W4R2! A Question.....

Up at 6 again! What’s happened to me? 😮

Nice and cool, lovely day. ☀️

Don’t know if it was any easier this time than 2 days ago but still enjoyed it...😅

How does everyone fit 3 🏃‍♂️ runs into 7 days?

[MadDave]

I too found that tricky to start with, but found that over time a kind of routine developed. I’m in the middle of W8 now and have the next few runs loosely planned in my head, mostly near home but maybe one at lunchtime at work if it’s not too hot. I think it’s a kind of addiction...

[Hidden in reply to MadDave]

It’s certainly that Dave! What I meant was 3 runs with a days rest in between makes running on the same days each week a bit awkward as at some point you have to have 2 days off together. I try to run Tues, Thursday & Saturday but after today and a day off tomorrow that means having 2 days off together if I want to run Tuesday and keep to my routine.

[MadDave in reply to Hidden]

I just plan to run every other day now, and try to imagine when and where that next run’s likely to be - some days are trickier than others but my body seems to like the routine

[Hidden in reply to MadDave]

Thanks Dave perhaps that’s the answer. Having 2 days off is a luxury I’m not sure I’ve earned yet!

[ArthurJG Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Two days off together is not a problem though. In fact I ran every other day for three weeks and ended up having to rest for a week! The one day rest between runs is a minimum and an additional rest day now and again does no harm and can sometimes be beneficial.

[Hidden in reply to ArthurJG]

Thanks Arthur, I suppose I’m just paranoid about the next run being harder after having 2 days off.

[ArthurJG Graduate in reply to Hidden]

When you are concerned about the next run being harder after two days off, do you mean psychologically? Physically it won’t be any harder: you won’t lose condition in two days and in fact some people find the one run per week that follows two days rest is often their best of the three. But if you think you might be tempted after two days to take a third, then a fourth ... then that’s a factor to consider. The further you go in to this programme the more it becomes a mental challenge more than a physical one.

[Hidden in reply to ArthurJG]

No I meant physically. I know it’s completely irrational to think that way. How much condition could you lose in 2 days! I suppose I’m panicking about the bubble bursting & not being able to complete a run at some point. I’ve already run for longer than I have for 30 years and have surprised myself, I just don’t want anything to go wrong. Your advice is sound and you’re not the only one to tell me this so 🙏 thanks! Maybe I think i will struggle physically so I worry about it but your probably right its maybe more psychological.

[ArthurJG Graduate in reply to Hidden]

If you ever can’t complete a run just take a rest day then try again. It happened to me just the once, in week 8. In week 9 I had five days between my second and third runs (because of travel and other stuff) and that final run was my best for weeks. So I graduated in ten weeks instead of nine - who cares?

[Equi-geek Graduate in reply to Hidden]

I do the same days and you may be grateful of the extra day as the runs get longer! There is nothing to stop you going every other day and taking slightly less than 9 weeks, or taking 2 repair days or even longer between runs if you end up nursing some niggles. Glad you are enjoying it

[Hidden in reply to Equi-geek]

Thanks ( whatever your name actually is, I’m not calling you “geek” it sounds rude 😂) I think the fact that you refer to them (correctly) as “Repair” days makes me see those non running days in the proper light. I think the penny has just dropped!

[Marvo69 Graduate in reply to Hidden]

If you want to run on the same specific days every week, then yep, of course you'll need 2 rest days at some point. And that's fine. It won't affect your progress at all. It's your journey. Do it in your time, good luck

#you can do it

[Hidden in reply to Marvo69]

Thanks Marv, I think that’s what I needed to hear 😄👍🏻

[cheekychipmunks Graduate]

I’ve slotted into running Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings with the weekends off (boo, want to go running!)

I’m off on hols on the 23rd for a couple of weeks when I’ll be on W7 and W8, so my schedule will be thrown. But l’ll find a way - I’m too hooked to miss a run or (heaven forbid) a week!

[Hidden in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Hooked! That’s the word alright! Enjoy your holiday but if you’re anything like me you’ll feel like you want to run even on holiday!

[cheekychipmunks Graduate in reply to Hidden]

You’re right! I was just trying to work out a schedule. Important stuff this running malarkey!! 😅