Couch to 5k – W3D1 (take 2)

Restarted Week 3 this morning, and it was much easier than last week.

I only had to break a running break during the last 3 min bit, and I think that’s mainly because I was running along a main road at the point and the fumes got to me.

So, next time I’ll just stick to the park until I finish the running bits.

I’ve also been concentrating on my form, which I think is helping with my endurance – and I can see my main issue is with my lung capacity (running along main roads doesn’t help, especially when buses and vans go past).

Goals for 2009/2010

The Virtual Runner mentioned in a comment on a previous post that one should set goals. Now, I’ve always set goals as far as my weightloss goes (even if I’ve not set them lately), so decided I would sketch out the goals I have in mind for the rest of this year and next.

The first goal is, as my recent posts suggest, simply being able to run properly. Despite having four 10Ks behind me, I have never been able to run for more than 2km without needing to stop to walk. Also, since the BUPA 10k in May, I hadn’t run hardly at all until 3 weeks ago.

So, right now I’m doing the Couch to 5k plan, and my first goal is, by the end of October(ish), to be able to run for 5km non-stop. At the moment I’m simply aiming for time, but once I get to week 6 or so of the C25K plan I will take my Garmin out with me to measure the distance I’m plodding.

After that, the next goal is to manage 10K without stopping. This will be a HUGE feat, and I am wary – but excited – of attempting it. If I can manage a full 10K without stopping by February 2010 I will be a happy bloke.

Once that is in place, I’ll be aiming for a sub-60 10K. That’s goal 3.

Once I manage that, what then? Will I go on to 10 Mile, half-marathons, or even full marathons? No idea. I’ve often said in the last year that once I hit a sub-60 10k I’ll retire, but we’ll have to see 1. how effective running is on my weightloss, and 2. how much I’m enjoying it.

Finally, weightloss-wise: I am over 19st right now. By May 2010 (for the BUPA 10k) I want to be 16st or under. That’s 8 months to lose 3+ stone. That must certainly be doable!!!

Couch to 5k: W3D3

Ow ow ow ow.

Ok, I’ve been re-reading my ChiRunning book, and so decided to try that form today, and I’m pleased to say that I found the first 90s and 3min running bits easy(ish) going, and did them both without stopping. Then I was so so pleased with myself that my ego took over, I picked up the pace, lost all form whatsoever, and so the last two running breaks were broken by many walking breaks.

Also my right calf is now nice and tight.

I think I will redo Week 3 next week, and concentrate on the form, and ‘graduate’ from it with non-stop running breaks. Hopefully :)

Couch to 5k – W3D2

Couch to 5k – W3D1

So! Week 3 Day 1, and that first 3-minute running spell almost killed me. It was more than I was expecting; I was a bit big-headed about it going in, thinking it won’t be that difficult, but it humbled me I’ll admit. I had to take a couple of 10-second walking breaks in the middle of both 3-minute spells this morning, but this mirrors the events of the past two weeks’ Day 1s, so hoping that Thursday and Saturday will be somewhat more successful!

Also did a longer (slightly) route today, so the distance is increasing as well.

Starting From Scratch

I’ve started running again, after too long off. I’m currently doing the Couch to 5k plan, and have been posting updates on Runners World’s forum the last two weeks. Here are the posts to get us up to speed; I will update on here regularly now as well.

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