W8R1 - A pleasant surprise

[TeeJay66]

Week 8 had been playing on my mind a little. I had read a number of posts saying how difficult people were finding it and I had a real struggle with W7R3. So I got up a little earlier than usual this morning, in an attempt to avoid the heat, and set off on the brisk walk. By the time the 5 mins were up, I could already start to feel that familiar lactic acid build up in my calf muscles which did not bode well; so I made a decision to take it a little slower this week. I knew after the first 5 minutes it was paying off, when Laura said you should be getting into your stride now, for the first time, I felt I was; my breathing was steady and I actually felt really good. At 10 minutes the lactic acid pain was building again, but I knew that would soon pass so I just kept going. I reached the half way point at around the same location as last week, which confirmed that I had reduced my pace by around 9%, but I felt so much better than I had on Friday at that point. When I reached the end, I felt I could have easily kept on going and I nearly did. I actually finished a good 200 yards further down the road than on Friday, not much, but every little helps and, according to my watch, my average pace was only 5% slower then Friday in the end, it is amazing what a difference that makes.

I think I will keep going at this new pace with a view to speeding up once I graduate. It was really nice to end a run and not be panting for breath, I clicked the big 😁on the app - Roll on Wednesday.

[Jools2020 Graduate]

Well done! 👏👏👏 I did that run this morning, too and enjoyed it. Now we have to do it again 😀. Good luck!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Huge well done... slow and steady is the way and knowing that each run makes us stronger ( and sometimes a tad speedier

I smile now when I think how much further my runs take me than when I began five years ago

healthunlocked.com/strength.......

Pop over and have a look at the calf exercises on the strength and flex forum, and maybe invest in a massage stick, they are so beneficial, when used correctly. for moving the lactic buildup.

[Fatfriend81 Graduate]

Well done! I have the same problem with calf muscles, first 5 minutes are the worst. I really make the most of the feeling after that when they don't hurt for a while and my breathing is good, feels like you could run forever 😂

[RunGirl1989 Graduate]

Great job!

It is so much better to start really slow and then you can always speed up once you feel comfortable.

Glad you liked your run x

[61Lady Graduate]

Brilliant 👏 I’m at the same stage too and it went better than I expected this morning. We’ve shown we can do this - we just have to it more times now. Hope the rest of W8 goes well for you

[TeeJay66 Graduate]

Thank you all for the kind comments and encouragement. I think the forum goes along way towards the success of this program in the UK, it is a very motivating force.