W4R1

[tiggs1]

Yesterday morning I did my first 5km fun run and my first run of W4.... I found using the C25K program really helped me and I found having others around me really helped keep me going to the end of running for 5 mins as I have to admit I did find that tougher than I expected. I knew the program wouldn't get me to the finish line as I am only covering about 2.2 miles during each C25K run so opted to finish the runs and then instead of the 5 min cool down walk I got to the finish line running for 3 mins and walking for 90 seconds then did the cool down once safely back at the rugby club.

I completed it in 40 minutes and 7 seconds, I know I am not going to be breaking any land speed records but I felt amazing!!!

Having 2 rest days before doing W4R2 and feeling confident that if I can get the right speed and control my breathing better then I will enjoy it more and not feel like it is so tough.

Also stopped smoking this morning so hoping that will help with the breathing after a few weeks.

[Annieapple Graduate]

You are a star 🌟

[Archerygoddess Graduate]

Well done on your 40minute fun run. I think that's a great time given how far into the program you are. Big congratulations though, on making the decision to stop smoking. It's far and away the best thing you can do for your health.

[Buddy34 Graduate]

That sounds a lot of fun . Hope you enjoyed it. Good luck with quitting smoking . Keeping well hydrated helps also helps with your running. Are you using some kind of nrt to help 😊😊

[tiggs1 Graduate in reply to Buddy34]

It was great fun and I felt amazing to make it to the end. Thanks for the luck, I am determined to do it this time and I am using the Nicorette inhalator to help me get through the first few weeks.

[Buddy34 Graduate in reply to tiggs1]

Great , I also know you can use a combination of nrt if you need it , like using 2 things at the same time 😊😊

[Debston Graduate]

Well done, that's a fantastic achievement and well done for deciding to stop smoking. I need to quit too so will be interested to hear your updates!

[tiggs1 Graduate in reply to Debston]

Thought I would update you on the stopping smoking.... today is day 9 without a smoke and it is REALLY tough but I am feeling determined. Using the Nicolette lozenges for the last few days and they have been a massive help, also totally out of the bluet partner packed in last Thursday so we had a tense few days as he was going cold turkey but now he is on the lozenges we can speak to each other again.

The biggest thing keeping me going now is my resting heart rate, when I smoked this averaged at 73bpm however over the last week it has improved every day and for the last 2 days had been 61bpm.

Going for my runs really helps and I am sure that not smoking has helped with my legs not feeling so heàvy, I could be wrong but they feel much better this last week.

Good luck if you decide to stop.

[Debston Graduate in reply to tiggs1]

Thanks, that's really helpful to hear! I have always been a bit skeptical about lozenges, patches, etc so great to know that you have found them useful. I need a plan to quit, with or without my husband doing it too... 9 days is brilliant, keep doing what you're doing... ☺