Yet another W5r3 post

[christop]

So, tomorrow at about 1:45 I will be embarking on the 20min run. I wouldn't exactly say I am looking forward to it, but I amn't dreading it either.

I am amazed at where the programming has got me. I remember the early days when I would do my run and pretty much collapse in a heap and that was me for the day. Now, I still look like I have just come out the shower when I complete the run, and I do feel like I am dying towards the end but my heart rate no longer rockets, and recovers quickly. The real amazing thing is that my recovery time has went from about 2 hours to 5mins.

Only 4 weeks till I am running 5k! Can't wait to becoming one of those really annoying people always going for a run!

P.S. for anyone starting out - remember you need good shoes not expensive shoes. I started out wearing a £15 pair from sports direct, just tried a £140 pair.. I'm back in my cheap ones.

[Irishprincess Graduate]

Good luck christop. I look forward to reading all about it tomorrow!

[Rob_and_his_westie Graduate]

This is the run that changes everything! It's a cracker!! 18 months later and I still remember exactly where I was when I realised I had it in the bag. We're all cheering you on!

As for the trainers, if the £140 items are the objects of your desire, I'd be inclined to look them up on Amazon or Sports Direct. If what you're after are some properly suitable running shoes, then you can spend £50 less than that and get a good pair, but as you have no doubt read here already, the thing to do is to get a gait analysis at somewhere like Runnersneed who have shops all over the place. It sounds like a lot of money, but if ultimately you end up being an "annoying" (you said it!) two to three times a week runner, then you need to look after your feet.

[christop in reply to Rob_and_his_westie]

Oh, I agree that you need to look after your feet and for some people it might be the case they have to spent £hundreds. I was kind of trying to point out that 'good trainers' need not be expensive trainers. Despite my trainers being a lesser known brand they fit perfectly, and are so comfortable - they are right for me. Running can be expensive, but it doesn't need to be.

[Rob_and_his_westie Graduate in reply to christop]

I agree completely, but if you were going to spend money, I'd recommend prioritising shoes over designer shirts, shorts or what have you.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Don't dread any run, but do respect the challenge. You will do it.

The progress that can be made in just a few short weeks is staggering and empowering and congratulations with your progress. Just one word of caution....don't set yourself up for disappointment. A huge proportion, possibly the majority, of C25kers do not manage to run 5k at graduation. The official aim is to get you running for 30 minutes three times per week at graduation and to instil the habit. You may well run 5k in 30 minutes in Week 9, but don't worry if you don't. Speed and distance are post grad challenges to relish.

Good luck with W5R3.

[Coddfish Graduate]

Good luck with the run - and agree with IannodaTruffle that time, not distance, is your objective for now.

[5kOrBust Graduate]

Good luck christop, I remember that feeling only too well. Look forward to it - if you're anything like me the sense of achievement when you've done it will be worth all the work that's built up to it. As far as distance is concerned, I'm unlikely I think to be running 5k in 30 minutes by week 9, but I WILL be running for 30 minutes. All the best, Steve

[hilbean Graduate]

Good luck and let us know how you get on

[Theziggy Graduate]

Actually 4 weeks until you are running for 30 mins continuously - the title of the program would make you think otherwise, but, it is designed to let you run for 30 mins whether that be 8K or 3 K or whatever.

I remember when I saw the leap to 20 mins I just laughed like a lunatic, but Laura has primed you and trained you to do this, and you will, and you will feel ................well why don't you tell us how you feel after you do it - good luck