Some of the greatest things in life are free...

[runcanada]

and one of them is this program. I have to say that I am so happy I found this program, thanks to a fellow graduate.

Except of course for the price of runners/trainers, everything else is free... Along the way I have said how much of a mental challenge this is... well today I never felt so challenged both mentally and physically. I am not sure why I found todays run so hard... W8R2... but it nearly defeated me. I think because I have been successful up to this point with each run, that it was the only thing that kept me from stopping very early into the run. Interesting though, my heart rate was lower than usual, so I don't think it was harder on me, but I need to re-look at my fuel, time of day, etc.

One thing though, that I have struggled with throughout the last 8 weeks, is whether I truly will enjoy long runs?? I am assuming the obesity has something to do with it, but there is also a part of me that enjoyed the intervals...

So I have decided that a new challenge of mine to is to do both... sooner than later given I only have about 10 days left.... to graduation

Does anyone else miss the intervals when they graduate? Do you complete both long runs and interval trianing?

Thanks for listening..

[Angel108 Graduate]

I also really struggled today with w8r2 and it was sheer stubbornness that kept me going to the end. I hardly slept last night and had an Indian take away so I blame both of these for the hard run. Looking forward to Sunday to see if it's better. Plan to do my final run next Saturday! I am planning then to run 3 times a week, 2 of which will be long runs and the other one doing intervals. Keep us posted!

[runcanada Graduate in reply to Angel108]

I hear you... stubborn might be a great way to explain how I felt today... or sheer determination to finish no matter what!! I was coaching myself the whole way, struggled the entire time. I did get a lot of sleep, my day off But I ate less and did a mid day run... it was extremely hot too though.. anyway we conquered it so that is the main thing.

My last run will be next Sat or Sunday too... congrats too...

[happierswimming Graduate]

The idea of the programm is to exercise vigorously for the 30 minutes recommended for health so by the time you reach week 9 that's what you will be doing. The interval brisk walks were a way of improving your stamina so that your body could continue for the longer runs. Just go slowly until you are running for the required time, no matter what your distance. When you graduate you might want to return to the podcast programme and improve your speed by jogging during the walking parts and running faster during the running intervals. That's what I plan to do after I graduate next week.

[GoogleMe Graduate]

Lots of us are doing a mix of interval training and distance runs. Quite aside from the different physical effects, it keeps the interest levels up.