Start week 6

[Fatboynotyetslim]

I completed the last run of week 5 on Wednesday, 20 minutes, I never imagined I could do it. The last time I ran none stop for 20 minutes was in 2006 when I was 17st, considerably lighter than I am now. But I did it. Do you know what, it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Don't get me wrong, I was chugging like a steam train that's running out of coal, but that doesn't matter, I still did it. Those that think that it's too much of a jump, it isn't. I took the bull by the horns and just did it.

I've been suffering with shin splints since about week 2 (which I started November time) and they are slowly starting to get better. On Wednesday I ran with compression socks on, as some bright spark who seems to have more knowledge on running than I do recommended them. I'm not sure if it was a placebo but they helped. I had to stop momentarily to adjust them a couple of times though.

Anyway on to tonight's run. Week 6, I can't really believe I've stuck at this for this long. I'm built for comfort not for speed so staying engaged in a plan that makes me worn out is difficult. It really is a struggle for big guys and girls to do it and like I've said before if you've gotten this far, well done. You deserve it.

So tonight I miss planned it slightly, driving home from work it was a nice 9 degrees, knowing that it's would be a little cooler I donned my tracks bottoms and opted for my t-shirt and light weight top. When I say misjudged it, I really did. It was that cold I think my nipples were on the verge of cutting through my shirt. I didn't warm up until the last 10 minutes. It was a hard run, I hit that wall within the first 3 minutes and didn't pass it until I finished. My legs were heavy and I was out of breath, I took my time but I think the cold really affected me.

For now im going to take the weekend to recover and back for run 2 of week 6 on Monday.

[Sandraj39 Graduate]

If you’re at week 6, you can absolutely do this now - but this is definitely where the mind games kick in, so stay positive and trust in the programme and yourself! If it’s feeling really tough, then slow down your running - it can make a really big difference. Good luck!🙂👍

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate]

I had the same experience this morning-it was really cold! You’re not definitely not alone in finding what to wear tricky at this time of the year.

Have you heard about the toxic ten yet? That’s where the first ten (or more!!) minutes of your run feel toughest as you warm up. I found it life changing! Knowing it will get better makes getting through those first hard minutes so much better mentally.

When it’s cold, that can make settling in to your slower. Being heavy legged can be a sign of dehydration too. But, frequently week 6 run 1 is just a generally tough run and people don’t enjoy it much! After the high of week 5 run 3, it’s often a let down. The main thing is you did it, and you’ve shown you’ve got some real grit to get to the end. That’s a great confidence boost and something you can draw upon the next time you’re having a tough run.

Just a quick question about your shin splints…have you had any medical advice? Usually people are encouraged to stop running while they’re healing and then build up slowly. It might be that’s what you’ve done!

Really well done on your progress and enjoy your well earned rest days!

[Fatboynotyetslim in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Thanks, it's good to know about the toxic 10, I'd never heard that. Dehydration probably has something to do with the heavy legs, I don't take a drink on my runs as its something else to distract me, but I also try not to drink for at least an hour before a run to stop the extra jiggling around my bulging fuel tank.I briefly spoke to the GP about my shins at the beginning and was told to take it easy, apply ice, rest a check my footware and technique. Its probably down to weight on my little tree trunks and the way I plod but on the plus side they are getting better but slowly.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

The cold is a real run stopper...but you did it. I had to bale and shorten one of my planned runs last week as the sold was so intense! Well done you!

Layers are the answer... you can always take off, if you get warm, but you have to start with it. MissUnderstanding has given you some great advice...that toxic ten, ( or longer) can be a real struggle... sometimes it isn't there at all!

Take MissU's advice and maybe get checked out for those splints... and do listen very hard to your body.

These runs, as they, get longer are just made to relax into, and you need to feel on form for that. Time too, to up the core strength and stamina work too, on some of your rest days... Supporting your running body is so important Plenty of ideas on the Strength and Flex Forum...

Slow and steady as you go and you are doing really well!

[Annieapple Administrator Graduate]

🍏👏Week 6 … that’s real progress so very well done!! You don’t have to carry water with you on the run. What Miss U meant by staying hydrated is that you drink lots of water on your non run days and after your runs. Glad your GP has given you good advice about trainers! Having a gait analysis at a sports shop and being fitted with the right trainers to support your running is key!! You can be very proud of yourself for getting out and doing this. Keep in touch with your GP about those shin splints… you may need some extra rest days! Do let us know how you get on!

[Fionamags Graduate]

You are a proper runner now! Grit and determination are absolutely essential on some runs and it looks like you’ve got that in spades. Well done and keep on!!