I took care of business Tuesday night and completed W5D2. It went quite a bit better than I was expecting. Day 2 consisted of an 8 minute run, a 5 minute walk, and another 8 minute run. I kept my pace relatively slow for the runs as my focus was on completing them and building up my endurance for the 20 minute run on Thursday evening.
The first 8 minutes were pretty uneventful. My breathing was better than it had been on Day 1 as I was able to go about 8 steps between each breath out. Toward the end of the first run, I found myself wondering how I hadn't reached the stopping point yet, not because of discomfort in my legs, but I felt like I was covering more distance than I thought I would considering my pace. I ended up going roughly .7 miles in each of the 8 minute runs. Although that's nothing amazing, I think it's in line with a 10 minute mile which is a pace I've read a lot of people mentioning as a good one when preparing for a 5k.
One of my sub-goals for the 5k is to finish the event in 30 minutes or less. Obviously that would require each of my miles, on average, to be less than 10 minutes. Improving my endurance during the C25k program and the training between the completion of it and the actual event should allow me to accomplish that goal. Of course, my main goal is to simply complete the event. Let's get back to business.
The second 8 minute walk went just as well as the first, although my breathing pattern suffered a slight bit around the last 2 or 3 minutes of the run; a breath out every 5 or 6 steps. That was still better than Day 1, though. With roughly 90 seconds remaining, I fought the only mental battle of the night. My legs voiced their displeasure at the new length of time but I knew there wasn't much time left. Sure enough, the woman's voice came on, informing me that there was only a minute left and I kept pushing.
Sixty seconds later and she told me to begin the cooldown walk. Oddly enough, at the announcement of the completion of the run, my immediate thought wasn't gratitude that I'd done it. Instead, I found myself wondering if I had kept up with the pace from Day 1 that would have me finishing the same amount of distance. Although Thursday's workout remains a bit daunting to me, it's something that I feel I'll be able to do and I'm anxious to prove myself right.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Monday, June 27, 2011
W5D1...Return of the Mosquitoes
Last night I completed W5D1 which begins the first of two schizophrenic weeks. By that, I mean each day of Weeks 5 and 6 is completely different from the day that preceded it unlike the first 4 weeks where you do the same "reps" each workout. For D1, I did the following:
Jog 5 minutes
Walk 3 minutes
Jog 5 minutes
Walk 3 minutes
Jog 5 minutes
As always, I started with a warmup walk and ended with a cool down walk. That's a habit I intend to keep once I finish the C25k program because it's a great way to get your muscles ready for a workout and then calm them down to help prevent injury.
With last night's workout, I went at a relatively easy pace the first two runs. I started the third off the same but about 2 minutes into it, I ramped up the pace a little bit while keeping my breathing pattern as relaxed as it had been in the other runs. I was surprised how well my body handled it since one would think the final run would take place with the least amount of energy. Along the way, I was eaten alive by the bloodsucking bastards for the first time since W1 and I set a new PR (personal record) for total distance covered in a single workout with 2.8 miles. I'm at nearly 32 miles all together.
W5D2 will be interesting but a workout I think I'll be able to tackle without much issue. D3 is still daunting to me, though, as it's a 20 minute jog without any stops. Some way, some how, I'm going to do it.
Jog 5 minutes
Walk 3 minutes
Jog 5 minutes
Walk 3 minutes
Jog 5 minutes
As always, I started with a warmup walk and ended with a cool down walk. That's a habit I intend to keep once I finish the C25k program because it's a great way to get your muscles ready for a workout and then calm them down to help prevent injury.
With last night's workout, I went at a relatively easy pace the first two runs. I started the third off the same but about 2 minutes into it, I ramped up the pace a little bit while keeping my breathing pattern as relaxed as it had been in the other runs. I was surprised how well my body handled it since one would think the final run would take place with the least amount of energy. Along the way, I was eaten alive by the bloodsucking bastards for the first time since W1 and I set a new PR (personal record) for total distance covered in a single workout with 2.8 miles. I'm at nearly 32 miles all together.
W5D2 will be interesting but a workout I think I'll be able to tackle without much issue. D3 is still daunting to me, though, as it's a 20 minute jog without any stops. Some way, some how, I'm going to do it.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
W4D2
Tuesday night I completed W4D2 of the program. It wasn't much different from W4D1. The 3 minute runs went well and the 5 minutes were still tough but not quite as much as they were on Sunday night. When doing the 5 minute intervals, at least without any music, they seem to drag on quite a bit. Part of that could be due to me running later than I planned on the last few nights which inevitably leads to nothing going on outside.
