Week 6 done!

[PumpKim]

Went out early doors for my 25 minute run this morning. It was just getting light and just a few dog walkers about.

It was tough! I live in Yorkshire and there are hills at every turn. I try to pick as flat a route as possible but slight inclines are impossible to avoid and today my legs were like lead and those inclines felt like Everest!

After seeing JayseeSkinny's post I had a go at runkeeper today, I know speed and distance aren't important at this stage but I was curious. I only mapped the run not the warm up / down. My distance was 3.7km and my average pace was 6.55 mins per km.

I'm chuffed I did it but I don't feel as elated as I did after the 20 minute run because this one really felt like a chore! I don't want running to be a chore. I want it to be my 30 minutes of me time! Feeling apprehensive that weeks 7, 8 and 9 won't be enjoyable 😕

[ElsieW Graduate]

Firstly that is an awesome pace, really quick. Maybe if you slow down a bit it may help your legs! (My week 6, I don't think I was sub 8 mins per km). Secondly, you will get better and better and you will start to click with it. You do get runs that just don't feel great but don't be defeated. Trust in the programme and you will be fine!!!! Well done you! xxx

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

Ah pumpkin, well done, I agree with Elsie. 25 min run is awesome, especially as you have slopes to contend with. Try to go a bit slower right at the start for the first few mins (for the tricky lung busting bit), then hopefully you will enjoy the next part of the run more and feel elated by the end.

This is stamina building so no need for speed, endurance is the key. Wait until you are more confident to start worrying about distance/speed.

Good luck next week you are almost there. Keep smiling.

[PumpKim Graduate in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

I was just curious about how far I was running really. To be honest between C25k app, spotify for music and then run keeper it was all a bit of a faff 😂 I won't bother with runkeeper again until after graduation.

The tricky lung busting bit? Is that a thing? I thought it was just me being incapable of finding a steady rhythm at the beginning 😁

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

Ha, no it gets me every time too. BUT as you know you can run through it and then...

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

As to the run keeper it's fun isn't it to map your run. Just don't get worried about the numbers yet... you are doing great with just Laura.

[poppypug Graduate]

Well done you !

Keep going, youre doing great ! xxx

[yamiskoi Graduate]

Well done, that's amazing! It's interesting seeing the stats, isn't it? Now onto week 7 for you, the finish line is in sight!!

[JaySeeSkinny Graduate]

Blimey, PumpKim that was fast! I don't think I could do the whole 25 mins at that speed! Glad I motivated you to try something out though - although I must admit it is a pain with too many things going at once. I just stick with the music on the podcasts - but I don't think I'd listen to it voluntarily!

So you and me heading out for week 7 now. Longish runs 3x a week, let's see how we do and graduate together! Only 3 weeks (gulp!).

[PumpKim Graduate in reply to JaySeeSkinny]

I know! We're almost there!

[Maxiscot Graduate]

Wow well done, quick. I have just finished my week 6 run 3, 8 mins per km pace. Slow but steady I guess, the gremlins are out in force today!

[PumpKim Graduate]

Is it really quick? I'm clueless! It feels very slow 😕 I'm confused now about whether to try to slow down or to just keep at it as I am. As much as today was tough I don't feel like that was because I was running too fast. I'll see how the first run of week 7 goes...

See. you really shouldn't start looking at the stats before graduation. They mess with your head!

[JaySeeSkinny Graduate in reply to PumpKim]

Maybe you're just a natural 😊👍 I wouldn't worry about it as long as it feels Ok. You're obviously doing fine and if it starts getting tough you have the option of slowing down. Just run!

[diamondgirl902 Graduate]

Well done pumpkim, you are doing really well. Today I completed Week 6 and I found it tough going, and I was slower than you. I imagine it is harder to run outside, than on a treadmill. All the best with week 7 xx

[f1roro]

Well done! And as others have said, great pace (I was chuffed with 7.57 mins per km!) but if it feels right, go with it - more power to you. I don't envy you the hills though, there's only a couple of little ones on my route but going further this week, I hit one of them right at the end - let's just say it was testing!

Week 7... eek!