Last week I didn't manage to run as I was away in Norway visiting friends. (I LOVE being retired!!!!) So I set off today to do the first run of week 7 - another 25 minuter. I gave myself permission at the beginning to see how it went since I had missed a week, but it all clicked into place. On the return leg I checked my watch and was astonished to see that I only had 5 minutes left! It was a corker of a run - just going with the flow and letting the world slip past.
As a bonus, when I checked the stats later I discovered that I had done negative splits - something I never seemed to manage when I was running over on the Bridge. So that is another target (along with completing the programme, of course) - to try to maintain this approach as it's working really well for me. For those who haven't heard about negative splits - it just means you start really slow, the second 'lap'/segment of the run is slightly faster and then the final bit is the fastest. I imagine that you could have as many splits as you want - I'm not sure though. Perhaps one of the more techy runners will let us know?
Written by
Fionamags
Graduate
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🍏 you are right! For the more technical doing complicated training strategies it’s different but for most of us it’s as you say!
However listening to your body is as important as splits.. some runs like yours are corkers and it works well…but somedays in order to get the run done we have to slow down or walk. We are our own best trainers and every run is different! Well done!!!
It’s so satisfying when the stats look like that! Congratulations! 👏
It’s trickier if you run somewhere hilly and I have to remind myself not to be grumpy if I hit a long or steep one at mile three! Always an extra cause for celebration when it happens.
My understanding is that loads of us use “negative splits” to mean each km/mile faster than the previous but it’s really just the second half of your run being faster than the first. It’s a nice aim because it allows you to warm up into your run with no pressure. Often you naturally warm up and settle into a slightly quicker pace without really thinking about it. But the main thing is to run in a way you enjoy, and especially for couch to 5k, to run at a comfortable pace as much as possible and if that brings a negative split, that’s a happy bonus.
It sounds like your rerun is going really well! Maybe time to start thinking about a regraduation treat?
Hmmmm I'm a sucker for treats!!!! I'll have to think on that one. I have all the gear I need since I had quite a few treats along the way last time round. But maybe since I've been on a diet for a while I could celebrate with a bit of chocolate or an ice cream???? Actually - I'll go for a magnum - that way I get both!!!!
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Fish, chips and mushy peas!
Hello all - 71 years old and hoping to run!
FAQ Post C25K COMPLETED…….WHAT NEXT?