My body is beginning to get used to those intervals but the muscles are still developing. As I ran the second 5 minute interval, I began to feel like it had been more than 5 minutes so I did something I've done a good job of not doing lately: look at the timer on my iPhone. Lo and behold, there were 3 minutes left. I'm willing to bet that, had I taken part in an out of body experience at that exact moment, the look on my face would have screamed 'WTF?'
I soldiered on, though, and told my body to quit complaining. One thing I told myself going into this was that I wouldn't be stopping mid-run unless my body quit on me. That may mean I have to slow down a little more than I'm comfortable with, but it's going to take more than a little muscle fatigue to bring me to a halt.
At any rate, I'm making good progress with the program and I should be completing Week 4 on Thursday evening. I'm nearing the halfway point and I'm excited to see how the rest of the program shapes up.
My body is beginning to get used to those intervals but the muscles are still developing. As I ran the second 5 minute interval, I began to feel like it had been more than 5 minutes so I did something I've done a good job of not doing lately: look at the timer on my iPhone. Lo and behold, there were 3 minutes left. I'm willing to bet that, had I taken part in an out of body experience at that exact moment, the look on my face would have screamed 'WTF?'
I soldiered on, though, and told my body to quit complaining. One thing I told myself going into this was that I wouldn't be stopping mid-run unless my body quit on me. That may mean I have to slow down a little more than I'm comfortable with, but it's going to take more than a little muscle fatigue to bring me to a halt.
At any rate, I'm making good progress with the program and I should be completing Week 4 on Thursday evening. I'm nearing the halfway point and I'm excited to see how the rest of the program shapes up.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
W4D1 is in the books
I completed W4D1 on Sunday night. Going into it, I knew it was going to be tough for a few reasons. One: I had been up for a little over 17 hours at the time I set out on the run. Two: I only had one day of rest between W3D3 and W4D1 even though I typically have two days of rest between weeks. I wanted to get back on my original running schedule, though, so it had to be done. Three: the difficulty was increasing. For Week 4, between the warmup and cooldown walks, you run 3 minutes followed by 90 seconds of walking then run 5 minutes followed by 2 1/2 minutes of walking. You repeat that pattern twice.
Until this point, every run was followed by a walk that lasted the same amount of time. This week marks the beginning of running more than walking which is essential in terms of reaching the point of running an entire 5k which I fully plan to do in just over 3 months. I'm not going to lie, I was a little intimidated going into it but, as I've said before, this program does a great job of getting you ready for the next workout so I knew I'd be able to make it through come hell or high water.
The first 9 1/2 minutes were pretty uneventful. My body is used to the 3 minute runs so the first one wasn't a problem. The 90 second walk went by quick and, before I knew it, I was off to the races again. Once 3 minutes passed, I could feel my body questioning my hurry but I continued to push as I did after the first 3 minute run in Week 3. Fast forward to the last minute of the second 5 minute run and, at that point, I pretty much had to will myself to finish it.
I could feel my legs getting heavier and my body wanted to walk but, in that battle of wits, my mind was victorious and I was able to get through it. I'll be tackling W4D2 on Tuesday night, hopefully, and I anticipate it going a little bit better.
Until this point, every run was followed by a walk that lasted the same amount of time. This week marks the beginning of running more than walking which is essential in terms of reaching the point of running an entire 5k which I fully plan to do in just over 3 months. I'm not going to lie, I was a little intimidated going into it but, as I've said before, this program does a great job of getting you ready for the next workout so I knew I'd be able to make it through come hell or high water.
The first 9 1/2 minutes were pretty uneventful. My body is used to the 3 minute runs so the first one wasn't a problem. The 90 second walk went by quick and, before I knew it, I was off to the races again. Once 3 minutes passed, I could feel my body questioning my hurry but I continued to push as I did after the first 3 minute run in Week 3. Fast forward to the last minute of the second 5 minute run and, at that point, I pretty much had to will myself to finish it.
