You dont have to go fast. You just have to go.

[Slater]

(Another mantra I stole, but one that is pretty apt to me, and maybe a few others on here)

W6R3

I'd had 3 days rest (which actually seemed much longer), due to life getting in the way, and mentally I was thinking this might help and I'd be in better shape for run 3. However it was hard!

I'd set my alarm for 6am, and didnt actually get out of bed til gone 6.30 and I was still talking myself into going at that point. But I made it out the house and set off on my 5 minute warm up walk. The start of the jog was fine but at the 12 minute mark I hit a wall and desperately wanted to stop. I dont know how or why but i made myself continue.

I also need a new route as they one i've been taking is just along a road and back, however there's quite a large hill. Previously I've tried to time my runs so that I walk (at least partially) up the hill, but with no interval today, I turned round as I got to the top of the hill. The return leg is slightly downhill, and I think I must have gone a bit faster, as I still had about 7 minutes to run and I was nearly home. So I took a detour round a housing estate, which got me through the rest of the time (though the last minute was up a slight incline and that nearly finished me off!) As I finished I felt incedibly out of breath - maybe the worst I'd felt after a run on the whole programme. But I'm pleased I still did it.

I had a slight twinge in my left calf when I got up, and it was there throughout the run. It's the first pain Ive had since I started. But, my work schedule leaves me with a dilemma this week - do I run again tomorrow (so without a rest day), or possibly only get 2 runs in this week. I know there's no hurry, but I feel like I've been a bit left behind by people who are managing three regular runs a week. I guess it doesnt really matter how long it takes me to do the programme, as long as I go!

[gdeann Graduate]

Slater, I find I almost do better when i have an extra rest day, especially if my previous run was rough. Look at you! Week 7!!!

[Slater Graduate in reply to gdeann]

Aw thanks! I know I can't believe it - week 7! Congratulations on your graduation - I'm only a couple of weeks behind!

[smhall Graduate]

You are doing great, Slater!! Some runs just seem to have a way of being much more difficult than others!!

Myself, I would opt for the two runs a week as opposed to running on back-to-back days!! I know that my body needed the days rest and really needed the two days rest when it came along!! There is no need to hurry through things, it is more important to finish than finish quickly!! Keep Running!!

[Slater Graduate in reply to smhall]

Thanks! I took your advice and had an extra hour in bed :-D. Also the twinge in my calf *seems* to have gone. I guess I shouldnt be scared of taking extra rest days.