W9r1: Super-intent on taking it nice and easy during this run, as I really wanted to make sure that I would stay free of injury, and have enough fuel in my tank to complete the week on schedule.
At the start of my w8r3, I went out quite hard and not surprisingly, I got a bit too tired towards the end. This business of keeping an even pace is tricky! I set off nice and slow but within no time at all my breathing was all over the place! Really annoying as that is one thing I felt had got so much better recently, and I had really noticed the difference in how comfortable my running was when the breathing worked well. Jo Whiley obviously knew exactly what was going on and reminded me that for some runs you feel like a gazelle and at other times as if your legs are full of lead. I tried to tell her that I felt like a gazelle on the inside but my legs were clearly not connected with the rest of my body. Oh well, at the end of the day, it’s all about completing the 30 minutes so I focused on that in between gasps for air. I must have got something right, because the last 15 minutes or so felt really good! Both breathing and pace under control. Surprisingly, the end result was a slight improvement on my average pace 😊
W9r2:
Challenge 1: M25 on a Friday afternoon
Challenge 2: Home an hour later than planned, getting dark…
But I so wanted to do this run today! Changed as quickly as I could and got off to a good start, breathing good, pace felt good and legs with me. When I approached the first part of the “tree tunnel” on my route it became clear that I would not be able to do my usual two laps. I know that for some of you changing route during C5K is really helpful. For me, sticking to the same route means tangible and visual evidence of progress + comfort zone. Told myself that today I am strong, so onto Plan B: straight up the long hill, where I steamed past a runner who slowed down to a walk halfway (how unbelievable is that!!!). Still feeling strong as I reached the plateau and carried on along the dimly lit road, and unfamiliar territory. Not sure how my limbs would bear up with all this tarmac. No stopping now. Still felt strong. My strength sapped the last 5 minutes which was gently uphill all the way. Not great planning. I slowed down a lot but didn’t stop. Map My Run said marginally better pace at almost double the elevation gain compared to my normal route! 😆
Plan to run my graduation run on Sunday, yeah!
Week 9 Run 2 🥵
Week 9 Run 1
Week 6 run 1
Week 8, run 2 - the worst yet
