Week 4 and I'm struggling

[KeepTrying]

So what are your plans when you have all finished the 5K ? Run for the 10K or do a marathon?

Hi Maddy. I finished the GetRunning programme at the end of September and had initially thought I would do the Bridge to 10k programme (B210K). But once I was up to 30 min runs kind of felt that I didn't want to slip back to doing 10min runs with gaps inbetween. I just have done my own thing. I've done a couple of 12.5k runs over weekends when I can find a bit more time and it is light. Otherwise - through the week, when I have got to run in the dark (...doesn't work just get in the way of things? ...) I do a 8.5km route. I feel the B210K programme is not what I wanted after all - so I am just following my instincts and letting my legs tell me what I need to do.
The main problem I find is time. All told - with warm up walk, the run itself, cool down walk, stretches, then shower - I could easily need one and a half hours or more for a 10k programme. There just ain't enough hours in the day to do that as often as I would like! But the important thing is to get out there and keep running. Just come back from a 6km run and feel sooo good. But it was a struggle to get out there. Could easily have avoided it slipped into evening lethargy! LOL
I've set myself a goal of a local Half-Marathon in June 2012. Only three months ago I would have laughed at the prospect of it. Now - thanks to this programme - I know it is well within my grasp. Keep Running. Keep posting. Mike

[Queeny]

Hi,

My hope is to at the end of this plan is to train to 10k.

But I also have a more personal goal which is to learn to snowboard

I've had a couple of lessons, and even went to Whisler in Canada for a holiday but had to give up as I wasn't flexible or strong enough to be able to board heal to toe.

Basically I couldn't stop when facing forward, away from the hill. I was ok toe to heal (facing towards the hill) but you need to be able to turn and pull yourself up when you fall down - all of which I couldn't do

I felt like I failed, even through I gave it my all. I think after this plan I might be fit, flexiable and positive enough to take it on again.

Abby x

[Maddy]

Hi Abby -you sound so much like me lol.
I do Twitter/Facebook and in a mad moment and 2 glasses of wine agreed to race around the Isle of White on a boat RIR race with someone I've got to know Twitter over the past 2 years.
I don't know one end of the boat to the other but life is short so I agreed. I joined a gym, like you I'm not fit so now doing weight training and running on a programme to improve my stamina.
The running bit has come as a bonus, If I get to 5k I'll be thrilled if I can get to 10K it'll be better still.
Life is short, get stronger & boarding will be a doddle.
Have fun

[KeepTrying]

...I also have a more personal goal which is to learn to snowboard ...

Good luck with it! Only tried once. I'm a competent skier - but had a 2h snowboard lesson and couldn't even get up on the board without help! LOL. eventually I struggled down a nursery slope with troops of 5 year olds zooming past me on their snowboards. Ended up trying to limbo under the plastic barrier at the end - to the hilarity of my wife and kids. Finally fell over and cracked two ribs! LOL. Serves me right for trying to learn Boarding at 45y. I think I'll stick to skis and running shoes from now on. Shame - it looks so cooool
Mike

[Catherine_M]

Hi Maddy,

Well done on getting to week 4, I'm struggling on week 3 at the moment, the 1.5min runs to 3mins runs seems to be a big jump for me, my legs want to keep going but my lungs do not! Sounds stupid dosen't it not being able to run 3mins but it never seems to end when I'm doing it

Catherine x

[KeepTrying]

.....Sounds stupid dosen't it not being able to run 3mins....
Catherine x

Hey - it does not sound at all stupid! I think that is how most of us feel here at the early stages. Three mins is forever - especially if you are running into a headwind! Well done for keeping going for the whole session today. It's the keeping going and doing it again next time that counts! You'll get there.

[Maddy]

Hi Catherine
Think you may be maybe running a bit to fast if your legs are ok but your lungs are not.
I had trouble with my heart rate and on the GPs advice bought a heart monitor for about £40 on the internet.
Best investment out. I work to my heart rate ie low 135 -high 149 before it beeps.
(I'm 54 ) I run up to 160bpm but after that slow down until it steadies to a lower level again.
That way I'm not gasping for breadth.
I joined a gym in April, I was so unfit I thought I was going to die after the first workout to the point the GP made me have an ECG lol
You'll get there - keep running !

[Maddy]

Been laid low with a rotten cold since Wednesday, stopped going to the Gym and running until I can shift it.
Think I'll go back to week 3 and build up again before going onto week 4. Little setback but hey ho *sniffs*

[Emmaa05]

Well, I just managed wk5 r3, the 20 min non-stop, & am a very happy bunny! Went really slowly at the inclines, but refused to walk, & made it! Am so happy, & love the fact that by following this app, I'm actually becoming a runner!!
I'm sure once your cold has gone, it won't take you long to get back into your stride!

[Maddy]

Wow Emma well done !!!
It sure makes you feel good when you keep going
Pleased to say the cold is on it's way out and feel better today so going back to the gym tomorrow.
Been as I've been a couch potato for a week I'm going back a week to week 3, build up again and try week 4 again next week.
I'll keep you posted!
Well done on week 5 !