'STEPPING STONE' SAVIOUR PODCAST, HERE I COME ... - Couch to 5K

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'STEPPING STONE' SAVIOUR PODCAST, HERE I COME πŸ€—πŸ‘

quirkybee profile image
quirkybeeGraduate
β€’30 Replies

Hello fellow runners

My intention this morning was to just have a good warm up and then see how I went with the run. No set time in my mind, just go with the flow..... That was my tactic.

However, upon setting up my phone for music etc, I thought I know, let's try the NHS strengthening podcasts. So I found the Stepping Stone cast and decided to try that. I began the 5 minute quick rhythmed 1, 2, 3 and 4 march and soon got into the rhythm. It was a continuous podcast, with Laura saying 1, 2, 3, and 4 every so often to keep you in the rhythm. I stopped about 4x, probably a max of 5 minutes. I think this is due to my BP of late, as I've been stopping/quick walking for a couple of times lately, but as I said in my fleeting fifteen minutes post, I've stopped beating myself up about it now and think of I need to stop, then I can. After all, I'm still building myself up with this running, so I have on competition, not even with myself.

I ran for 30 minutes, with my brief breaks in between. But I made up those five minutes at the end, so don't feel too bad.

Have I found this podcast useful??

YES, YES, YES!!!!!

Laura has encouraged me to slightly quicken my speed. I found that I was lifting my legs higher and of course I quickened my running a little too. My pace hasn't altered much, but my heart rate has increased and this is what Laura was trying to achieve. Between 140 - 160 bpm.

This is my new focus now for a while. I'm going to do this again next time and work toward the SPEED and then the STAMINA podcasts.

For newbies, graduates and any other runner on here, you will find your focus and next goal. My experience would say to you, naturally do your own thing, but if you want to keep on track and follow a goal or if you're a bit lost after the graduation, don't panic. There is something here for you.

Oh, I've not put a pic on of my legs to show off, oh no, lol, I've put them on because some may remember each while ago that I suffer with puffy ankles from time to time, but over the last few months they've been really good. My heels started rubbing and I knew it wasn't the socks or trainers, it was my ankles expanding. Unsure why they puff up, but it's probably due to my little issues going on, lol. Keeping active helps though so that's good. Plus, I bought fab liners for these trainers after I did a gait analysis, the air capsules pop and adjust to my feet each time I wear these trainers. Best Β£25 liners I've purchased. Well worth it. I'll also say, (oh no I hear you think, is there more, lol?), that together with my trainers and good fitting Shock Absorber bra, I don't feel any pressure or restriction and this makes the running much, much better.

So, how have I come so far? It's because of YOU LOVELY PEOPLE. For those I follow and those who follow me and to others who I have recently come upon on different posts, you ALL inspire me, newbie and graduates etc. Old floss sticks with me when I think of my pace, slow and steady.

THANK YOU ALL YOU CRAZY LOVELY PEOPLE. Crazy said in heart felt way, though you must be crazy to know me, lol. I just want to be friends with you ALL. Thank you xx 😘

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quirkybee profile image
quirkybee
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poppypug profile image
poppypugGraduate

Aw this is such a lovely post !

Yes the C25k + podcasts are really good, I still use them now and again. Its lovely to hear Laura again, I missed her after Graduation :-)

Really Well done to you , you look amazing, I LOVE your outfit ! :-) xxx

quirkybee profile image
quirkybeeGraduate in reply to poppypug

Aww, thanks poppypug 😊 I didn't choose to have pink trainers, but I did my gait analysis in them and they only had that colour. My pants are Karrimor extra lite and were £6 in the sale, the extra lite are always a good fit. I've got about 15 tops and my friend has to discourage me from buying more 🀣🀣

MarkyD likes to ensure that my colour combo matches, haha. Bless him. x

poppypug profile image
poppypugGraduate in reply to quirkybee

MarkyD , he’s a dedicated follower of fashion :-) xxx

quirkybee profile image
quirkybeeGraduate in reply to poppypug

Hehe, lol xx

MarkyD profile image
MarkyDGraduate in reply to quirkybee

Relax. MarkyD's here! Pink strides (I assume these are the Karrimor lites... but you used the word 'pants' which is TMI... ;-) ) , pink socks, pink trainers, you're a proper princess, QB, aren't you? And that is proper colour co-ordination with your vest.

You really seem to be enjoying your running right now, which is fabulous. Well done, and keep posting!

quirkybee profile image
quirkybeeGraduate in reply to MarkyD

Yay, you're here, where have you been MarkyD? πŸ€—πŸ˜Š

Ta for your comments, I strive to get my attire right for you, haha πŸ˜‚and I guess they're not pants, and not big knickers either, lol πŸ˜„ but the lites are the best fit. I'm tempted for another pair, but I'm trying to restrain myself 😁

MarkyD profile image
MarkyDGraduate in reply to quirkybee

Don't restrain yourself... really you must have some more Karrimor X lites. What if they change the design for 2018 and they're not so comfortable, or (worse) they stop making them??? Stock up now whilst there is a good choice of colour (I like the look of heather/purple). And Christmas is coming....

Oh lovely post and I’m excited that I can still have Laura at the end of my C25K journey 😊

quirkybee profile image
quirkybeeGraduate in reply to

Aww, thanks you so much, yes she's a little wonder, bless her.

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate

Your posts and photos always , always make me so happy!! You have had, and still are having the most wonderful journey ... !! And having terrific fun..:)

You have done everything with such spirit and determination.. what a role model you are.. and now... the C25K+ podcasts!! Yeayyyayayyaya!!

