Starting Week 5, and musings on progress so far...

[Rosie958]

W4R3 was on Thursday, in what turned out to be pouring rain. It was spitting when I first went out. "Oh, it's just a passing shower" thought I, and pressed on, without my waterproof. Thirty or so minutes later I was heading back for home, in the pouring rain, soaked pretty much to my pants, but you know what, it was quite an uplifting experience! The rain kept me cool, although the people in all the passing cars must have thought I was insane!!! I was a bit more organised for W5R1 today, and checked the weather forecast in advance. Rain was forecast for this afternoon, so i went out this morning. Naturally, the rain is yet to appear....

Anyway W5R1 went well, though it did hurt a bit more than last week. I'm a bit scared about W5R3 but will take each run as it comes. During my run today though I got thinking about the benefits that the Couch 2 5k programme that I have noticed so far. In no particular order:

1. Improved fitness (obvs.) - recovery times are shortening, and I'm covering more distance each time.

2. Improved wellbeing - running as stress relief!!!

3. Sleeping better at night

4. Clearer skin (that might be my imagination...but I'm sure there's a link)

5. Improved stamina

6. Improved muscle strength/tone

A colleague at work is now doing the programme too, so the message is spreading

[McFitty Graduate]

Well done! Don't even think ahead to run 3, just enjoy your moments Totally agree with all your observed benefits (but you missed out improved shape) I think the clearer skin is a definite. In my case I never drank anything during the day before I started c25k, except a few cups of strong coffee. The massive difference in the amount of water I'm now consuming has, I'm sure, made a huge difference to my skin. Probably other reasons like increased blood flow too.

Enjoy the rest of week 5 and keep spreading the lurve

[simonHumph Graduate]

Well done! I have recent, and painful, memories of W5R1. I reckon it's the hardest run in that week.

[Irishprincess Graduate]

You're right about all the benefits linked to running. We're so lucky that we do it! Don't worry about W5R3 as you'll be ready for it. Just big breaths and run very slowly.

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

This is a great week Rosie. You will be ready for run 3 don't worry.😊

Good luck.x

[SlowWorm2016 Graduate]

I did W5R1 three times and was scared stiff of the idea of run2. However I went for it yesterday at Parkrun and although I struggled to keep going in the first 8 min run, the second one was much better maybe because I just stopped thinking about it. But now I have done it and am planning to do run 3 early tomorrow morning. Eeeeeekk!!

Good luck with yours :). X

[Rosie958 Graduate]

Thanks for all the encouragement! Run 2 of week 5 in the bag this afternoon. The first 8 minute run was great, I felt I could have carried on, but the second 8 was harder. I think I need to focus on pacing myself for Run 3. Bring it on.....