I could feel my legs getting heavier and my body wanted to walk but, in that battle of wits, my mind was victorious and I was able to get through it. I'll be tackling W4D2 on Tuesday night, hopefully, and I anticipate it going a little bit better.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Intervals for Beginners is Done
Last night I tackled W3D3 and reached 21 total miles for the first 9 days of the program. The crazy thing is that as you're going through the runs/walks, it feels like the distance you're covering is just a drop in the bucket but it adds up quite a bit when you look at it as a whole. I'm now beginning to actually consider myself a runner which isn't a distinction I ever thought I'd legitimately bestow upon myself. Sure, I've only run 3 minutes straight 6 times, but each passing day of the week feels easier and I'm having a lot of fun doing this. It's now just over 3 months until my first 5k.
As for the run last night, it went better than the first two; although only slightly better than day 2. One big improvement I've noticed is with my endurance. When I started out, a minute seemed like a long time once I was moving at my slow pace and I was breathing out every 2 or 3 steps. Now 3 minutes at a slightly quicker pace isn't too bad, until the last 30 seconds, and I breathe out once every 6 steps. My armored nemesis also decided to make an appearance last night. This time it was about 11 minutes into the workout, during my first 3 minute run, and he was in the middle of the street. I decided to ninja sneak by him and slow down to a brisk walk until I was out of his strike zone. If I see him again Sunday, I may have a run partner.
W4D1 will start Sunday, despite just one day of rest, because I want to get back to my original running schedule. The intervals are going to get more difficult but I'm looking forward to the challenge.
As for the run last night, it went better than the first two; although only slightly better than day 2. One big improvement I've noticed is with my endurance. When I started out, a minute seemed like a long time once I was moving at my slow pace and I was breathing out every 2 or 3 steps. Now 3 minutes at a slightly quicker pace isn't too bad, until the last 30 seconds, and I breathe out once every 6 steps. My armored nemesis also decided to make an appearance last night. This time it was about 11 minutes into the workout, during my first 3 minute run, and he was in the middle of the street. I decided to ninja sneak by him and slow down to a brisk walk until I was out of his strike zone. If I see him again Sunday, I may have a run partner.
W4D1 will start Sunday, despite just one day of rest, because I want to get back to my original running schedule. The intervals are going to get more difficult but I'm looking forward to the challenge.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
W3D2 Now with 50% more armadillo
I completed W3D2 last night and it was an eventful run, to say the last. About 3/4 of a mile into the workout, I saw something moving from the grass into the street. I was about 15 feet away at this point and, since it was 11PM, I couldn't quite tell what it was at first glance. As I got a little closer I saw that it was a few feet in length and it almost looked grey like an opossum. At about a distance of 5 feet I was finally close enough to see what it actually was: an armadillo.
Since I was so close at this point and the creature decided to disrupt my running path I had a decision to make. I could continue on my way and hop over him, which would almost surely end badly, I could go wide left to the other side of the road and risk him/her rolling after me, or I could simply go wide right into the grass and be on about my way. Option 3 seemed like the wisest choice and so I quickly made the shift and turned my body slightly to head that way.
The feisty armadillo must have registered my change in movement because, without warning, the little bastard did a quick 180 and darted into the grass; nearly causing me to punt him into the street. I couldn't help but chuckle at the situation as I continued on down the road. As for the actual workout, it went a little bit better than D1. I went through almost the entirety of the first 3 minute run before wondering how much longer I had left. No more than 10 seconds later and the lady's voice came on the C25k app yelling at me to walk.
The 90 second interval came and went without any issue and then it was time for the second 3 minute interval. This one went pretty well. I had to alter my stride slightly and slow down just a little bit because my breathing went from very controlled at a breath out every 4 or 5 steps to a breath out ever 2 or 3. Once I slowed it down, the run was much more comfortable. Looking forward, the 5 minute runs next week seem a bit daunting but one great thing about this program is it gets you ready for each time the ante is upped. I'm looking forward to surpassing the 20 mile mark on Friday.
Since I was so close at this point and the creature decided to disrupt my running path I had a decision to make. I could continue on my way and hop over him, which would almost surely end badly, I could go wide left to the other side of the road and risk him/her rolling after me, or I could simply go wide right into the grass and be on about my way. Option 3 seemed like the wisest choice and so I quickly made the shift and turned my body slightly to head that way.
