Stride into Summer Quest week 2 - feel free to... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

132,653 members158,708 posts

Stride into Summer Quest week 2 - feel free to join

Realfoodieclub profile image
RealfoodieclubGraduate
32 Replies

Welcome to the Stride into Summer Quest week 2.

Second week into the Quest. 

I hope everyone is is doing ok and those who are still on the IC couch are making progress.

What the quest is:-

The quest takes six weeks. You can join any time within that six weeks.

The main aim of the quest is to help you find a focus or goal that you would like to achieve by the end of the Quest period.

I ask that you will be a graduate or about to graduate to join the quest. The main reason I ask this is that while you are doing the program your plan is very structured so I wouldn't want the quest to interfere with that.

Most popular goals are:-

To run three times a week

To slowly increase distance

To train for a specific race

To add In Stretch and strength exercises

As you can see they are personal to yourself and it's totally your own choice.

Every week I will pin a new post where all the members of the quest can talk about how things are going.

So if you wanted to join all you have to do is put

I would like to join the quest, or count me in and then I would like to. ..............

Your name will then be added to the top post and every week your name will be in the quest until the end.

At the end, only for those that would like to, we each put out longest run of the quest and it is then marked on a virtual run.

Realfoodieclub

Misswobble

Oldfloss

Romeosierraixvi

Pollypocket89

Curlygurly2

Hillbean

Oldfloss

Evecanrun2

Irishprincess

Slookie

Maxiscot

Secan

Lizziebeth57

Parseraisin

Rubytoby89

Poppypug

Anniemurph

Dagshar

Coddfish

Ajwyld 

Shivani05

Googleme

Rhedwr

Skyhigh26

Jt24

Henleysmissus

Folkieboater

Ancientmum

Sarah981

Mary_o

Heavyhorse

PumpKim

Pampaddy

Celtprof

Susie_bourne

Runningnearberuit 

Jaxsy_runs

Fitfor60

Dbs-tag-Xyrenia

Written by
Realfoodieclub profile image
Realfoodieclub
Graduate
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
32 Replies
Realfoodieclub profile image
RealfoodieclubGraduate

Roller coaster of a week.  I managed to fit in one run that went very badly but I'm OK with that.  HM this coming Sunday.  I'm ready for it but I'm not going for any records as I have an important nuclear kidney scan the Tuesday afterwards so need to hydrate really well.  If they like the scan I will have the final OK to be a donor, which is good news as my OH kidney function has dropped again but we also found out we were a match so that was good news within bad news.  

Happy healthy running to you all. 

GoogleMe profile image
GoogleMeGraduate in reply to Realfoodieclub

It sounds as though lots of things are coming together for you - difficult I know, as you say, good news within bad news.

Hope you enjoy your HM!

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessGraduate in reply to Realfoodieclub

Enjoy your taper week RFC! Exciting times.

Jaxsy_runs profile image
Jaxsy_runs in reply to Realfoodieclub

Thanks Rfc, Please would do you count me in..

I ran x4 - longest of 7.5m 

Cycled x2  - 60 miles (Castle Ashby )

10k race next Sunday - a gravel path so a test for new trail shoes!

 & sending positive happy healthy best wishes to you and OH

Hoping you had time to boldly name your race number!

Next week I AM GOING SWIMMING.. Arh why is that so hard to do...

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to Realfoodieclub

Hope your scan went okay today x Fingers crossed for you both !

secan profile image
secanGraduate

A very good week for me; I was aiming for a 8.5km run by the end of the quest and I ran my first 10+km in the very first week... so the new goal for the next weeks is to repeat it once a week.

I also tried the 5K+ speed podcast, which was fun although too short. I still have to decide whether repeat it this week or try the stamina one.

Have a nice week, happy runs and a successful quest! 🙂

pampaddy profile image
pampaddyGraduate

Count me in. My daughter has signed me up for a 10 mile road race so training hard. I've managed 7 miles so far so 2/3 the way there

Celtprof profile image
CeltprofGraduate

Just the challenge I was looking for after graduating! Count me in. I want to increase my distance as I have signed up for a 10k race for life in 10 weeks time. Will give it everything I've got! Good luck everyone. 

GoogleMe profile image
GoogleMeGraduate

I've had something of a fallow first week after a decent finale to the last Quest, not especially helped by the variable and occasionally extreme weather but more affected by the impact of other commitments that have to be recovered from.

Good things... 

...maintained my weight despite making a birthday cake (and eating cake) 

...really enjoyable little run on the Chesterfield Canal (just 25 minutes as I didn't have time for longer but fast for me), where I've not run before.

... although I didn't get started on a yoga programme as such, I've had a couple of extra yoga sessions and took up the offer of converting my monthly subscription to annual at a substantial discount so I am not constantly wondering if I should cancel as an economy measure.  

