Week 4 Run 1

[Teacherm]

Decided to do a fourth run this week so I can start each 'week' at the weekend rather than having a stepped up session after a hard day at work! It's been easy to keep up the programme during the summer holidays but I know it will be harder to get motivated once at work and Autumn sets in. Surprised myself with Week 4 Run 1 - it seemed a natural progression from last week and running for 5 minutes at a time wasn't a problem. Definitely getting fitter too as I don't look like a tomato after a run any more! Clearly this programme knows what it's doing 🙂

[mrrun Graduate]

For as long as you have at least one day rest between your runs, you will be fine. As you can see that you are getting fitter, you've answered your own motivation question Running when it's cooler (or cold) is easier than when hot and humid and you will be able to achieve more. Ignore the weather, that could even be your secret ally in the coming months, just open the door and run, anywhere and anytime

[Teacherm Graduate in reply to mrrun]

Thank you for the encouragement. It's not so much the cold weather I am dreading, more the dark! Not sure how safe I'll feel running in the dark. My usual routes are off-road but I guess this might have to change.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

As long as you had your rest day in between you are fine

Well done! Slow and steady does it...and when work kicks in... you just get up an hour earlier and do the run then Simple

[Teacherm Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Yes I had my rest day! Wouldn't dare skip it after reading all the posts on here! Haha.

I'm not sure early morning runs will work for me as we leave the house at 7.30 anyway and it feels a little cruel to drag my eight year old out any earlier! (I'm a single mum). My plan is to take running kit to work two days a week and run straight from there, maybe around the park, then home. Hopefully that might work!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Teacherm]

Gosh..oh yes..too early..it will work..you will make it☺

[Teacherm Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you! I'm quite determined it will 🙂

[Polly2810 Graduate in reply to Teacherm]

Know what you mean...I am at work by 7.30 most days, so don't think mornings are gonna be an option for me. I do work flexi though, so could leave by 3.30 in run days and still run in semi daylight. Or could run straight from office then come home I suppose.. need to start thinking about it.

[ladyduddy]

That sounds good! I'm also in the middle of week 4 and wondering what about the winter. I do like to go early morning (6am before work!) but part of mine is down local tracks so will have to stick to lit roads/pavements in future. The best advice I've had from an experienced runner friend is to make sure you wear hi-vis running gear or gilet over the top - "visibility is everything" - it's really difficult for car drivers/cyclists and others to see us plodding along (and especially at junctions) when the light is dodgy so even if you feel a bit of a twerp wearing it - it could save your life!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to ladyduddy]

Hi viz... essential... I graduated the week before Christmas 2015... high viz sash.. flashing belt The wildlife in my fields and tracks were really surprised too... but in the dark lanes... brilliant!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to ladyduddy]

If you run offroad then a head torch is essential winter kit.

[ladyduddy in reply to IannodaTruffe]

I just don't think I'd go down the tracks even with a head torch as a bit remote and scary so would rather stick to lit areas

[Teacherm Graduate]

Good advice, thank you. Have avoided the neon so far but you're right - I will need some!

[Hidden]

Well done you and clearly you're pacing yourself well too. Fluoro is the way to go, it's getting darker here too and I have the added complication of hunters and guns, therefore brightness is a necessity. And tomato, is a lovely red colour, we love all shades from beetroot to blush! It's the runner's colour of choice... happy running in rest of W4

[lizzieley]

Hi. I am going to jiggle my sessions to now am returning to school and don't want to run on days with long staff meetings! Have no idea how it will all fit in...but know I want to keep it going you're doing a fantastic job. Keep it up x

[Pennyj66]

I work a 4 on 4 off system of 12 hour shifts starting most days at 6 so there's no way I can fit in an early morning run which is what I prefer. I am a little worried that a 4 day break then 2 running sessions then another 4 day break might be a problem in continuity. But the proof is in the pudding or so they say so I will see how it goes over the next few weeks. I think I might have to repeat each week just to build up my fitness.