I am so glad they are helping and that you are feeling the benefits:) I found Stepping Stones tricky...but Speed and Stamina...oh ..just you wait...fabulous!!!!

Go you!!

quirkybee profile image
quirkybeeGraduate in reply to Oldfloss

Oh Thanks to you Oldfloss. I'm going to keep going, if honest, I find it hard each time to run as I think a part of it is to do with my BP, the tablet slows your heart rate down, yet I'm running and increasing it. May have to see gp, but I try not to go unless necessary.

Anyway, it's all good, I'm fitter for running and I've tried to follow it correctly, so I'll keep moving and being motivated by everyone here x 😊

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to quirkybee

Right.. well.Hmmm...

Why not get checked out... make sure all is well..you need to be sure you are taking care of you. We have to listen to our bodies, they are our best guides... and the runs are still there. Please make sure you are okay?

quirkybee profile image
quirkybeeGraduate in reply to Oldfloss

Thanks for your concern Oldfloss, I will check.😊 It just feels like I'm running against myself if that makes sense. Maybe I can change them, but I will check. I've done a kind of spreadsheet for the past wk logging my BP readings each day. It's always much better when I'm in bed at night, unsure why, because I'm relaxed when downstairs haha. One good thing though is that it's lower since I began running, so that has to be good. I'll get it sorted 😊

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to quirkybee

You know best... :)

I understand what you mean..I have to run for all sorts of reasons sometimes... Just know that I and we are here for you x :)

quirkybee profile image
quirkybeeGraduate in reply to Oldfloss

Aww, that's actually put a tear in my eyes Oldfloss, thank you so much. It's lovely to know that we are all here for each other, truly lovely x 😘

Martin_Rose profile image
Martin_RoseGraduate

Nice one Beth, another lovely pic and excellent post. XxX

quirkybee profile image
quirkybeeGraduate in reply to Martin_Rose

Thanks my lovely, appreciated 😊xx

TJMazz profile image
TJMazzGraduate

Sounds like a great run. Well done. Nice to hear you enjoyed the podcasts πŸ˜€

quirkybee profile image
quirkybeeGraduate in reply to TJMazz

Thanks TJMazz, I am. Just wish I had more time, but I think, most of us do too x

Wantorun2013 profile image
Wantorun2013Graduate

Great post and advice πŸ‘

quirkybee profile image
quirkybeeGraduate in reply to Wantorun2013

Ah, thanks lovely πŸ‘

misswobble profile image
misswobbleGraduate

You're in the pink there QB πŸ‘

These podcasts are immense! The stamina one has a solid fast five minute run at the end that is a test and a half πŸ˜ƒ

Have fun πŸ˜ƒπŸ‘πŸƒβ€β™€οΈ

quirkybee profile image
quirkybeeGraduate in reply to misswobble

Hehe Misswobble, I shall look forward to that..... or maybe not πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚ Though, sooner or later I guess we all have to try to quicken our pace. Watch this space, lol x

Pink-Floyd profile image
Pink-FloydGraduate

I used the stepping stones speed for first time last week straight after finishing c25k. Crikey. I knew I’d been going slow but I felt stitch coming on just trying to keep up with the initial walking speed. I just can’t move my legs that fast. I think I need to lengthen my stride, but to keep anywhere near the 1 2 3 4, I was have to contract into fairy steps. Will stick with it and alternate with radio podcasts as I find Laura so encouraging and steppingstone stones is reminding me have much I need to improve .

Best of luck with your runs. Aren’t we all doing well - however slow our progress may be x

quirkybee profile image
quirkybeeGraduate in reply to Pink-Floyd

Hi Jo and thank you. Nice to know you're trying this podcast too and yes, it makes your legs go haha. But yes, we are all doing well in our own way, we can only try our best x

misswobble profile image
misswobbleGraduate

Short steps are good, keeping your running under your hips. Striding is going to hurt you 😞

Steepin stones is mixed tempo, slow running designed to strengthen your legs and then mixed up. They're great training πŸ˜ƒ

quirkybee profile image
quirkybeeGraduate in reply to misswobble

True, I remember Laura saying about the hip alignment with your legs. I'm going to try it a good few times to see how I get on. Thanks lovely x

Mummycav profile image
MummycavAdministratorGraduate

Awwww..you are DEFINITELY friends with me!!! I tried Laura’s C25k+ podcasts a couple of times after graduation & I enjoyed them but I think I should still be consolidating...even though that’s still not what I’m doing, I’m just running with my music & the sunshine at the moment, might mix some of Laura in there now & again too...thank you for reminding me about her!!!

I’m glad your puffy ankles seem to have sorted themselves out, nice pants & trainers btw!!! Shock absorbers are fab too, highly recommend & makes running far more comfortable.

Love reading your posts quirkybee ...always make me smile 😊 & love sharing your experiences with you...feel like I’m out there running with you πŸ˜‰

quirkybee profile image
quirkybeeGraduate in reply to Mummycav

Aww, lovely sentiments there Bev, thank you 😘

I'll try any method so long as it helps me to run and us ladehs πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚ must wear the right gear, lol

Oh I wish we could run together too, it would be so lovel. You never know though, maybe one day we could arrange a meet up. Would love to meet you and everyone else here. Exciting times my lovely fellow runner xx😊

Bluebirdrunner profile image
BluebirdrunnerGraduate

Hi quirky bee,

Still doing the stepping stones podcast?

This is my fave go to, run. The quick short, light, steps improved my posture and I've had no back pain since I've been running regularly 😊 (stiff calves sometimes πŸ˜„)

1 2 3 4...keep up the great work..😊x

I still count like this on my runs...

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