Sorry if this seems like a negative Nelly post, I just wondered if anyone else felt the same?
Background: Started on W1 a couple of weeks ago, completed it myself (with Laura podcasts) and then my Mum wanted in on the action so as I was staying with her for the week, I did W1 again with her. She did W1 runs 1, 2 and 3 off the back of a cold, so did another 2 just to make sure she was ready for W2 (yes, I have now done 8 W1 runs...).
When we ran together, I timed our sections accurately, using my Forerunner while we chatted away and ran. We did W1 R1-5 (ahem) and then W2 R1 together. I recommended the Laura podcast to Mum as I had found it great encouragement for W1 when running by myself.
So what?
Today, we both went out separately using the podcast for W2 R2 and both of us found that Laura's timings seemed to be off. She'd tell you "that two minutes is over" and then waffle on for another few seconds. It was off by my watch aswell and the whole thing ended up taking 31 minutes when it should have been 29, I actually started to get quite annoyed with it by the end (I know, minor thing, 3rd world problems) - did anyone else find this issue or is it just me being overly particular? (I also didn't enjoy the music as much but that doesn't really bother me.)
In other news and on a lighter note, about 2 paces before my final run section, an elderly gentleman on a mobility scooter overtook me and then I had to start the run bit, so we had an awkward cat-and-mouse chase for 90 seconds where he was just slightly in my way for the whole section but he was giggling and seemed to be having fun so I was happy to indulge his racing spirit.
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lp87
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This reminds me of my work and parents concerned about green baby poo. As one expert says, when causes have been excluded, suggest wearing sunglasses for nappy changing.
If you just listen to the podcast your problem will magically disappear... your problem is looking at your watch...
(But having done week one with my Dad today I am thinking that maybe fitness coaching is like counselling and not to be done with your own family!)
Haha, I think now that I have done the 1 min... 90 seconds... so much I am just so aware that that's how long 90 secs it is, or 1 minute and another minute even without looking at the watch some of the two minutes were just going on forever!
(On the subject of baby poo my brother was apparently most excited when I, at a day old, did a rainbow poo which had all of the different colours one poop could have. Anyway, I digress.)
Well done on even getting your Dad out there. Getting my Dad to go out for a WALK is hard enough and there's my Mum, 9 years older than him doing C25k! I actually really enjoyed doing the runs with Mum, she is quite a bit slower than me at the mo, but she gives it a really good go and I like seeing her hit little achievements
My Dad is in his 80s and has been a runner all his life. People who haven't lived with his fitness obsession call him an inspiration.
He has prostate cancer which is now terminal and several drugs and conditions in addition to the cancer and its treatment which cause fatigue. He has recently been a participant in a study on exercise in advanced prostate cancer which has been gruelling and taken most of his time and energy. He appeared to be fretting over not getting out to do a run-walk (a well meaning friend has devised a programme for him... and much to my disapproval it doesn't include outings to beautiful countryside for little walks and tea shops with my Mum) So I said I'd take him out and I put the C25K week one podcast on.
First he was wearing too much (especially given that some of his treatment messes with temperature control and causes hot flushes). He did take off one layer at my suggestion before starting. Then his brisk walk was... brisk... he was being all determined instead of chatting as might have been useful to determine the right pace... off ahead of me... the runs were even worse. I was having to shout the intervals to him, as he was far too far away to hear the podcast. A few times I pushed hard to catch up in the hope that he might then match my steps and slow down... no chance!
(He was complaining that he'd have to turn back [yes Dad, we're going back because we're half way through] and afterwards about being breathless)
Still, it did mean I had some privacy to enjoy the nostalgia of the podcast - it took me soooo many attempts to complete Week One but that was six years ago.
Oh I'm so sorry to hear he has all of that to contend with. I expect the exercise is an escape for him in that if he pushes himself far enough he can't think about anything else. I'm sure his determination can get quite frustrating but I expect it is just as frustrating for him. Doesn't make it any easier for either of you though!
I definitely think it sounds as though there should be a significant amount of rest days with cream teas, sunset strolls, connecting with nature and relaxation. Perhaps even a Groupon spa or couples massage so that he and your Mum can do something nice on the rest days, but it might also help with the fatigue and muscle recovery?
The role reversal of encouraging your parent to do something never gets any easier though, regardless of context, so I do really feel for you there. I think if Mum were rocketing off ahead of me like that I'd find it incredibly difficult to run with her. She probably feels the same about me though, come to think of it...xx
🤣🤣🤣 how funny bless him. as for the timings I didn’t know until you just told me I just do as I’m told ... run ... walk ... have a drink of water 😊😊. Enjoy the rest of your runs.
Oh ok, I don't really have music on my phone but could get some on there, is the app a bit truer to the timings then? Just fade out for her to speak at 2 mins, 90 secs, etc?
I didn't mind the podcast music so much (although W1 was better), it was more the timings that were annoying me. I'll just have to grin and bear it I guess!
I am using the app with Jo Wiley as my coach. I usually run outside and don’t take any notice of the timings. But in the really bad weather I did a couple of runs at the gym where the treadmills have timers and the timings seemed pretty accurate.
Ok maybe the app is the way forward then over the podcast, Jo Wiley definitely isn't the one for me but if it just automatically cuts in at the right times then I could use Laura on the app rather than the podcast and it should work out ok
Yes give it a go. I used the podcast a few years ago and unfortunately I really didn’t like the music and I think it put me off running 😄. Now with the app and my own choice of music I’m getting on much better. Good luck with Laura, I liked her on the podcast. She’s only been added to the app in the past couple of weeks so when I’ve graduated I might listen to her for some week 9 consolidation runs.
I think more than anything my little Mum needs to come and live with me so we can do all our runs together! Haha. Then we won't need any of the podcasts or apps
But in all seriousness...
I'll give the app a go, maybe move back to the the podcast for W3R1 and see how that goes. Well done on your runs so far, I'm sure I'll see you posting a graduation celebration soon!
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W2 R2 - Running in the rain is FUN!!!
Its time to say good bye...at least to Laura
W9 R2 Facing life without Laura 
W8 R2 - an early start and a record run time 🏃
Whoop whoop whoop W2 r2
