W4R3 . . . Toughest one of the three!

[Julian1970]

I was surprised that the third run for week four was the toughest of the three this week. The hamstrings and thighs certainly knew they'd been working. I don't know if I was just badly prepared for today's session or whether it was the previous 11 sessions just catching up with me.

I am certainly pleased that I have completed all three runs this week, however, I am also pleased that I have a two day rest until the next session.

Got that 20 minute run to look forward to at the end of W5, for those who have already completed it, what was your prep like? Did you do anything extra in the build up or just stick with the 5 minute warm up walk?

Would love to know your thoughts . . . .

[1Potato]

Week 4 was the toughest week for me Julian, and I barely managed to finish that last run.

I think for me, my body was starting to adjust to this new habit and I was starting out marginally faster than before. Which left me feeling more tired by midpoint in the session.

Week 5 went better as I made sure to start off really slow, and keep a constant pace, if there’s anything ‘left in the tank’ you can always run it off in the last minute or two. But slow and steady seems to be working for me through week 7 and these longer runs.

[Julian1970 Graduate in reply to 1Potato]

Hi 1Potato (great name) . . . I think in my eagerness to up the pace I was pushing myself too much. Like you, I think the plan for W5 is to slow it down a tad.

[1Potato in reply to Julian1970]

Sounds like you’re on the right track. It took me until the 2nd or 3rd run of week 5 to find a comfortable pace, and it’s been much better since then. You’ll be running your 30 minutes before you know it!

[sallenson Graduate]

Hi Julian. I made it through W4R1 this morning but it felt pretty tough. Certainly knew I'd been out. Fingers crossed for Monday and Wednesday.

Let us know how you find W5. Hope it eases up a bit for you!

[Julian1970 Graduate in reply to sallenson]

Will do sallenson. Beginning to think I was a bit too cocky after the first two runs and I wasn't as focused as I should have been. I will certainly be taking Tuesday's run a lot more seriously.

[sallenson Graduate in reply to Julian1970]

I completely over-cooked it this morning. I blame LedZep personally, but boy it was a good ride while it lasted. Not quite out of a couple of days "man flu" so heart rate is spiking all over the shop. Slow and steady are my watchwords for the rest of W4. I know I can do the runs, so don't need to prove anything.

W5 always seems like "make or break" for a lot of folk on here with W5R3 having a really high stress reputation.

Run well on Tuesday and let me know how it goes!

[oldwheezer69 Graduate]

I was finding W4R3 really tough then I realised I was running much faster than usual (the beats per minute to the track I was running to) and slowed right down - then it was fine. Must make sure I keep the pace slow and steady in tomorrow's W5R1! 😃

[Julian1970 Graduate in reply to oldwheezer69]

I think I had the same issue Wheezer.

[LoungeLizaard Graduate]

Hey Julian - I did that run yesterday (Friday) and had the same problem. I did manage it, but I was seriously considering stopping on that last run (it was a killer!)

I replied to Sallenson this morning as his thoughts seemed to mirror mine, it was quite funny to read. Now I’ve read yours, I know I’m definitely not alone in my quest (troubles, aches & pains lol)

Unfortunately due to my schedule next week, I need to run on Sunday & Tuesday but I can leave a two day gap on Wednesday / Thursday before the biggie on Friday.

Enjoy the rest guys, I think we’ve earned it!

I’ll update tomorrow morning / afternoon after W5R1 (3 x 5 mins!)

[Julian1970 Graduate in reply to LoungeLizaard]

It is reassuring to know that your not on your own when runs don't go as well as you hope. My left thigh was the worst, could have quite easily pulled up. But I knew it was just tiredness, it was not a bad pain if you know what I mean, so I was able to complete the run.

Look forward to keeping tabs on you this week . . . .good luck and enjoy!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Well done... some are more tricky than others, for any number of reasons..

The Week 5 run... same as all the others... ones that you are ready for..one step at a time... warm up well... take longer than 5 minutes if you like.. maybe a few dynamic stretches...

You are ready for the runs... and you just have to believe it Slow and steady as you go

[wyersmith Graduate]

Hi there! No special prep for w5r3 except taking 2 days rest after r2, choosing what I hoped would be a really engaging podcast to distract me, drinking lots the day before and then just taking a little off the pace, for the first 10 mins anyway. I also went and bought some proper trainers by then too and I think that gave a little psychological boost. All previous runs prep you for this one and you will be ready if you can stick to the plan. As IannodaTruffe reminds us, r2 at 2x8 running plus 5 brisk walking is actually a longer workout. Take it easy and you’ll ace it. Really.

[Julian1970 Graduate]

Cheers for the advice wyersmith.

[Lmerritt]

I took an extra rest day today as my hips felt tight all day. I bet you will rock your next run after having a rest.

[Julian1970 Graduate in reply to Lmerritt]

Thanks Lmerritt . . . .

[ju-ju- Graduate]

I had dreams about doing that one all week beforehand!! However you can do it, the plan gets you ready. Take it steady, breathe and just got for it.... are you a 1970 babe too?

[Julian1970 Graduate]

Thank you Ju Ju and yes I am . . . . 1970 baby and proud!