W2R3...still enjoying! Advice needed on timings and treadmills please.

[Maggymay]

After work tonight I'll be completing W2. I always wondered what runners meant by the 'highs' they felt, but when I finish the cool down, I honestly feel elated that I've completed another training session. I really want to keep going. I run after work...but think during the day would be really nice. When do others run? And, with dark nights around the corner, has anyone invested in a treadmill for home use? I've seen a few on eBay but not sure if they're worth saving for? Thanks

[Hezzabelle Graduate]

I'm in the same position as you. Week a run 3 tonight if I can manage it.

I too run after work. I imagine mornings would be lovely but I am not a morning person at all and would find it difficult.

I've ran late afternoon on days off work which is nice too. Especially when the weather is good. Where I run there's a lot of tree cover so it's good shelter from the sun.

I've yet to go out in really bad weather and rain. But I know plenty of people have said running in the rain is quite nice.

I am dreading the dark nights too. If I keep to the plan I'll graduate in November. I can't afford a treadmill and have nowhere to keep one at home so will just plod on in the dark and cold when it comes to it.

I'm only concerned about the safety aspect of it. I'm a 4' 10'' woman running alone with headphones in! I've nicked a hi vis jacket off my other half ready for the dark and for my own piece of mind bought an attack alarm that hopefully I'll never use!

However by the time the nights roll in I should hopefully be progressing well so don't want to give it all up!

There is always the option of joining a gym to use their treadmills I suppose. Always a possibility if the fees are worth it?

Good luck with your progress tho Maggymay.

[SBG356 Graduate]

Hope the run goes well tonight Maggymay then W3 here we come! Good luck!

I too run after work during the week plus one run on a weekend morning which is really nice.

If my hubby is home from work during the week he joins me but often in the evening he is still at work (silly hours as a chef!) so I too am not looking forward to the dark nights - plus he doesnt really want me doing this either.

I have been looking at a treadmill too to replace my cross trainer which I hardly use now. A folding one would be best along with it being stable and quiet. Not looked on ebay yet but looked at other sites and seen some for around £450-£500 which seems a lot but if it means I can continue running in the winter then I might just invest.

I think I will look again once I have completed this C25K and know that I am serious about keeping this up. Maybe it can be an early xmas pressie to myself......

If anyone has one at home they can reccomend that would be great.

[Jean-Jeannie Graduate]

Hi Maggymay - I don't log on every day but have looked for your comments to find out how you are doing. Week 3 already! 1/3rd of the way through and still enjoying it ! Fantastic.

The dark is a bit of a challenge, I agree - and personally I find treadmill work just so boring. I run early morning (5.15 and it is dark now) as I have to be ready to set off for work by 7.00am. Tried running in the evening but after a full day at work I find it suits me best to do it first thing and somehow it sort of lifts me up for the day. My hubby equipped me with a hi-viz jacket, a headlamp and I have a flourescent pair of fingerless gloves from when it gets a bit colder. He has been looking for a flashing sash but some of the flashing items in my opinion are more likely to cause an accident so the jury's out on that one for now. So what with headlamp, earphones and glasses, I guess I look a bit odd, but iwhat the heck, it's worth it and I plan to continue through the winter except for when it is icy or snowy. Well there has to be limits, but having come this far I don't want to let go - and I am sure you will feel the same. Dunno about treadmills though. They are certainly beyond my budget and I just know I wouldn't use one after the initial novelty wore off, so if anybody comes up with good safe alternatives, would love to hear about it.

Keep up the good work Maggymay. Won't be long now before your half way through and more.

[Maggymay]

Thanks do much Jean Jeannie...congratulations in all your achievements, too! This has been really helpful. I think it's a case of getting the right clothes, getting out early and braving the elements. Hoping to begin w3 tomorrow at 7am. Didn't get out tonight as work finished late and family life took over, but will be out tomorrow....determined to get healthy and I love the 'high' feeling from doing something good for myself! Good luck this week!

[Jean-Jeannie Graduate in reply to Maggymay]

Thanks Maggymay. You are doing so well. A colleague has just completed Week 1 so I am routing for her too. Fingers crossed for me this weekend please as I am doing the Newcastle Great North 5K Run Saturday morning. Really looking forward to it but slightly scared. New place (never been to Newcastle) new circuit (by the river so not hilly thank goodness) - not expecting speed, just completion. Will post afterwards. Early start as the run takes place just after 9.00am and have to get there from the York area together with four friends. Just hope I get some sleep come Friday night. I'm like the children in the Disney ad "Can't sleep - I'm too excited".

[Maggymay]

Thanks do much Jean Jeannie...congratulations in all your achievements, too! This has been really helpful. I think it's a case of getting the right clothes, getting out early and braving the elements. Hoping to begin w3 tomorrow at 7am. Didn't get out tonight as work finished late and family life took over, but will be out tomorrow....determined to get healthy and I love the 'high' feeling from doing something good for myself! Good luck this week!