Well my pretties, it was probably my most comfortable run so far. I woke up at 4am this morning and as I got out of bed I felt a twinge in my calf and my legs were still achy from playing football on Sunday so I resolved that I would just go for a walk this morning. Two hours and two cups of coffee later and I did some stretching and my legs felt less achy and no twinge in my calf. I thought if I’m going for a walk then I may as well go for a slow run. So that’s what I did. It was 6.30am when I got going.
Laura’s soothing voice reminded me that this was the last interval running I’ll be doing. After today it’s all longer runs. After the brisk uphill walk that I do for my warm up, I set off down hill for the first couple of minutes until the low inclines start and the first 5 minutes were my most comfortable yet. Laura’s voice came on saying there were 5 more to go and I was quietly feeling ok, my breathing the easiest it’s been so far. Hopefully that’s as much to do with getting fit than getting my medication right. I’m also not coughing as much during the runs now. My rock mix chosen for me this morning featured more gentle bands like Pale Saints, The Field Mice and Swans - none of whom I know or particularly like but it was gentle yet rocky enough to spur me on.
By the time I reached the 10 minute mark a 3 minute walk was welcome. I noticed I’m recovering quicker than I used to and I only needed half that time before I was ready to start running again. The first 5 minutes of the second part of the run were again comfortable as I made sure I was running downhill. However, the second 5 minutes started feeling uncomfortable as it was again on an incline and I was worried if I stayed on that path my legs or my lungs would struggle to complete it. So a minute into the second part of the run I took a side road on a downward incline and completed the run.
I feel very pleased that I’ve been able to get this far. My fitness is slowly improving and so is my mental strength. When I feel like I want to give up either Laura’s voice or thoughts of not wanting to post another failure on here kick in and then I remember all of the encouragement I receive from you lovely people.
Just one slight worry. Week 6 Run 3 on my old app is only 22 minutes. On the NHS one it is 25 minutes. I’m wondering why the jump isn’t more gradual since next week we do a whole week of 25 minute runs. That sudden leap is what caught me out on Week 5 Run 3 (I know the notion that it’s not really a leap because it’s a shorter workout etc) and I’m just a little concerned that going from two lots of 10 minutes interval training to a non stop 25 minute run may catch me out again, though I’m much better prepared this time.
Anyway, that’s all in a couple of days. Time today to enjoy the buzz of finishing Day 2.
Week 4 Run 2
Week 6, run 2
