week 4 run 2-4

[jiggles7]

This week has been a toughie! Honestly I really struggled with the step up to week 4. I ended up having two ‘practice runs’ where I did complete the runs but had to pause the program because I just absolutely had to walk for a bit. The second of which I bizarrely thought changing route would be clever…conveniently forgetting there was a steady but not sharp incline on that path. Well it was an unmitigated disaster for both moral and energy levels. But the nugget and I got through it and I spent some time reminding myself that although I hadn’t completed the intervals all in one go I had still managed 16mins of running which is still an accomplishment. So decided to switch routes again for the latter two runs which I deemed successful in that we managed all the intervals! Honestly the relief is palpable. I genuinely was worried that I had hit my fitness plateau. Nugget is overjoyed as she is getting much more off-lead time too, her little turkey drumsticks bound triumphantly as she thunders on ahead….stops to check her pee-mail and respond accordingly before sprinting like a juggernaut to catch up. Fortunately we have not had a collision yet and she is considerate enough to do her main business during my warm up walk. Small blessings indeed.

I can’t tell you how much I did not want to run today, so much so that we ended up finishing the run as it got dark. Fortunately we were very nearly home Nugget was supporting her hivis harness and flashing blue collar. Thinking I should support one of my own for days when procrastination is rife…a flashing collar that is, not a vest.

Well I’m planning to do my final week four run on Friday so I’ll let you know how that goes…

[drl212 Graduate]

Very well done! Will look forward to your Friday report...

[jiggles7 Graduate in reply to drl212]

Thanks for the support drl212 .😀x

[Kirst13 Graduate]

I repeated lots of weeks, because I either couldn't manage or struggled with them, and, like you, thought running at all was a win, even if I only ever stayed at week 1 (which for a while I thought might be the case 🤣). My dog got a lot fitter too! My tips when hills are too much is to turn around and run down- it often takes just a few paces to feel ready to face the uphill again.

[jiggles7 Graduate in reply to Kirst13]

That is actually a really interesting tip. Not convinced I’ll be attempting the inclines again just yet, it knocked my confidence a little more than I’d like to admit. But maybe next week I’ll try breaking it up with back tracking down the hill again. Thank you x

[Kirst13 Graduate in reply to jiggles7]

I can't avoid hills or inclines if I run from home, so really had to use turn and run down technique a lot at the start. Those same hills don't seem half as bad a few years on, but for steep hills or off days, I'll still do it. Good luck with the runs 😃

[Gentlydoesnt Graduate]

keep up the good work I’m at the same stage as you just been out and done week 4 run two it was freezing but a hat on and three layers and gloves and you guessed it I was to hot and sweating on my forehead and back will have to rethink this clothing !! Good luck

[jiggles7 Graduate in reply to Gentlydoesnt]

I think I read a someone say on here “be bold, start cold”. That said I wear a vest top, tshirt and a hoodie on runs in winter. I never wear a hat or gloves but I do tend to run hot. Good luck ck with run 3! You’ve got this x