The dreaded Week 6, Run 1!

[Lesaspie]

I was so happy to complete the 20 minute run, with no ill effects. It does seem as if the body and the legs and the shoes are ok, at least at the moment - rather it is the mind, with its chattering distractions, that is the real hurdle to overcome. So I am a runner now? No, not yet. I haven't found a way to properly measure my speed, as the focus is on keeping going for the allotted time, and that's totally alright.

But now I read that I may be just jogging, not running Does it matter? No, not at all, whatever it is I am still absolutely pushing myself to the limit, and that is what is important. I read that a running speed is 6 miles an hour or above, and I surely must be doing that, AND I have to have both feet off the ground..... Waaaaaa! Whatever...

Several kind commenters of my previous post advised me to not be caught out by Wk 6 Run 1, so I kind of had some misgivings. After 20 minutes without a break, surely 5 + 8 + 5 must be a bit easier, maybe a kind of respite run. I was looking forward to it today, even though it was cold, with a gusty wind and icy rain. Soon after starting, I felt weak and it was as much as I could do to keep going for five minutes. I completed the whole thing, and indeed felt a bit better toward the end but what is going on here? Is it the psychological feeling of having walking breaks? Knowing that you don't have to do so much, so the end seems further away? Clearly other people have found this too, otherwise you would not have mentioned it, and I am glad you did otherwise I would be severely demoralised. This run was the milestone, actually. The 20 minutes was still a progression. I am very glad this one is done.

This was the hardest for a long time. I did not feel so good after, but I remember how the first ones felt, and I am determined to continue. I wish it was warmer though, and in Estonia this is another two months at least yet. Anyway, it's already 15 degrees warmer than it should be, so I can be grateful for that.

Thanks once again

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

Well done, that one can really be a tough run, it’s done and gone now so be proud and if you need to slow down more that’s fine too

Running? jogging? I used to run before jogging was even a word so i never jog i run and now i run very slowly, 6 miles an hour? not on your nelly yet but maybe one day, that’s 5k in half an hour and that may never happen at our age (64) but it’s still running and way better than sitting on the couch doing nothing

Have fun the hardest runs are past and have prepared you for the next ones

[Lesaspie Graduate in reply to SueAppleRun]

6 mph as a speed doesnt seem so fast, if we walk at say three miles an hour. I dont know, I must look into this more....

You are totally right! Hug . Thanks for the encouragement. I like this "not on your nelly" .

[SueAppleRun Graduate in reply to Lesaspie]

Yesterday my average speed was 6k per hour so if i had run an hour that’s what i would have covered but may be less due to getting tired the longer i ran my fastest speed was 13.5k per hour but they were the fairly short sprints that i can now run, i did walk home from work once it was 5 miles and took about an hour but i was in a temper because my car was broken so marched fast lol

For this programme speed is irrelevant because it’s about gaining enough stamina to be able to run the amount of time, i can run gently and softly sing along to songs i’m listening too now but in the beginning i was gasping all the way through so it shows it works

Have fun and relax into gentle running you are doing great

[Wenderwoo Graduate]

Well done! I think this one is difficult due to expectation after the 20 min continuous run, (just my opinion). Good luck with the rest of the week which I’m sure will be fine 👍😁

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

It is your longest workout to date.

Confidence is great and W5R3 gives that.............sometimes a bit too much, hence the warnings.

Well done.

[Nilsam Graduate]

Well done for pushing through. Take care. 🤝👍