W3 ✅ W4 😯 Learning so far!

[JaoJao]

I completed W3R3 this evening and it’s been quite a journey till now. I’ve learnt loads on this journey the last 3 weeks, have a read below, what are yours?

👍 I am definitely an early morning runner.

👍 If I didn’t have my playlist I would have failed miserably, the music makes a difference.

👍 I tried both grass and pavement, I prefer pavement (hard surface)

👍 Have some caffeine (just a bit) half an hour before heading out. My fix is Ooloong Tea

👍 Choosing healthy, wholesome and nutritious food is effortless since running.

👍 The best preparation of all was to read the C25k FAQ blog post.

[Katiepops Graduate]

Wow. I think we’re exact opposites!

I can run anytime, but prefer to have a lie in!

Can’t deal with caffeine before a run, or food come to that.

Much happier running woods and trails rather than roads, but I do pavements at least once a week.

Music drove me nuts! Earphones falling out and different rhythms messing with my stride pattern.

We can agree on the food bit as long as it’s after a run. But I’m also happy with fish and chips!

FAQ blog post was great though.

Isn’t it amazing what a mixed bunch of people we are as runners! Good luck on your journey. 😊🏃‍♀️

[JaoJao in reply to Katiepops]

Hi Katiepops, absolutely!

Different things work for different people and the journey is made all the special when we come on here and share and learn and exchange our ideas.

Thank you so muc, I start W4 tomorrow, how about you? X

[Katiepops Graduate in reply to JaoJao]

Well done! I’m afraid I’m a run addict now. Started with c25k last year with a group from work. Did the London Winter 10k in February and I’m now building up to a half marathon with the GSR thrown in. My plan is to stop there, in terms of distance. I’m not sure about the marathon thing, I feel that may be me getting obsessive. But don’t quote me! I like to have something to aim for, so try to book something in a few weeks/months in advance.

Still come back here for tips and support though! Lots of people who started at the same time as me do. Enjoy week 4, don’t worry about week 5. It’s scary but turns out to be a piece of cake! Most of all, enjoy it. 😊🏃‍♀️

[JaoJao in reply to Katiepops]

Wow! Simply wow! Go you!

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate]

Hi JaoJao ....all these things are me...all of them! No running after lunch, that def doesn’t work for me! Playlists make ALL the difference, unless it’s 10.30 then it’s def Popmaster on radio 2.....check out Spotify... Hidden , and her playlists, she even has a Mummycav playlist, which I am still honoured by! It’s a good one too! ...I def agree with the pavement thing...my feet are too up and down on grass and that does my head in...my ‘no knee’ does not like uneven turf, so,I tend to stick to the canal where my run is flat, I throw a hill in every now and then coz it’s good for cardio, but that’s all....head down, ponytail tightened...take that hill xx

[JaoJao in reply to Mummycav]

Ah thank you for sharing your own learning Mummycav.

The early morning runs set me up beautifully for the rest of the day. I am more engaged and less distracted at that time.

I will check out Spotify! Some people are also recommending audio books and podcasts, I might give those a go too as I’m starting W4 next run.

Flat runs reduce risk of injury, don’t take a chance with uneven surfaces if your knees play up.

Enjoy the rest of your journey, what week are you on? X

[CazzieCogie]

Do you run before work? I’m a morning runner for sure. Did it the other day after eating toast. Never again. So empty stomach. Early morning and paths. Music on grom Metallica to the Kinks.

[JaoJao in reply to CazzieCogie]

I do early morning runs when I am working from home or on the weekends. The other days I have to do an evening run because I work in London and that’s how I have found a preference for morning running.

On my morning runs I wake up a bit earlier and have a small caffeine fix, usually oolong tea and maybe half a slices apple. Usually 30 mins before heading out. When I get back I’ll have a proper breakfast 😊

[Julia187 Graduate]

Morning runner here too 🙋🏻‍♀️If I’m going to the office I get up at 5.15 to do my run, I like to get it done and it sets me up for the day, I haven’t run afternoons or evenings yet, but I may have to in the winter. I listen to podcasts when I’m walking but music for running. This morning I’m off and have had a cup of tea and a banana before I head off for W7R3.