W8R2 - A lot more relaxed!: For the first time... - Couch to 5K

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W8R2 - A lot more relaxed!

packersruns profile image
packersrunsGraduate
12 Replies

For the first time today, I was a bit iffy on if I should go out on my run today. I get excited and look forward to my runs today, but although I simply work at a takeaway cafe currently, I'm constantly on my feet (apart from my 15 min breaks) - so the idea of doing a run after nearly 15 hours of standing I didn't love the idea, especially as my legs had some aches and pains (not serious ones, but enough that my bed was calling out to me for the extra few hours of sleep, because I was thinking about it a bit too much) But I just told myself to get on with it, did my dynamic stretches and off I went!

Today my biggest focus was to RELAX! As much as I like to improve my pace, I've been so focused on it recently I ended up forgetting that it's not all about pace, it's also about the distance and the endurance you have! No point having an 8'30" pace if I can only go for 20 minutes rather than 28! I didn't want to go super fast today, so I did have to tell my body to go slower sometimes - my average pace was 9'18" which was significantly more comfortable, so I've decided that's my happy pace, and my heart rate was at an average of 165BPM which is a lot lower than it was before. I did push it at the end as I always like to when I have energy left over, and I managed the last KM at 8'58" which I'm chuffed about!

I actually enjoyed the run, as in I probably could have gone on for longer - however I know as much as it is tempting to go that little bit further, I shouldn't quite yet - I've only got another run of W8 before I can do the big finale 30 minutes! Forgot to take a photo of the tide being out today because it was absolutely beautiful, but I will have to set a reminder on my watch to do so at my half way point for my next run!

For anyone who's running today, enjoy it - you'll absolutely smash it!

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packersruns
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12 Replies
1stTry profile image
1stTryGraduate

Good on you. Your post was the reminder I needed that I’ve gotta slow down as I really wanna enjoy my runs. I’ve definitely been pushing myself abit too much, so today (I’m on W8R3) I’ll be definitely going much more slower and keeping my pace in check.

Well done

packersruns profile image
packersrunsGraduate in reply to1stTry

I think sometimes it's good to do that, because it shows that you are driven to do better in your running journey, which everyone wants to do - but definitely to an extent, as you definitely want to enjoy your run rather than being focused on numbers of pace and trying to make it faster! Good luck for your run, you'll smash it :)

Thismumcan_run profile image
Thismumcan_runGraduate

Completely agree, it’s nice to enjoy the running for what it is. The rest will come when you’re ready. 😀

packersruns profile image
packersrunsGraduate in reply toThismumcan_run

Definitely - it's taken me a while to realise that but I'm so glad I have now! :)

Jools2020 profile image
Jools2020Graduate

Good that you relaxed and enjoyed the run. Loved reading your comments on pace, too!

PlymBorn profile image
PlymBorn

Well done you! Must feel good to do the run at your own pace not a pace you think you should be at.

I keep seeing posts and admin pinned posts that the aim is 30 mins of running not necessarily 5k ... so your post today just reinforces to me that I need to slow down and build stamina first ... I have been a little bit focused on pace ... as you say no good doing 20 mins when it’s a 28 min run!

I’m a week behind you and will be taking your words with me tomorrow.

Also, 15hrs on your feet and then running ... puts a “desk” jockey like me to shame who grumbles about doing a run 😣 .. well done on sheer perseverance! 👏👏👏

packersruns profile image
packersrunsGraduate in reply toPlymBorn

Don't be silly, you have just as much perseverance as me - you still run even when you don't want to do it after a hard days work! It's just a matter of what you are used to! I think as much as I knew what the admins and posts were saying, you do truly discover it yourself when you realise you shouldn't be as exhausted as you are - I just wanted to see how it was if I went on my own pace and it was brilliant! Good luck on your next run, you'll smash it with all you've learnt! :)

packersruns profile image
packersrunsGraduate

What watch do you have that recommends 70 minute running haha!! Well done, that's amazing - 40 minutes!!

Do you reckon you'll do the Bridge to 10K plan on here? I've been eyeing it up and it does look fun, but definitely want to do some consolidation runs before I plan on doing that obviously!

Busylady1 profile image
Busylady1Graduate

Well done, sounds like you’re doing great, keep it up! 🎉

packersruns profile image
packersrunsGraduate in reply toBusylady1

Thank you! :)

Hareshaw-Granny profile image
Hareshaw-GrannyGraduate

Love all the slowing down comments, going to be good to myself on the next run, been trying too hard. Thanks for that.

packersruns profile image
packersrunsGraduate in reply toHareshaw-Granny

I think even if some runs you do try a little bit harder than others, it’s really nice to have that good to yourself type of run as it makes you realise why you started running in the first pace! You’re welcome, good luck on your next run :)

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