Hi Everyone,
This is only my second post as I am terrified of jinxing my progress as this is the 3rd or 4th time I've tried Couch25K, and I'm nearly there and don't want to flunk after making any bold claims on here!! I do lurk around the forum everyday though, and have benefited greatly this attempt from all your experience and advice. I'd be glad of your thoughts on this post please!
So I've made it to Week 9, and did run1 night before last. Actually went better than Weeks 7 & 8, felt better in myself and even ended up keeping going an extra 2 mins as I'd forgot to start the running app on my phone when I started running after the warm up. I'm using Runtastic.
In the 30 mins the app logged, I only managed to do 2.3 miles (plus 2 mins unlogged) so I felt a bit defeated. 13+ mins to run a mile! I'm not expecting to be running 5K in 30 mins at all, but was hoping for 5K in about 37 - and at this rate it looks like I'm way off that.
What I realised was, that because of focussing so much on the 'slow and steady' approach for fear of not getting to the end of each podcast, I'm very nervous of pushing the pace in case I run out of steam. I finished run 1 feeling really good and not exhausted so I know I could push harder, but I just don't know how to do it! Sounds daft I know, but what I'm after your advice on, is strategy. Do I run the first 5, 10 mins at a slow pace, then speed up half way or mix it up a bit or just push hard on the last 5?? What do you do?
Also have any of you tried Couchto5K+? Stepping stone, speed and stamina? Any thoughts on these?
Thanks v much for any advice in advance!
Hope you all have good runs today!
xx