’m not sure what I’ll do when I come back. I’ve got a shorter run through the neighborhood and then the canal. I expect the latter will get messy with the rain.
My other options are running along very busy roads.
Enjoy your other runs and let us know how you like them. I’ve not done them…
We have one close by, but it’s on the other side of the rail tracks. This means I have to either face 10 minutes of walking through cows and muddy fields and then a knee high muddy and cow-infested (🤪🐄) farm-yard underpass, or 20 min walk alongside streets. So in the end I usually don’t choose this option as I’m too scared of cows and dislike running on road, although if the canal path were more accessible I certainly would.
There's a huge farm about five minutes walk from where I live and there are lots of different possible routes there. The only downside is that it can get very muddy after extended rain. The good news is that its one of the driest areas of the country.
Sometimes it gets so bad that the only option is to run through the streets of town or along the paved waterfront. Not so bad really. It's going to be a real shock when I get home, I'll be going straight from summer to winter. Wonder where I put my warm leggings?
What a pretty route and no hills. I am a bit random and often don't know until out the door where I'm going, do I turn left or right? Do I jump in the car and drive somewhere? Always a surprise 🤣 bit like yesterday's walk, I was thinking walk 15 minutes turn round and walk back, once out I realised 15 minutes would give me sea views so headed for the beach,
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