Should have been W2R1 but ...

[SlowSlowKwikKwikSlow]

I was struck down with the lurgy on Sunday and struggling still on Monday. Why does it happen that as soon as you make a commitment to getting fitter plans are scuppered?

So today, Tuesday, was officially W2R1. Except I joined a local running group in the new year specifically welcoming "beginners" and the first run of 2017 was today. Slightly annoyed with myself for delaying W2R1 further I set off. A commitment is a commitment after all.

First problem was I couldn't find the meeting point - I had been told roughly where it was and had stupidly left my phone at home. Well roughly turned out to be very rough and person after person I asked had no idea and as it turned out neither did I. Finally I was pointed in the right direction - by the time I got there just over 10 minutes had gone by and according to map-my-run so had nearly 0.9 miles. So warm up of brisk walk, brisker than comfortable jog done. Although I was late, the group hadn't left. Great news! Which was when I found out it was a beginners 5k run. And yes they did take beginners and yes I could run walk it. Fortunately as a returning runner my legs remembered what they needed to do; my cardio was another matter and I ended up always bringing up the rear, late to the two x two minute rest intervals. Fortunately the traffic lights were on my side obligingly turning red giving me precious more seconds to recover whilst everyone else did on the spot running and jumping jacks. The last half mile was a real struggle; I started to feel sick so the run leader walked with me for 30 seconds whilst I recovered, always encouraging. Finally, digging deep, helped by a last set of red traffic lights, I finished. It will be interesting to see how my legs feel tomorrow. I can't run Thursday so was planning getting back on plan and doing W2R1 tomorrow after today's beginners run. Anyway, sorry Laura, I'm counting today as W2R1. W2R2 should be a breeze, shouldn't it?

[misswobble Graduate]

Well done for commitment 😊 Best laid plans always seem to get thwarted don't they 😕 You turned out and ran so you should be pleased with yourself

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

That definately counts....just you and Laura will be much easier I'm sure.😊

Keep going ...your own pace will be better for you at this stage. Slow and steady is best. x

[JaySeeSkinny Graduate]

Beginners starting right off with 5k seems a bit drastic to me and almost a recipe for disaster! Well done for doing it and I hope you're not too stiff now. I'd stick to my own pace from now on though - if you were feeling sick it was too much at this stage. Plus it needs to be sustainable, i.e. you have to have some enjoyment. But at least you can say you're already doing 5k!

[SlowSlowKwikKwikSlow Graduate in reply to JaySeeSkinny]

I totally agree!!!

Fortunately I'm a returner to running - I did a 10k and a half marathon in 2016 but not run since. Due to negative side effects of new meds I was put on, my training for the half marathon was woefully inadequate and I ended up having to ramp up the miles too quickly over too few runs. I swore I wouldn't let all the hard work slip but noro virus the day after the half wiped me out for several weeks. With no running (or any exercise) following for almost three months I decided for once I would follow a proper plan and get back to returning to running for enjoyment rather than forced training (I had a charity place for the half which meant pulling out wasn't an option for me). So 5k isn't unchartered territory but if I'd known it was 5k and not the 30 mins showed online (we were 45 mins round trip) then I wouldn't have signed up!

Today my legs feel slightly tired, but surprisingly no stiffness although that may set in later today/tomorrow.

[PippiRuns]

Oh no. It is so unfair that they call it beginners. No real beginners run 5k! Don't let it put you off running, just keep going with Laura in your ears. She knows beginners 👍

[melly4012 Graduate]

Oh no! Sounds like you dug in deep and gave it a go. Perhaps you'll need to reduce the running time/distance for now. Give yourself enough rest before your next run. You'll be back running those 5ks before you know it!

[skysue16 Graduate]

Oh my, that was brave (I would have definitely chickened out!) but as you say you are a 'returning' runner. Well done for completing the 5k! Now you can enjoy the rest of the programme at your own pace.