Maximum Effort (W9R2): The end is nigh and each... - Couch to 5K

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Maximum Effort (W9R2)

31 Replies

The end is nigh and each run brings a newfound joy in running. It's always hard work but by tracking progress I can see how far I've come. I guess if it got easier we wouldn't be progressing!

Despite my resting heart rate not improving, I was shocked when I checked fitbit and discovered I'd run at 100% at peak level (Not including warm up/ cool down of course). Can't say it felt any different from my previous runs, other than I spent more time focusing on technique, keeping my back straight, regular breathing and whisper running. I try to do this every run, but it falls secondary when the going gets tough and I'm gritting my teeth and digging deep!

Got R3 tomorrow and despite trying to plan something special, it hasn't really come together. A little disappointed I must say, but it couldn't be helped.

So, focusing on my last run trying to counter the sudden despondency.

31 Replies
Saartjie profile image
SaartjieGraduate

My heart rate pattern looks exactly like that. I'm lucky if I get 1 minute in the cardio or fatburn zone 😄 My resting heart rate does seem to have dropped by 4bpm though since starting running. And I definitely recover quicker these days. Can't believe the last week is upon us. Good luck tomorrow will be looking out for you 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏅

in reply to Saartjie

Thank you! I was disappointed when I first noticed my resting HR wasn't going down. It previously did when I was training at the gym. Weird.

Saartjie profile image
SaartjieGraduate in reply to

Maybe you are just at peak fitness! 😉

in reply to Saartjie

😂😂😂 If only! Gotta love your optimism 👍😁

Saartjie profile image
SaartjieGraduate in reply to

😂

David_G profile image
David_G

Hi sutsha, yes every run is different and there’s always something new to learn/see/experience 😊

Good luck with run 3, we’ll all be waiting on the podium for you 🏆🏁 It’s a shame your plans didn’t work out , but we’ll all be there to celebrate your success with you 🍾🥂

Good luck with it! 😀🤞

in reply to David_G

Thank you! Your support is much appreciated. How's your training coming along?

David_G profile image
David_G in reply to

Hi, I’m aiming to start some consolidation runs this week. Going to take the advice on here about not trying to do too much too soon as the body’s not used to running yet. 😕 I might feel like Superman for finishing C25K itself but I need to take it steady and not overdo it. 🙂🏃‍♂️ I get the feeling this is where the hard slog begins! 😳

Good luck!

Goforitmama profile image
GoforitmamaGraduate

I am ready and waiting with my happy dance! Go for it and just completely slay it will you?!

I am sure that you will be great. I'm sure I speak for many - we are right behind you!

The podium is ready and waiting, polished, bunting has been put up, the band is booked and a photographer from the local newspaper is coming!

in reply to Goforitmama

I'm smiling at that, the fuss, could you imagine if it were true! The app should come with a finishing video with a brass band, bandstand and all. That would be brilliant. 🎷🎺📯🥁🎶🎵

DeeRunning profile image
DeeRunningGraduate

Well done on coming so far. Have fun on your last C25K run. It won't be your last run by any stretch, but it will be special because you CAN get out there and do what so many wish they could. Looking forward to hearing about it, will be thinking of you :)

Mummycav profile image
MummycavAdministratorGraduate

Good luck Hidden ...we’re all waiting for your graduation post! 👏🏻

GoGo_JoJo profile image
GoGo_JoJoGraduate

You're doing great. Are you sure the despondency isn't more to do with the fact the programme is coming to an end?

