W4R1 - blimey! : Well. I’ve been dreading this... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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W4R1 - blimey!

Jay66UK profile image
Jay66UKGraduate
20 Replies

Well. I’ve been dreading this ever since I stopped dreading last week and started doing it. How on earth will I do short runs of 3 mins and how will I ever keep going for 5 mins.

Last half of first 3 min run was painful. Too fast at the start and I reached the place I am used to stopping after 90 seconds when that blooming Jo Wiley comes on and says keep going. You could go off a person, no matter how cheery their voice.

Recovery before the first 5 minute run is at least half an hour too short, surely? Actually, this bit started okay as I’d remembered I was going to need to slow right down to get to the end. Last couple of minutes was determination not pleasure.

Nice longer middle recovery and the halfway bell sounded - only two runs to go.

Second 3 minute was fairly easy. I’d slowed to my 5 minute pace (who knew I had one?) and was comfortable going into the rest.

Final 5 minutes. Started well. Half way and I get like I could go on and on. Then there is a false end - music faded and JW came on to talk to me. I thought it was the end but it was 1 more minute!

No dramas. My playlist ran out of tunes and randomly I got “The drugs don’t work, they just make you worse” in my ears. Say no to doping, then. Massive (drug free) buzz at the end as usual. That warm down walk has become my happy place.

First time I have run anything like this amount of time. I’m genuinely impressed with the progression and I’m looking ahead to the next few weeks thinking I might just be able to do this. My secrets are slow pace and being stubborn.

First run in my new long leggings. Longer than my legs, sadly. Is this why runners do stretching exercises?

Whatever you are running next, good luck with it.

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Jay66UK profile image
Jay66UK
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20 Replies
misswobble profile image
misswobbleGraduate

Ha ha, tee hee. You really make me laugh! Listening to Richard Ashcroft is music to slit your wrists by! Pick sommat more upbeat would be my recommendation. Mind you not too upbeat, as you're going nice and steady aren't you. I hope you are, it's the only way to get through these sessions. I listened to the music on the podcast and Laura's wise words.

Stubborn is good for this malarky. Dig in, go slow, and you'll nail these sessions.

I have some leggings longer than my legs as well. Norah Batty springs to mind but never mind who cares.

Have fun!

Jay66UK profile image
Jay66UKGraduate in reply to misswobble

It’s okay. I’m used to being laughed at by women. Sniff. 😁😁

Lorijay profile image
LorijayGraduate

Well done Jay, what a success. Keep stretching you will grow into them :)

Have a great day and enjoy the achievement.

Jay66UK profile image
Jay66UKGraduate in reply to Lorijay

Thanks. But you are sadly mistaken about the legs. Run well.

Well done! I'm starting week 2 today. I'm still getting migraines after exercise which R starting to make me feel like giving up at times but I'm determined to keep powering through.

Jay66UK profile image
Jay66UKGraduate in reply to

Migraines could be dehydration and could be too much sun (right, I know). Are you drinking plenty and have you got shades/a peaked cap? (My regular glasses are reactive and they are going dark out there even when cloudy.)

in reply to Jay66UK

I've had it investigated & they've put it down to hormones (my age!). I'm doing it in the gym so sun not really a problem. I've tried everything- believe me - drinking more water, drinking less water,eating more, eating less, running inside & outside. Nothing makes a difference. I'm hoping that if I keep powering through eventually my body/brain (?!) will get used to it & they will stop. I've heard this heatwave is coming. Honestly it's from the sublime to the ridiculous in this country! Good luck with your running.

PS - loving the leggings!

Jay66UK profile image
Jay66UKGraduate in reply to

Bought just in time for the heatwave predicted for the end of the week!

Very funny post... I've been waiting for over 50 years for the promised growth spurt :)

The programme is amazing. There are lots of "I just ran.......I can't believe it" posts here this morning. I think we each eventually had that moment where you think 'hang on, maybe I will be able to do this after all' and stop worrying (quite so much) about the next week. You've got this!

Jay66UK profile image
Jay66UKGraduate in reply to

Thanks. It clearly is a very clever programme. I know people drop out for various reasons but (so far) this is constantly challenging but possible. I’m loving it and it might show!

18Windmill profile image
18WindmillGraduate

Woohoo! You did it!! 🎉🎉. Did 5 minutes not feel like forever!!? I remember thinking YESS when Michael started talking in last 5 minute run, only to say there was still a minute to go...could have throttled him!! Great leggings! It’s going to be warm next week!! Good luck on next one. 👍👍👍

Jay66UK profile image
Jay66UKGraduate in reply to 18Windmill

Five minutes - especially on the second run - did feel like forever. But I had got into a (slow) pace which I felt I could have carried on for longer, which I guess is good. Or perhaps I should be pushing harder? Nah! Need to keep

something in the tank. 😜

misswobble profile image
misswobbleGraduate in reply to Jay66UK

No don’t push any harder!

Jullaly profile image
JullalyGraduate

definitely need the sunglasses on looking at those legs ..lol but Im just about to go out and do the very same run as you, wk4r1, i better re read your post to get all the tips!

Jay66UK profile image
Jay66UKGraduate in reply to Jullaly

You can do it!

Jullaly profile image
JullalyGraduate in reply to Jay66UK

i did it!! Thank you for the tips

Jay66UK profile image
Jay66UKGraduate in reply to Jullaly

Yay us!!

Lillybeth30mins profile image
Lillybeth30minsGraduate

Nice post👍

You're doing great Jay, onwards and upwards. Happy running 🏃🏃🏃

Liz x

Jay66UK profile image
Jay66UKGraduate in reply to Lillybeth30mins

Thanks! You too.

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