Week 3

[TracyC1980]

Week 3, run 1 was lunch time today and we did it again, no breaks! As ever, we went very steadily, so much so a brisk walker was keeping up with me :\

I hadn't twigged that there was only 4 parts to it, I was too busy concentrating on the fact I felt like I'd collapse before 3 minutes of running.

I actually felt a bit deflated afterwards. I think the reason is I couldn't go faster ( I know it isn't about speed, but I was very stead today) because my calves are still hurting soooo much when out, but my lungs felt well today and I needed very little recovery time. So maybe I felt like I hadn't done as well as I could. I'm not demotivated though, gives me a starting point for Wednesday on run 2.

[Irish-John Graduate]

Speed WILL come, don't worry I entered my first race a while ago and was flabbergasted to do the 5K in 33 and a bit minutes. However, when I am doing my regular running I can set my watch almost by the 38 minutes it takes

Main thing though is to just keep it fun and beware of the subtle gremlin known as "The self-competiveness that leads to demoralisation"

[TracyC1980 in reply to Irish-John]

Thank you. Yes I need to remember it's not what others think, it's what I feel and that I am doing this for me. Good tips,

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

A journey, not a race.. really.

As Irish-John says the time for speed does come later. At this stage, far better to take it steady and reach Week 9 safely and injury free. The weeks build up. steadily and slowly, you may nake 5K by Graduation or not.. it is about stamina and always trying to stay injury free

I , when not crocked, regularly complete a 5K run at just under 30 mins... but.. I do a 5K as one of my runs every week... ( along with a 3K, it is a favourite) ,so it is almost a habit.

At the moment, as I am just off the IC, I am not running far and am running very, very slowly and steadily.. because I know, as I build up again, I will reach my previous form

Listen to your legs...they are telling you that it is about keeping it steady

When you have reached Graduation, then the world is your oyster.. you can focus on speed, distance anything you like

You do this your way..it is your journey, have fun.. you are doing this for you!

I love this quote..

" Make yourself a priority. At the end of the day, you are your longest commitment"

[McFitty Graduate]

The calves will calm down! Mine killed me for a while. Don't worry about the speed, as everyone says, that will come later. With your positive attitude, you're already well on the way😊

[melly4012 Graduate]

Don't worry about the speed. If you've got a little bit left in your tank at the end of a run then you know you'll be able to handle the next run and the step up in the next week.

[TracyC1980]

Thanks everyone. Today is W3R2 and I've had a hectic and fairly physical morning, so I have no idea if that's going to help or hinder. We shall see in 30 mins when we set off! Today and Friday on week 3 before the dreaded step up to 4!

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

Ha Tracy..good luck with R2 today. Just the 4 runs remember..you can do it. Go at your own steady pace, your legs will thank you..😊

Lastly...'dreaded step up'... noooo😊

We say onwards and upwards and I can do this because I am ready..😄

The program does work, honestly so go to it with a positive attitude. xxx

Let us know how this one goes.

[TracyC1980 in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

I think I meant it in good humour I think anyway haha x

[TracyC1980]

Thank you for your reply Jan, I am back now and do you know what? I really enjoyed it! I feel so much better than Monday as I pushed myself on the first 90 sec run, for the last 30 seconds or so, to go a bit faster and I managed to and felt fine. Then the second 90 second run I took steady at Monday's pace. I struggled (pleasantly?) with the 2nd 3 minute run. The last 13 seconds felt like hours but I didn't stop and covered 3.34km in 34 mins. I am feeling great.

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

Woo hoo from me..😊xx

[TracyC1980]

Week 3 Run 3 just completed, in the snow! It hasn't laid but it was crunchy underfoot and very fresh shall we say! It hurt my chest a little when breathing heavily taking the cold air in but I feel so much better for it as always. There isn't a run I have done that I haven't felt better afterwards, aching and tight maybe, but I always feel better. I am going to start a new thread for week 4. 1/3 of the way through.

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

Extra points for going out in the snow😊 great commitment TracyC1980 xx

Looking forward to your Week 4 R1 report. xx

[TracyC1980 in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Thank you I am nervous but looking forward to it x