I can definately relate to that. But either way, you're on the road to completion and it's going to be great 👍😁

in reply to GoGo_JoJo

You're probably right. Perhaps that's why I wanted to do something a bit special, to mask the finality. Of course we know it's not the end of anything, but all the same it's a clear line we've all been working toward. I might buy myself a chocolate medal and cheer myself up later...lol! Well, if I'm gonna act like a child ... 😆😆😆

GoGo_JoJo profile image
GoGo_JoJoGraduate in reply to

Always look after the child inside and life will be more fun!! 👍😉🎈

in reply to GoGo_JoJo

Love that! 😊😊😊

Jay66UK profile image
Jay66UKGraduate

Remember the end isn’t the end. Good luck with the final run. We'll all be here to cheer you on.

in reply to Jay66UK

Cheers Jay. I know you will, you're so supportive of the forum members, always there for everyone. Thank you for your support for me and everyone else. That's the thing though, even comments to other people can help pick us all up. Reading through these posts has a funny way of elevating us all, creating that feeling that we really are all in this together. 😊

Jay66UK profile image
Jay66UKGraduate in reply to

Thanks - I only made this with help of those on here and I love reading how everyone is doing, so I like to chip in and try to pay some of that back. There are few non-toxic online communities and this is certainly one.

in reply to Jay66UK

I don't really "do" forums but I know most are trolled. My OH commented one day about just that when I was reading through the forum, he'd misunderstood something. I was able to say no, that's definitely not what they mean, this place isn't like that. Cue his funny look, 🙄 but again I said nope, that's definitely not the case in this one, everyone is so positive and helpful and I've never seen any sign of malice. The admins either manage to successfully root that out, or the nasties are attracted to this site. Just oozes with support of good people. Perhaps it just brings out the best in us all. ☺

Kar43 profile image
Kar43

Graduation is too close 😉so exciting 😊enjoy your graduation 👨‍🎓 run 🏃 😊

Maybe meet up with friends for lunch etc after the run?

I know my hubby came along (walked quick) on some of my runs and on my graduation run so once finished we came home and cooked up a full cooked breakfast as a treat 😉

All made slimming world wAy mind 😊😉

in reply to Kar43

I'm lucky in that he's doing this with me, so I will have company. That would be worse, finishing such an epic journey and being surrounded with peeps that don't "get it". My folks don't. Occasionally they'll ask how the run went, but only if they've been babysitting so it's in their face. It's such a big thing in our lives now. That's why I'm so glad to have the forum. People who understand comments like "W5R3 just about killed me!"

Thanks so much for the pep talk. Just what I'm needing today. 😉

Kar43 profile image
Kar43 in reply to

I think (don't quote me but I think 💭😉) people who have no interest in running just totally don't understand our values of running 🏃‍♀️they just don't get what it means and how it makes us feel to get as far as we have got and how important it is to us. Well if I'm wrong I will be out tomorrow cursing a few family members & friends as they have no interest in my running 🏃‍♀️😉🤣

If I'm right then "phew" for them lot lol 😊👍😁😂😉🤣

Abaggs profile image
AbaggsGraduate

Good luck, it's such a great feeling to graduate ☺

in reply to Abaggs

Hopefully agree with that statement later! I🙂

HoagyM profile image
HoagyMGraduate

Just one to go Sutsha, the podium awaits :)

in reply to HoagyM

...and then I can do what I like. Run/walk. Stop and sit on a bench and enjoy the view before running back again. (Well, maybe not or my legs will sieze, but I can dream...) 🏖🏞🌄

CJDavies profile image
CJDaviesGraduate

Almost there. My graduation run didn’t go as planned and was the best one to date. Hope it’s a success and we are all cheering you on.

in reply to CJDavies

Thank you. I'm going to have to re-read your grad run now... 😉

Jell6 profile image
Jell6Graduate

Don't focus too much on the HR, mine is variable, started out at around 64, has been as low as 50, then back to 60, as a female your hormones will effect it.

The heat also has an impact . Good luck with your , not last, run🤩

in reply to Jell6

Glad someone has found the same because I just don't get it. When I'm ill it can go up as high as 69. Super fit (or my version of that...lol) can see it down at 51. Throughout the challenge it's bounced around at 64/ 66. It goes down one place then straight back up, down 2, back up again. V02 max stuck permanently at 37. Went up to 39 briefly and then straight back again. I have done many Fitbit GPS runs though as I was having too many crashes so stuck with Strava only using GPS. I might try logging with Fitbit again, after graduation. Don't want my last official run messing up.

Thanks for very kindly sharing your stats, I feel so much better now. 😀

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