W4R2

I completed this yesterday on what was a new route for me.

I found a long cycle path near where I live that is perfect for these runs. When I go again though I will park my car nearer to the start of the path as negotiating a couple of small lanes on foot crammed with parked and queueing traffic waiting to get into the boot sale at the adjacent school wasn't much fun.

The run itself was pretty straight forward and as the route was new and I had no visual judge of distance I had the "Distance 2k" message in my ear from my Nike+ Running app before I knew it and needed to turn around.

by the time I was into the second 5 minute run I was blowing quite hard again, but realised had let my breathing technique slip. Once I remembered Laura's advice I was able to get it mostly under control, although by then it was much more difficult to respond to the multitude of "good mornings" from other users of the path.

I finished the programme well before I was able to get back to my car and managed to get in another slow run of about 2-3 minutes before I started to warm down as I knew the car was nearby.

All in all I felt good after finishing and I'be begun to notice that my recovery time is also improving as each week goes by.

There's rain forecast for the next few days in my area (South Wales) so I may have to wait a couple of days to finish W4, but I now also find I get itchy for a run when I haven't been able to get out on a day when I normally would have, so that has to be a good sign!

[misswobble Graduate]

Well done. A new route is ever so good at helping you on your runs. It's as if not knowing the route makes you more aware of everything so you take it all in. Also it keeps things interesting. Your body gets used to the same routes and it becomes immune (so they tell me) so finding new routes is good for your legs. It helps with weight loss too!

You can run in the rain. In fact it's wonderful to do so. It cools you down wonderfully so don't stay indoors because of it. Get out there and embrace it. Once you've done so you'll never bother about it again.

Have fun!

[Hidden in reply to misswobble]

Thanks, I don't mind getting a little damp in the rain but going out in a real downpour holds no attraction for me (yet).

[runswithdogs Graduate]

Sounds like a good run. It's great how the recovery time improves - when I noticed that I was certain c25k was a brilliant plan that was going to work.

[Irishprincess Graduate]

"I get itchy for a run when I haven't been able to get out ......". Welcome to the addicted club and you're only on week 4! Well done on the run and your increasing stamina.

[Hidden]

Thanks, I'm surprising myself to be honest!

[Dunder2004 Graduate]

Well done Stevie.

I have found that I just mouth the words "Good morning" now when responding to passers-by. Don't have much in the way of spare oxygen to actually have the sound come out.

[Hidden in reply to Dunder2004]

Great idea, I'll give that a try. That's exactly how I feel!