W8r1- feeling positive

Hello, this is my first post- I have been lurking for a loooong time after trying (and failing) to complete couch to 5k about five times over three or four years (!) . But, a few weeks ago, something clicked and I have got further through the runs than I ever have before. And what's more, I'm actually enjoying it! Was hoping to graduate before we go on holiday next week but due to a bit of a cold, and life generally getting in the way, it's looking like I'll be graduating in Ibiza- so any tips for running in the heat gratefully received!

Anyway, I'll sign off- I just wanted to say hello, and thanks to everyone who posts because you have really kept me going over the last few weeks- whenever I feel like I don't want to run, I come here and read everyone's posts and it seems to get me off the sofa!

[rolysmate Graduate]

well if you're on week 8 runs now you've pretty much cracked it, all you've got to do is keep getting out there and you've got the finish line in your sights.

I will be running in Menorca in a couple of weeks and am planning on getting out early before the heat gets to much

[Hidden in reply to rolysmate]

😊 Yes I think getting out early is the best idea- then I plan to recover by lying on the beach all day! Hopefully I have cracked it- 5 runs to go and counting!

[rolysmate Graduate in reply to Hidden]

sounds a little like my plan lol

[snack_shack Graduate]

Hi Kit_cat. Firstly, well done on getting so far into the programme this time. I bet you feel amazing for such an achievement.

I've no advice for running in the heat but good luck for your graduation run and I hope you'll continue to post and update us on your progress

[Hidden]

Ok heat running tips coming up...spec out your route first of all by going at the time you intend running it. Note where the shade is, as that is a big help. Running morning is usually better than evening because the buildings radiate heat in the afternoon evening. Wet your vest and hair with water, oh and add conditioner to your hair, so it is conditioning whilst you run. Not a sexy look, but avoids straw hair....half fill your water bottle and put in freezer, top up before you go out and run. This gives you something cold both to drink and press against your skin. Allow for the fact that your pace may drop by 20-25% in the heat. This is how I got through Lucifer this summer. Oh and don't add in severe gradients if you've not done them in your previous runs, because they will totally sap you. Running in the sun can be fun, it's just a harder gig, so you may find you want an extra days rest, especially now you're doing the much longer intervals. Good luck and happy running in Ibiza...

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Thank you so much for this- I'm expecting to be much slower, much sweatier and generally a bit of a hot mess, but hopefully these tips will help 😊 Good call on the conditioner too! I'm a true Mancunian and my favourite time to run is when it's grey, cold and raining so this is going to be very different for me.... I'm sure that it can be done though! I'm determined to finish now I've got this far😊