W2R1

[minnabluff]

So off we go, week two, first run, the music is terrible, but I did it! I ran along by the river rather than on the track for a change, strange but it seemed less far. I have told a couple of (very sporty) friends that I am doing this, they are checking on my progress, so no backing down now.

[AdamB Graduate]

Don't worry about the music on the podcast - it gets worse Just wait until you hear the "Julie" song. I find that if I've got something to see as I bumble along (and river tracks are good for a changing view) time passes much more quickly.

[Tvarley]

I know what you mean about the music.I really dislike It and it doesn't help at all with getting me motivated to run. Well done for carrying on through the awful music.

[Thomson3]

Nice scenery makes all the difference. My zen labs lets you listen to your own playlist. Phew!

Well done and keep it up x

[AdamB Graduate in reply to Thomson3]

but didn't anyone tell you that suffering the music is a key part of the programme

Seriously, what the music does give you is the correct beat to run at the required cadence. If you use your own mix make sure that you've got the bpm right - it can help a lot.

[gary_bart]

Just listen to the music often enough, and you'll like it. At least that's the theory behind the way most of the "good songs" that made money got to be liked goes. DJ's will play your song over and over again if you bribe them well enough, apparently. And us out here? Repetition wires the song into our minds, and recognition starts us off thinking it's good. Actually I doubt if there's that much of that effect on the individual listener level, and it's probably a property of the population as a whole (as a whole) - of the big numbers, rather than the little ones.

[minnabluff]

Well, I don't really mind, it's only half an hour, so you can put up with it, and the rhythm is helpful to find a comfortable pace. As far as scenery goes i'm a bit spoilt for choice up here in the French Alps, finding a flat spot is a lot more complicated! Thanks to all for your advice and encouragement.

[runswithdogs Graduate]

Well done on completing week one. I hate to tell you, while the running gets better, the music certainly does not. But keep up with it - then we can commiserate with you. And running with 'Julie' in week 8 or 9 is almost a rite of passage.

[minnabluff]

Thanks for the encouragement! can't wait to hear Julie, that'll mean I'm getting there!