It hurts but I love it!

[Sykesy64]

Week 4 and I’m running (oh so very slowly but not walking) up some steep hills which I’d never have attempted even when I was young and running regularly. No weight loss but my legs are definitely feeling and looking a lot better. I remeasured the routes using a website that takes into account elevation and am well-chuffed that I’ve been going quite a bit further than previously thought. I’ve got a lot of faith in the app and lovely MJ but think I’ll vary my route tomorrow so the longer runs don’t cooncide with the steepest hills. What do you think? Should I keep slogging it out, or give myself a bit of a break and do sime flat runs? I don’t want to lose any condition...

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Hills are great... they build both speed and stamina. You’ll use them to go faster on the flat at some point. Right now though, it’s all about getting to 30 minutes and on that level the hills don’t help much, you’ll get there easier without them. Long term you’d be in better shape with them. I’d avoid them if there’s a choice for now.

[Gran4z Graduate]

Yes, definitely give your self a break! Why not? Hills are good, and need to be factored in for sure, but all in good time. Oh and MJ got me through to the end of c25k; I miss him sometimes, so occasionally I go back and do a week9 run with him for old time's sake 🙃.

Enjoy the running and do be kind to yourself...if you want hills, find ones that are more like a slope! You won't lose condition, you will build up stamina and that's what it's all about. Happy running 🌻

[Sykesy64 Graduate in reply to Gran4z]

Thanks Gran4z, i can’t be too picky about the terrain unless I drive to the valley bottom but tonight I ran downhill first and it made a lot pf difference to the run back up at the end. Already looking forward to Sunday!

[Hidden]

I can so relate to this! I started out with a good stretch uphill near the beginning of the run. That was ok when I only had to run for 60 seconds 😂 as soon as it went up to 5 minutes running I looked for the flattest route and have continued with that. Well done you!

[Sykesy64 Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thank you Faith - that’s exactly how I started! Whichever way I go there will be a hill (i don’t much like driving to a run) it’s fonding terrain that coincides with the routine. Next week could be interesting!