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessGraduate

I had a great week. Ran three times albeit still only 20 minutes and it's so tempting to run further but I'm being good and didn't.  With the short runs I'm really concentrating on form and that is helpful. The knee is holding up so that's all great. I had two gym sessions with weights and cycling plus one Pilates class and I'm doing strength and stretching exercises at home very day so I feel I'm back to a decent routine again.

I'm planning to repeat the same this week. I have been using TurboTortoise 's  tip to make sure I push off from my big toe as apparently that aligns everything up in your body, and that is working well for me.

Have a great running week questers and keep the faith all those on the IC. Remember nothing lasts forever. 

susie_bourne profile image
susie_bourneGraduate

I would love to join the challenge, I'm signed up for the Race for Life 10K here in Bournemouth on the 12th of June, so I'm determined to finally Bridge the Gap between 5 to 10K !!

misswobble profile image
misswobbleGraduate

Thanks RFC 😊

My training runs are going well.  My longest run was 14k ☺   I ran 37 k this week in total 

lizziebeth57 profile image
lizziebeth57Graduate

Pretty god week for me. First run of the week I stuck to 5k and tried to push my pace a bit, managed to get in under 33 minutes so my goal (of 32) might just be a possibility. Then had 1 hr yoga class of Tuesday, then Jogscotland run on wednesday was 8.5k with lots of hills (and I ran up the steepest and longest of these with the leader encouraging me all the way. Phew. Third run was 8.2 k and again covered a few hills which were tough but I think it's what I need to build up stamina. Final thing was 1.5hr yoga class on Saturday. So a good week and I am determined to keep pushing myself up those hills. 

parseraisin profile image
parseraisinGraduate

RFC, good luck with the final scan.

I met the goal of staying on track last week. Three runs of 7k each, and one day of 30 day shred.  I am counting that as day one, since I used cans of tomatoes rather than weights last week.

My pace at the moment is faster than the plan calls for.  For two of the runs this was okay but I pushed much harder on the last than I should have.  I just wanted to, and I did it. 

This week, I'm due to run 7k, 7k, 7k again, two at the faster pace and one slower. I'm going to try a slower faster pace, and see how it goes.  I also aim for 2 sessions of the 30 day shred.  I also aim to be better about taking magnesium and B vitamins.  I find they make a difference, but I've been lazy recently.

Carry on, questers, nice as always to check in with you!

heavyhorse profile image
heavyhorseGraduate

this week since graduating I have done a slowish 5 k in a blizzard, run my first parkrun in beautiful sunshine , and this morning just back from my 3rd post grad run , and longest run yet, of 6 km, took me 43 minutes and was really windy with heavy rain between the gusts although much warmer than its been lately! Not sure what weather I will have for the next run but am happy with progress this week, aiming for 7 k by the end of quest but think I'll do 5k's for the next two runs and then another 6 after that.

ajwyld profile image
ajwyldGraduate

Managed my 3 runs last week on the days specified by my HM training plan though didn't do the full distances.

Tuesday i was supposed to do 7k, but felt a bit ropey and also time was tight. So I put on the Speed podcast and did 2k !

Thursday time and stress were the issues and ended up doing 5k (again instead of 7) But at least I did it.

Come Saturday I felt better and had no time constaints, so I thorougly enjoyed the comfortable 14k in the plan.

Coming week is odd running wise. I'm away Wednesday to Sunday, leading the kids programme at a conference. Taking gear with me in the hope of the odd jog as suspect I will need it for stress-busting, but also aware that it might not happen (planning at least Wednesday evening before it all kicks off, Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings might be fully consumed in "what are we going to do tomorrow" panic sessions !) 

But am going to do 10k today. Long run is not realistic at all next weekend, but hope to do it next Monday instead.

Happy running everyone !

Alison

Sarah981 profile image
Sarah981Graduate

My week went well. I've started the 10k program, and did the last week of the 5k part before pressing on this week. Managed to fit in a 7mile hike on Friday, too. To give a bit of focus to my 10k training, I'm going to sign up for a 10k charity race in October. First ever 5k race is five weeks tomorrow, so I'm definitely on track for that. 

Curlygurly2 profile image
Curlygurly2Graduate

I've done weeks 1 - 6 with Laura, one session of each. I'm going to consolidate now, hoping to go for a few longer runs, and maybe try "Speed"

runningnearbeirut profile image
runningnearbeirutGraduate

Please count me in as I'm needing some motivation.

Am going to be realistic so my aims are:

1. Run at least twice a week.

2. Increase distance to at least 6km.

I started well, but only managed 2 x 30 minute runs this week before coming down with some lurgy that has made me feel dreadful.  So that's my excuse for not completing the 3 runs.

Good luck to all who are following the quest, and hope this week is a better one for all of us.

