Well I've been dreading it since I started but today was the day. I took everyone's advice and set off nice and slow and it was fine! I actually found it easier than the two eight min runs. I controlled my breathing and had plenty in the tank at the end - in fact, I increased my speed for the last two mins and probably could've gone on for another five.
In a way, I think all the dread was a good thing because it was nowhere near as bad as I'd expected it to be.
On Saturday, I'm doing a British Heart Foundation 5K, and I think it might actually be possible to run the whole thing, albeit very slowly.
My message to anyone approaching this run is that you CAN do it! I weight 17 stone and I'm a smoker, so if I can do it then anyone can!
Written by
keirah
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As you say, you are now finding the straight running to be easier than the run/walk intervals so don't be at all disheartened if you find week 6 to be tough. By consensus it is the hardest week of the program for, I think, exactly that reason.
Good luck with your 5K and don't be afraid to take a walking break(s) if you need it.
Wow, well done, nice and slow - the way to go! If you do the same on your 5k, it should be fine. Being relaxed is totally the right thing too, when I went to a running club, they told me to relax my shoulders because it opens up the lungs to promote better breathing. This works for me, I even let my arms dangle down and relax my shoulders and breathe deeply and slowly for a few paces on a run. I find it helps me and gives me a boost too. I also relax my legs including the ankles, calves and knees too. Let us know how it goes, all the very best
Thanks for the tip - I'll try that! My ankle was getting a bit stiff about half way through today so I tried to make it a bit more floppy for a minute and it seemed to relieve the pain. I'm sure I looked bizarre though haha
I had stiff knees, I blame Laura because she told me to run so that if someone was on the other side of a hedge, they wouldn't see me bouncing! This means I don't really bend them much as I run and on a long run, they get stiff. I sometimes flex them mid run to get them moving. I also find flex and strength exercises on running rest days have almost entirely avoided any problems, maybe you could do some for your ankles
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Week 5 Run 3 - Done, BIG tick!!
Week 5 Run 3 Done
Week 5 Run 3 done!!!
Week 5 Run 3 - Done!!!!!
WHOOOOOPPPPPP Week 5 Run 3 Done :-)
