W5R3 - semi-accidentally

[Sook2]

After an interrupted week with dr visits and work pressures I was really looking forward to week 5 run 2. However my $&@ watch and $&@ phone wouldn’t cooperate with my $&@ headphones so after wasting 5 unsuccessful minutes fiddling around I decided I’d just have to set off anyway and try and time it by the watch...

So off I waddled at a very slow pace along the towpath, no music, just the sound of my breathing and footsteps. I got into a bit of a meditative state and next time I checked the watch it was 12 minutes instead of 8!

At that point I was still running within myself so I decided to turn round, switch to run 3, and just keep running homewards. I have to admit the breathing was a bit more laboured towards the end but I still had enough in the tank to pick it up for the last minute.

Do you think I can move on to week 6 now?

PS I’m convinced that rhythm is the key to keeping going, to get to the point where you can ride the wave of wherever your fitness is at. I’m sure my previous experience of long running helps, even in my current unfit and overweight state.

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

If it was me i would complete week 5 before starting week 6 which some people find tough, and to tick all the boxes on the app is very satisfying especially when you get to the end and it says graduate

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate]

Hi Sook2 ...well done on your accidental run! If I were you, I would just stick to where you were...yes you did it without even thinking and managed it too but seeing all the boxes ticked is so satisfying and also the plan is designed to build you up gradually, as you know, so moving on to week 6 and risking disappointment might set you back?? I would be tempted to do the full week

[bingbongsong]

I'm with you on the rhythm. I am on the same week 5 as you and the 2nd run is vastly different being 2 x 8 min runs. Personally I would want to do it as I would know in my own mind that I'd skipped it but go with your instinct.

[LeeU Graduate]

Don't skip run 2, it may seem insignificant but would you have said that about week 1's runs?

Breathing is key, have a look on YouTube for belly breathing, if you can master that you will be fine.

[Sook2 Graduate]

Thanks all for comments. Ticking off means nothing to me, because I can’t use the app (because of having an Australian account I am geoblocked) so I’m just going by the podcasts. I’ll see how I feel for my next run on Sunday and report back!

[MumToThreeBoys]

Well done you for managing it! That’s awesome!! 👏🏻👏🏻

I am definitely going to try and enter this meditative state, I think I that could possibly help a lot