The feisty armadillo must have registered my change in movement because, without warning, the little bastard did a quick 180 and darted into the grass; nearly causing me to punt him into the street. I couldn't help but chuckle at the situation as I continued on down the road. As for the actual workout, it went a little bit better than D1. I went through almost the entirety of the first 3 minute run before wondering how much longer I had left. No more than 10 seconds later and the lady's voice came on the C25k app yelling at me to walk.
The 90 second interval came and went without any issue and then it was time for the second 3 minute interval. This one went pretty well. I had to alter my stride slightly and slow down just a little bit because my breathing went from very controlled at a breath out every 4 or 5 steps to a breath out ever 2 or 3. Once I slowed it down, the run was much more comfortable. Looking forward, the 5 minute runs next week seem a bit daunting but one great thing about this program is it gets you ready for each time the ante is upped. I'm looking forward to surpassing the 20 mile mark on Friday.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
H is for humidity
I completed W3D1 last night. With the new week came the start of interval training. Although the overall workout was 2 minutes shorter (28 instead of 30), the intensity raised noticeably. The thing that made last night ever more tiring was the ridiculous humidity which made 81 degrees, at 11PM no less, feel like 89.
The workout started like all the others, with a 5 minute warmup walk. That led into running for 90 seconds and walking for 90 seconds. Here's where things changed, though. After the second bit of walking, I started a 3 minute long run which was followed by a 3 minute walk. That process repeated a second time before ending with a 5 minute cool down walk. At first, the workout wasn't bad since my body is used to running for 90 seconds straight but I wasn't sure what to expect for the 3 minute duration.
Ninety seconds came and went yet I continued to run and my body reacted by sending out a big 'WTF' signal. With about 30 or 40 seconds remaining in the initial 3 minute run, I could feel the workout burn in my legs and kept telling myself that it would be time to walk soon enough. That walk was a nice cool down even though I was still going at a good pace. Next up was the other 3 minute interval which I forced myself to believe wouldn't be bad. And it wasn't. It actually went better than the first, albeit slightly, and I made it home feeling great but tired.
I only went about 2 miles this time around but I was expecting to cover less distance with a shorter workout. W3D2 will be tackled on Wednesday evening, hopefully earlier, and I'm looking forward to it. On a side note, I weighed myself yesterday for the first time since deciding to start this program 3 weeks ago. At that time, I was 210lbs. Fast forward to yesterday, after completing 2 full weeks of the C25k program, I'm down to 205lbs. I knew I'd lose wait eventually by running and it's nice to see it starting so soon. Although I don't have a target weight, I'm hoping to get rid of my slight beer gut before too long.
Until next time...
The workout started like all the others, with a 5 minute warmup walk. That led into running for 90 seconds and walking for 90 seconds. Here's where things changed, though. After the second bit of walking, I started a 3 minute long run which was followed by a 3 minute walk. That process repeated a second time before ending with a 5 minute cool down walk. At first, the workout wasn't bad since my body is used to running for 90 seconds straight but I wasn't sure what to expect for the 3 minute duration.
Ninety seconds came and went yet I continued to run and my body reacted by sending out a big 'WTF' signal. With about 30 or 40 seconds remaining in the initial 3 minute run, I could feel the workout burn in my legs and kept telling myself that it would be time to walk soon enough. That walk was a nice cool down even though I was still going at a good pace. Next up was the other 3 minute interval which I forced myself to believe wouldn't be bad. And it wasn't. It actually went better than the first, albeit slightly, and I made it home feeling great but tired.
I only went about 2 miles this time around but I was expecting to cover less distance with a shorter workout. W3D2 will be tackled on Wednesday evening, hopefully earlier, and I'm looking forward to it. On a side note, I weighed myself yesterday for the first time since deciding to start this program 3 weeks ago. At that time, I was 210lbs. Fast forward to yesterday, after completing 2 full weeks of the C25k program, I'm down to 205lbs. I knew I'd lose wait eventually by running and it's nice to see it starting so soon. Although I don't have a target weight, I'm hoping to get rid of my slight beer gut before too long.
Until next time...
Saturday, June 11, 2011
W2D3 Complete
Last night I completed W2D3 and I'm beginning to notice some improvements both physically and aesthetically. For the last 5 workouts I've tried to focus some of my energy on making sure I went slow and steady which meant reducing the normal length of my strides. I typically wear a size 13 or 14 shoe, depending on the type and brand, but I actually had to go up to a 15 for my running shoes. During the warmup walk, the length of my strides is similar to my normal walking pace I just rebound and move onto the next step quicker than when I'm just strolling along.