Coddfish profile image
CoddfishGraduate

Good luck with the scan, RFC.

I missed one of my planned runs last week due to having a cold, but otherwise did everything I intended.  Had my daughter staying at the weekend; I only ran 5K but she ran 18.5K as part of her build up to the Hackney half marathon this coming Sunday.  A happy morning this morning when I spotted the swifts have returned; I enjoyed watching them on my runs last summer.

poppypug profile image
poppypugGraduate

Hope all goes well with the scan RFC and lots of hugs to you and hubby ((( ))) Thanks for putting this up for us again xxx

I have had a good week. Hurrah ! A 5k and a 7k last week, and no pain, aches or niggles after. I think 2 runs a week is perfect for me . I am doing  handweights for my arms 3 times a week and got on my bike , but just once for 30 mins but will improve for next week.

Good Luck fellow questers !

Big hugs to all those on the IC ( special mention for CrazyCat and our Turbo Tortoise , Emma )  Another day closer to recovery xxx

Rhedwr profile image
RhedwrGraduate

Pleased with my first week - 2 x 30 mins, plus a 5k (slow, but 5k, nevertheless).  Aiming to keep this routine up until 5k is comfortable, then I can think about extending distance slowly. 

So excited! 🏃

jt24 profile image
jt24Graduate

Good luck RFC xx

Pleased with my first quest week, ran 2x 5k's and a 7.53k- that came a bit out of the blue!!

Also walked 25k over the week too.

Signed myself up for a 10k in September so my loose end of post-grad running is now tied up! 

Happy running everyone :)

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate

Just did 5.33 K this morning... got lost, had a quick stop...and had to  run another 2.5 K to get back on track for home...must prepare better!

Anniemurph profile image
AnniemurphGraduate

Aaaargh - did the 10k, but then had to  come away on a course for 4 days and because it's only hand luggage couldn't fit in my running kit :( so no running tourism :( :(  and in fact no running until I get back so this week is a bit of a write off.

Happy running to everyone else and a swift recovery to those on the IC or struggling in some way x

Fitfor60 profile image
Fitfor60Graduate

Fingers crossed Drs like your scan RFC and then all systems go. Good luck with your HM. 

Fitfor60 profile image
Fitfor60Graduate

Sorry late in joining this quest RFC. Was in Spain last week. Good news managed 3x runs , bad news only managed 3 miles and that included lots of walking as even early morning too hot for me. Good news food was fantastic, bad news put on 5 lbs in week so even more of me to lug round! 

2 races this month -15th May North of England Children's Cancer run which so important to me as I run it with my grandson who has leukaemia and his brother and sister. 22nd May going to Keswick for 10 k trail race.

Anyhow this quest aiming to do more trail running and more importantly to have fun and be thankful I am able to run.

Count me in please, I would like to run 5 K in 40 minutes. My current best is 43:39. Thank you.

folkieboater profile image
folkieboaterGraduate

Good week last week. 

Work got in the way at the beginning, but usual 5k route on Thursday. 

Work for me on Sunday was cancelled - bad: no money - good: time to run. 👍

Due to trains not running I had to drive the OH into London. Went for a cheeky 6 miler along Kensington High Street, round Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park and back to Olympia. Fitted the Virtualrunner David Seath run in at the park. 

Shower blagged at a local gym, followed by an afternoon shopping 😍

Won't get anything in this week. Working. Pleased to see that the Crown Plaza hotel in Liverpool has  a runners station in reception with water, towels and maps (lacking in cake though😓) Don't know if they all have that. 

P.S. Thanks as usual RFC and hope your HM and scan go well. xx

Just completed another 5 k. First post-graduate run. Very nervous without Laura. Did it in 44:52 today. Found it tough and the mental gremlins were telling me to "just do 30 mins" "just do 4 k" but I kept on... looking like a flailing beetroot. One dog walker had a look of extreme pity on his face at one point. Happy to get the 5 k in though :)

susie_bourne profile image
susie_bourneGraduate

Hello everyone, Wk 1 of the challenge completed, and I managed three runs, and am on schedule for my 10k in 5 weeks. Hope everyone is enjoying the sunshine !!

You may also like...

Stride into Summer Quest week 5 - Feel free to join

What the quest is:- The quest takes six weeks. You can join any time within that six weeks. The...

Stride into Summer Quest week 3 -Feel free to join

What the quest is:- The quest takes six weeks. You can join any time within that six weeks. The...

Stride into Summer Quest week 4 - Feel free to join

What the quest is:- The quest takes six weeks. You can join any time within that six weeks. The...

Stride into Summer Quest - Feel free to join

What the quest is:- The quest takes six weeks. You can join any time within that six weeks. The...

Stride into Summer week 6 - Feel free to join.

What the quest is:- The quest takes six weeks. You can join any time within that six weeks. The...