W8R3 done, and I'm finally accepting I'm a person who takes pleasure (with lots of groaning!) from running. I never imagined I'd be doing this, or be this person. Ace!
But...
I've been gravitating to trails. I live surrounded by hills. Today's W8R3 trail run went great - except when climbing 50 steps cut into a hillside nearly ruined me (after a couple of steep uphills on muddy tracks/open grassland. I kept moving. I never stopped. But that was very close to me walking! To try and account for that slow (but tough!) section, I ran two minutes extra on the end.
So, either...
- I ran for 30 minutes, including a gruelling 50 step climb.
Or...
- My 28 minute was broken by a two minute section that wasn't really running, so doesn't count at all!
My question! OK to still count today's run? How are people approaching if they keep moving, but gt pretty damn slow for a stretch? It felt like a proper effort... but I have a nagging doubt!
Also - I realise I may have gone for trails too soon. Very hilly here, so no option of flat, calm trails. But I think I'll return to roads for W9. See if all my trails uphills have improved my ability to just run on a pavement! Then, after W9, trails consolidation with less worry about exact timings (one to check with the Consolidation Club another time).
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spadgy
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Thanks so much! I know nobody can absolutely say 'yes - the rules say this is OK'.
Silly me, really - went for trails a bit early in my running life. Just not much flat here - I live halfway up a huge hill, so it's either uphill leaving or coming back! Uphills are tough, eh? But as with a bike, I take a kind of weird pleasure in the test of a steep uphill... and uphills reward you with... downhills!
I confess that the last two or three steps at the top was me sort of collapsing over the brow of the hill, but those seconds aside, I think I manged that! Thanks sincerely!
And I had to stop for a full five or so seconds on the same run when I was bundled by boisterous, playful dogs! And I'm not restarting for them!
I thought I'd pass on this really useful post on hill running technique which OldFloss shared with me. If nothing else it gives me something to think about:
Very helpful - thank you. I've decided to revert to roads for W9. Still a bit hilly (and not quite my happy place like trails is), but I want to avoid major obstacles until C25K is done; stick to consistent running.
But I love running out in the countryside and a little more rugged/playful terrain. Back to that ASAP, when that article will become very helpful! And I'm sure it will help my W9 a bit. I still live on this whopping great hill!
Yeah - I was pondering that. I had to struggling with a wonky 'kissing gate' on the same run, and got bundled by playfully boisterous dogs (big lads!) on the same run. Never assumed they counted as a 'stop'.
It was the size of the steps obstacle - or rather, the time it ate into. But based on the encouragement here, and that I'd already done two big climbs on the run, I think I'll let myself off! Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
I think that's why I'll revert to roads for W9. Just consistent running without too much in the way of obstacles. Then back to the trails when I don't need to worry so much about matching the C25K schedule precisely. Because I much prefer running on slightly rugged trails, and being amongst nature - feels less like exercise and a bit more playful. I might have spent my youth causing Beano-style mischief over the fields! That'll be it!
Essentially, I really want to stick to trails. I love it! more playful and beautiful and exploratory. I'm also gravitating to single track, rugged bits where you have to climb up some rocks or pick your way down a slope, jump over a stream, work out how to get round impenetrable woodland... getting a bit lost too! Much better than road running
I'm not claiming to be athletic, powerful or even fit. Imagine a light, playful version of the above!
But that style does feel a bit stop/start-ish for C25K. I want to be able to maybe slowdown to explore a new area, or tackle a rocky climb where I might even need hands down for a bit.
And then the hills! My road runs here have about 50 metres total elevation. 111 metres today on the trails!
I also just read I've introduced trails a bit fast. I went from three road runs a week to three mostly trails runs a week.
So I'm gonna finish W9 on the roads - and then work out a consolidation apprach that lets me embrace the type of trails I love!
One of my 5k routes crosses the railway line twice which involves stopping momentarily and opening 4 gates. Others will be running in town and have to stop for traffic and the like.
I guess that's partly why the running apps like Strava give you "moving time" as well as elapse time.
Hi. The way I see it is that as the climb was more difficult than just continuing on the flat, it has got to count! Did the same thing myself on a coastal path -added some extra time at the end. Well done for trying it, I’d say!
You hit the nail on the head with the word 'coastal'! I'm lucky enough to be near some of the rolling coastal hills of the South East... but goodness, things can get steep near the sea, eh!?
Thanks! And, yeah - off-road is exploratory and playful and mindful to me. To each their own, but I far prefer it to road running! And one moment I'm running through a little glade, and then a sea view over the hills. Wonderful!
It likely won't surprise you that I prefer a mountain bike to a road bike!
My plan is to mix things up a little now there are no more intervals. Explore a bit. But not tomorrow. Tomorrow is an extra rest day. Overnight is to be warm and muggy. Even if I were to run at 4am it would be too warm and humid, and I'm not likely to have slept well.
I prefer a cooler climate, even when not running, So I got up at 5AM for today's run, and while 19 degrees was OK, the humidity felt silly! Fortunately I can do 5AM. Toddler twins here. Past 6AM is a lie-in!
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W8R3 done but not feeling the usual joy...
W8r3 done and dusted.., 
W8R3 & week 8 DONE!
Am I foolish to consider cheating?!!!
Gait analysis done - glad I did!
