I have gone from being very vocal about how the idea of running would never (ever!) be for me, to running 4km+ ever other day and LOVING it. What a turn around!
I am currently running with the week 8 podcast, which means I run for 28 minutes without stopping. The final week is within reach (week 9) and I have a few niggling thoughts.
The plan promises 0-5km in 9 weeks. It is aimed a non-runners, who are perhaps completely unfit. I was a non-runner before I started, but I wasn't too unfit. I looks doubtful I will manage 5km within the 30 minute run I do next week, during the week 9 podcast. My current distance is 4.2km within 28 minutes which is an average of about 6.4km/hour. Adding another two minutes to my running time will not allow me to get to 5km.
I had wondered if my pace is way off, but looking at other runners who are new to running and who run 5km or less, my pace is pretty similar.
Like I said, a niggle. I have no doubt now that I AM capable of running 5km, though I guess it will take me about 35-40 minutes.
Also, what do I do when I have finished the plan? There are a number of options:
- Improve my speed over 5km
- Improve my distance up to ? km
- Both of the above (hmm sounds good, but *how*?)
There are a number of podcasts aimed at c25k graduates, but I think I want to run without coaching for a while, with my own playlist and my own agenda BUT I am a little worried that I won't push myself enough doing this though. Still looking forward to pounding the tarmac to my own music, rather than the drivel which accompanies the c25k!
My local running club runs courses for beginners (they define a 'beginner' as someone who has yet to run 5 miles), and this appeals to me. This won't be until April though, which is when the courses run.
I don't have any real desire to enter any running races at the moment (having decided against the Bonfire Night 5k in York - too expensive!), though I am almost certain my long term goal is to enter the Leeds Triathlon a Roundhay Park in Sept 2013, and do the sprint distance. There, I said it out loud :-) Goal for Summer 2013 - TRIATHLON!
So this morning's run saw me up and out of the house by 8am. It was cold and extremely foggy; too foggy for my dark glasses, which are part of my disguise ;-) It was nice being out in the fresh air, with no one else up and about yet. I ran through and our village where the streetlights and pavements end. The fog gathered on my eye lashes and dribbled down my cheeks. It also collected on the spiders' webs which were picking up the early morning sunlight as it battled to shine through the fog. (It never won that battle!) Wished I had my camera....
I use Endomundo to track my run via GPS on my phone, (which also plays my podcasts). I gives me an update every kilometre, of my total time so far, and my lap time for that kilometre. I worked out that to do 5km in 30 minutes, I need to be running a 6 minute kilometre. I am getting closer, sometimes I am close to 6 minutes 20 seconds now, other times I am closer to 7 minutes. I don't feel as though I can physically make my legs go any faster at the moment. My breathing is fine, so I assume my fitness/cardiovascular levels are coping. My legs just can't physically do more though. I was starting to feel a cramping pain up the inside of one calf today, about 15 minutes into my run. So, I have decided to have a few days rest. I am running every other day at the moment, but I shall put a few days now between today's run and the next time I go out. I think my legs are telling me to ease off a little now. Especially as the distances are growing and there is no respite of any walking anymore!
But it was a lovely run and a nice, peaceful way to spend a Sunday morning, before the world woke up!
I shall be doing the sponsored swim next weekend (Lengths4Leeds) which has been arranged by my employer. I am very proud that my 8 year old daughter is swimming with me. Hoping to swim between 64 and 80 lengths, while raising some money for charity.
After this event, I am going to take a step back from the pool and aim to swim once per fortnight instead. I think it is time to use the time to get back on my bike and get some miles out of my road tyres before the winter truly sets in!
Have I mentioned that my brother and his fiance run too? They are doing the Run to the Beat half marathon in London which seems to be half run, half music event, next weekend and looks pretty cool. I might have said to him that I will run a half marathon with him one day! Arrgh, me and my big mouth! But, hell why not? I have achieved loads in 5 weeks. :-)
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