Onwards to week 8

[LUHAN]

Just completed week 7! Having to take 2 to 3 days in between runs to prevent damage to knees and allow for strength work so the gremlins were out in force telling me that it was going to hurt too much and that I wouldn't be able to do it especially on the normal hilly route. I did and I enjoyed it! I am for the first time in a long time feeling just a little bit proud of myself for overcoming my fears. The main reason for starting this journey in the first place.

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

Wow that’s impressive with hills too

[LUHAN Graduate in reply to SueAppleRun]

Thank you... inclines some steep and some long and not so steep but mostly up hill!

[SueAppleRun Graduate in reply to LUHAN]

We tried hills but went back to flat mind you we can walk the hills faster and stronger now, we gave them up because the circuit wasn’t quite long enough just over 20 mins and going round again would be too far but it’s somewhere we can run for fun sometimes

[LUHAN Graduate in reply to SueAppleRun]

I have just found a nice flat place to run but is a drive to get there and back and takes much of morning as runs get longer. It definitely feels good when you realise that the hills are getting a little easier.

[SueAppleRun Graduate in reply to LUHAN]

Yes it really is

[Colinsmith]

2 to 3 days rest is absolutely fine Luhan. You’ll be allowing muscles to repair and strengthen in that recovery time and there’s no time limit to completing C25k (within reason).

How are our mutual friends Mr Osgood and Mr Schlatter treating you?! You must be doing OK because you’re nearly in the home straight now!

[LUHAN Graduate in reply to Colinsmith]

Hi! Lol...they are keeping me company between runs! Some days are worse than others but have been to see a sports physio who has given me a fab set of excercises to do to strengthen. She basically said as long as they dont get worse during or after a run then it is safe to continue. Thanks for asking!

[Jazzyrunner Graduate]

Well done, you’re doing so brilliant! And I can’t tell you how much it helps me, hearing that someone else with knee issues is still managing to do it. You’re giving me hope!

[LUHAN Graduate in reply to Jazzyrunner]

Thank you. It hasn't been easy and they are still painful but I took the step to see a sports physio who said as long as they weren't getting worse they would eventually get stronger. Good luck with your journey. Xx

[Jazzyrunner Graduate in reply to LUHAN]

Thank you, I’ll be following you along the way - hope they continue to get stronger!

[RunningChocoholic Graduate]

Well done, the end is in sight! I always took 2 to 3 days rest towards the end of the programme so no worries there. Hills are great for fitness, I just say to myself ‘it’s flat’ over and over until I’ve reached the top! Best of luck for W8 x

[Ricochet1 Graduate in reply to RunningChocoholic]

Ha I will try that mantra, it's flat!! Made me laugh!

[RunningChocoholic Graduate in reply to Ricochet1]

It really works for me ha ha! As we all know by now, this C25K is as much a psychological battle as it is a physical one. Happy running 🏃‍♀️😊

[LUHAN Graduate in reply to RunningChocoholic]

I use the....look down and not up method! ( not good technique apparently!) But if I look down at my feet I cant tell how steep it is and how much further I have to go until the top! Love how i can feel the muscles relax when i do get to the top though!!!

[RunningChocoholic Graduate in reply to LUHAN]

It is sooooo nice when the ground levels out! Us runners are a quirky bunch 😂

[Ricochet1 Graduate]

Glad you are finding a way. I was sooo worried about knees, but I've gone from that to tight calf muscles....stretching like mad anywhere and everywhere!

[LUHAN Graduate in reply to Ricochet1]

Lol!!! I was decorating the other day and thought 'I can do my squats here rather than sitting on a stool!' How did this happen????