Week 5 Run 2 done but now concerned

[Ray1972]

Done the 2nd run today and it was tough - not sure if the walk midway is the problem but we shall see Friday .

My legs were burning during the 2nd 8min Run so I am concerned about 20 minutes .

Anyone have any pearls of wisdom for me?

[Whatsapp Graduate]

Short answer:

Trust the program. Today you ran for a total of 16 mins with a 5 min walk in between, making it 21 minutes on your feet and moving. Next run is only 20.

Long answer:

When you run your body has an oxygen deficit. By that I mean that in order to fuel the exersion you are putting upon it you body needs to get oxygen around the body, via your blood. This means that your heart rate increases and so does your breathing. The more your body exercises this the better it gets at doing it. This is partly what is meant by cardio-fitness.

Up until now your training has built this skill, but not seen the benefits. After about a mile (10 mins) or so, your body will have managed to reduce this deficit and got plenty of oxygenated blood flowing around your body. Your breathing will settle and your heart rate decrease. This will mean that for you longer run, once you have got over the early huffing and puffing you will settle in to a nice comfotable run. Enjoy it.

Mental strength will be tested for this run. Keep the pace nice and slow and don't clock watch. Try to get "how long" out of your mind. If you find yourself waning then start to make small goals for yourself - just get to that next lampost/ junction/ field gate, etc. When you get there focus on another point in the distance and make yourself get there. Sooner that you think, your coach will call time - and the glory will be more than worth the effort!

[Ray1972 Graduate in reply to Whatsapp]

Fantastic response - thank you - I’m up for the challenge now!

[Beccy8348E in reply to Whatsapp]

Brilliant response!!!

[Beccy8348E]

Believe, believe, believe! Im sat in the park now really proud that I have completed w5r3, the half way point was brilliant and then when the final 5 min countdown was given that boosted too.

I also swapped from Laura to Jo today and found a different voice was a benefit.

Good luck, you can do it!

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate in reply to Beccy8348E]

Well done! 🥉 it's such a great moment! 👍😁

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate]

Rest well, hydrate even better... and believe. Believe you can. Believe in the programme and it will come.

In short.... use the force! 👍😉😁