W2R2 - does getting out the door get any easier??

[MrWomble]

My W2R2 last night went much better than W2R1 and I came back feeling good and even feeling like I could have carried on a bit longer, which is a nice way to finish up. Stats from the tracker don't show much change from W2R1 but it just felt better and less tiring. Except for the first run interval - not going to lie, that took some doing but after that things improved.

I'd been looking forward to the run all day (me? looking forward to a run?? what the heck is going on here?) but when it came time to actually go, my motivation suddenly plummeted and it took some grim-jawed determination to get out there. I thought it would get easier after a while - does it?

Please tell me it does or Thursday 6am is not going to be pretty. 😯

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

6 am is a great time to head out as you don't have time to think about it.

You are doing great and it won't be long before you can't wait to get out there.

[MrWomble Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you! Hopefully it won't take long!

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

The addiction kicks in over time... for me now it’s harder to not run on rest days.

Tracker apps won’t show your progress over a short timeframe. We shouldn’t be achieving more distance or pace from run to run, there are many benefits to doing the opposite and keeping it slow. After the plan you should be doing 80% or more of your running at a comfortable pace... and 100% of long runs should be slow. Both long and slow there are relative terms of course... long refers to the longest run of a week (or cycle) and as C25K is essential all long runs from start to finish, pace and distance shouldn’t be looked at. I tracked most of my C25K runs, but didn’t look at the stats for quite some time. It was nice to look back months later and see that the other relative term was changing... my slow had become faster all by itself.

[MrWomble Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

I'm glad to hear it kicks in over time - certainly more keen now than I've ever been in my life, so hopefully that gets more so.

I also appreciate your input on the distance and pace. So really the key thing is just to get out there and do the runs I suppose and the plan ensures that you're building up the duration week by week.

With that in mind, I think I'll be less bothered about what the tracker says. 😁

[UnfitNoMore Graduate in reply to MrWomble]

Yeah, I run on the Nike Run Club app for their guided runs. When I do a timed run with their head coach, he reminds me that it won’t end sooner if I run fast, so keep it slow.

[MrWomble Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

I like that!

[Sadie-runs Graduate]

Oh yes! I am scratching at the door like a dog with its lead in its mouth on run days now. 😁 I must admit, it can be a bit harder at this time of year though, when it’s dark and cold. But stick with it, and you will be rewarded in the spring/summer with beautiful sunrises and warmer air...bliss. Glad to hear the runs are going well! 👏👏👏

[MrWomble Graduate in reply to Sadie-runs]

Glad to hear that, thanks for the encouragement! As you say, it's a tough time of year, isn't it?

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

Give it another week or 2 and you will be raring to go and rushing out that door, i used to almost talk myself out of it on the way home from work and then find Willow dressed ready to go with a cup of tea ready saying “here you can drink some tea while you change” lol, now i really enjoy running and am happy to change and go, i have been unwell for a couple of weeks and it’s been hard not running

[MrWomble Graduate in reply to SueAppleRun]

Thank you! Sorry to hear you're still not well, I hope you recover quickly.

[SueAppleRun Graduate in reply to MrWomble]

Thanks

[Wenderwoo Graduate]

I wouldn’t say it gets easier, but there’s just this little bug that bits you and once that happens you’re done for! The sense of achievement increases as you go further and further 😁

[MrWomble Graduate in reply to Wenderwoo]

Thank you! Is it a symptom of the bug that I'm developing an interest in GPS watches and an irrational trainer envy? 😂

[Wenderwoo Graduate in reply to MrWomble]

Yes! You’ve been bitten - there’s no turning back now 🤣

[Roxdog Graduate]

Well done. So you are enjoying it and feeling proud so that's great. In terms of motivation, you may find that the forum is a great motivator - perhaps follow people at a similar stage in the programme - I found that helped me get out of the door! Good luck!

[MrWomble Graduate in reply to Roxdog]

Thank you Roxdog. I find this forum an invaluable source of inspiration and encouragement. I think it is just as important as the app/podcasts - possibly even more so!

[Speedy60 Graduate]

I'm finding it one of those can't live with it, can't live without it relationships. I really can't live without it now; life wouldn't be nearly as much fun.

I find early mornings are the best times to run, as has been said - no time to think about it. And I can feel smug for the rest of the day 😉

Good luck

[MrWomble Graduate in reply to Speedy60]

Well, I'll find out on Thursday morning whether or not morning runs work for me... should be interesting!

[Speedy60 Graduate in reply to MrWomble]

Let us know how you get on. We're all rooting for you. 👊