W6R1 - Tough - Comfortable - Enjoy

[das_vikas]

After the high of W5R3, it was time for me to get on to W6. Today was my W6R1.

And as suggested by a lot of others who are ahead of me on this program, I didn’t treat it as a piece of cake just because there are walking breaks. And wow the focus helped.

First 5 min run was tough. It feels the same for most of the runs (if I can say so in my 5 weeks of running 😀), the first run is always tough.

Second 8 mins were comfortable and I actually enjoyed the last 5 min run.

I noticed that the stretching and focusing on hydration is making all the difference.

When I started this program I was almost sure that I’ll not be going beyond W2, as all my previous attempts to remain active never went beyond 2nd week. Given that I’m into W6, I’ve decided if I reach W9 I’ll celebrate it with a Fitbit 😊

Keep going!

[wyersmith Graduate]

Well done! Good attitude. My Fitbit battery died after a year (maybe from neglect) so I’m not a fan but treat yourself anyway!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Well done.

A running watch might be a better buy than a Fitbit.

[das_vikas Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

I’ll look at running watch as well! Thanks for the advice!

[sallenson Graduate in reply to das_vikas]

Sounds like you're doing a great job! Treat yourself! Something like a Polar M430 is probably in the same price band as a Fitbit and is waaay cooler. You deserve something cool

[RobW73 Graduate]

Well done. Glad you approached it properly.

It was useful to see the warning posts.

I agree on hydration. I usually top 3 litres every day.

[DeeRunning Graduate]

"*when* I reach week 9"

Great advice, thanks for posting. I've got this one coming up next. Well done on getting through the week and for getting to week 6!

I'd also recommend looking at a sports watch instead. I've used both (fitbit and watch) over the years and the watch is way more useful. Either way, you will deserve a treat, whatever it is.

[sallenson Graduate in reply to DeeRunning]

Spot on Dee!! WHEN never IF...

[das_vikas Graduate in reply to DeeRunning]

Absolutely “When” not “If”

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Very well done and on doing those stretches etc... so important from the word, go !...

[Millsie-J Graduate]

Best order the fitbit ready then , we know you are going to finish the programme, you are a runner!

[das_vikas Graduate in reply to Millsie-J]

Thanks Millsie-J! I’m waiting for it to be officially declared by Laura 😀

[Christianne57 Graduate]

Great post and positivity.... not if but when though! Following close behind W5R3 tonight for me... we can do this!!!

[das_vikas Graduate in reply to Christianne57]

Completely agree no if now it’s all about when! Good luck for your big milestone! Keep yourself hydrated.

[Saartjie Graduate]

Well done 🙂

[Lori199]

Fitbit is a good way to keep you motivated- well done 👍

[das_vikas Graduate in reply to Lori199]

Yes I’m currently using Strava to track my runs and it’s so motivating to be able to see the progress in real numbers.

I’m lusting for the new Fitbit Versa. It sounds good.

[Lori199 in reply to das_vikas]

I’ve got the fitbit charge - it’s really good as you can track everything through an app on your phone 😉

[Hidden]

Just to add my tuppence worth- I love ❤ Fitbit. I have the Blaze (Ionic and Versa weren't around when I upgraded from Charge 2). While it might not be the best running tracker, I believe there's more to health and fitness than exercise. The 3 key issues to maintain a healthy lifestyle to my mind is (1) activity - not just exercise but steady activity. In a sedentary job the Fitbit is great for checking I move at least 250 steps each hour. I rarely get 10/10 hours, but I can see where I am and what I need to do to improve. (2) Sustenance - Eating and drinking, they say, is responsible for 80% of making any real improvement to health and fitness. You can track water intake and food in the Fitbit app (albeit if you're serious about tracking food My Fitness Pal is the best and pairs with Fitbit app). (3) Rest - without rest days and decent sleep you're eventually going to burn out and hit a wall. I have yet to see a better sleep tracker then Fitbit and it's a key element when I'm choosing my tracker watch. I simply do not get enough sleep so pay careful attention and try to catch up when I can and the tracker is a good way of checking on sleep patterns to see if improvements are needed. The Blaze has also brought in new elements such as Relaxation where it talks you through breathing exercises and Fitstar which talks you through workouts. I don't use these so much but they seem to be decent. So that's my thoughts. If someone has a recommendation that meets all of my needs, I'm all ears as I've stuck with Fitbit as an all-rounder for my overall wellbeing, but open to change. The only downside in my experience is the GPS tracking, but have tried various apps and it's a common problem.

[das_vikas Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Wow that’s a ton of useful information! Thanks for sharing your experience Sutsha!