Since I'm 6'6", my legs are fairly long so my stride during the warmup walk ends up at about 1.5 shoe lengths so 22 inches; give or take. During the first 5 workouts I shortened my stride down to about 15 inches which may not sound like much but it's actually tough to force yourself to move at the pace of someone a foot shorter than you. Last night, though, I was able to move closer to my normal stride, maybe 2 inches off, while still maintaining a reasonable level of comfort during the run. The strides felt natural instead of forced and my breathing was actually a little bit better. Part of that is due to the fact that my lungs are getting used to the run but I think the fact that I'm not wasting energy focusing on shortening my strides is only helping matters.
At any rate, I'm now 2 weeks into the 9 week program and I'm feeling great. I've gone 14.4 miles so far so, by the end of this next week, I should surpass the 20% mark of my goal of 100 miles by year's end. I'll be out of town this weekend, though, so I won't be starting W3D1 until Monday night after work. This is obviously going to alter my typical running pattern of Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday with two days off before starting the next week. Since I'm slightly anal, I'm planning to go Monday, Wednesday, Friday this week then take just one day off instead of two to get myself back into my normal pattern.
To anyone that's made it through these first 8 posts of my progress, thanks for sticking it out with me. Stay tuned for more posts in the near future.
Since I'm 6'6", my legs are fairly long so my stride during the warmup walk ends up at about 1.5 shoe lengths so 22 inches; give or take. During the first 5 workouts I shortened my stride down to about 15 inches which may not sound like much but it's actually tough to force yourself to move at the pace of someone a foot shorter than you. Last night, though, I was able to move closer to my normal stride, maybe 2 inches off, while still maintaining a reasonable level of comfort during the run. The strides felt natural instead of forced and my breathing was actually a little bit better. Part of that is due to the fact that my lungs are getting used to the run but I think the fact that I'm not wasting energy focusing on shortening my strides is only helping matters.
At any rate, I'm now 2 weeks into the 9 week program and I'm feeling great. I've gone 14.4 miles so far so, by the end of this next week, I should surpass the 20% mark of my goal of 100 miles by year's end. I'll be out of town this weekend, though, so I won't be starting W3D1 until Monday night after work. This is obviously going to alter my typical running pattern of Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday with two days off before starting the next week. Since I'm slightly anal, I'm planning to go Monday, Wednesday, Friday this week then take just one day off instead of two to get myself back into my normal pattern.
To anyone that's made it through these first 8 posts of my progress, thanks for sticking it out with me. Stay tuned for more posts in the near future.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
W2D2: Old man-2, Greg-1
At 11PM tonight, I completed W2D2. I didn't go as far as I typically do, only 2.25 miles, but it still beats sitting on the couch all night. The main issue tonight was that I just didn't have as much energy as I've had the other four days. I was up at 745 this morning to go looking at houses with my wife. At 1, I went to work and didn't get home until about 945. I watched the Heat game until halftime and decided, at about 1030, to go out.
Considering the time, I expected a fairly uneventful workout; didn't think I'd see much other than a car here or there. I ended up being passed by 5 cars but the thing that impressed me the most happened in the middle of my warmup walk. Heading toward me, going in the opposite direction, was a man that had to be in his 70's walking along with a cane. I was surprised to see anyone else out there since we live in such a quiet development but I certainly didn't think I'd see anyone over 40. Then, about 1.5 miles in, I pass the guy again as he's walking into his neighborhood. That old man deserves some recognition for walking 2 miles, with a cane no less, at his age simply for exercise.
Anywho, the run went well and I'm anxious, as usual, for the next workout. I've now done just about 12 miles since I started and I'm finally beginning to feel like I'm making progress. Seven weeks and one day to go.
Considering the time, I expected a fairly uneventful workout; didn't think I'd see much other than a car here or there. I ended up being passed by 5 cars but the thing that impressed me the most happened in the middle of my warmup walk. Heading toward me, going in the opposite direction, was a man that had to be in his 70's walking along with a cane. I was surprised to see anyone else out there since we live in such a quiet development but I certainly didn't think I'd see anyone over 40. Then, about 1.5 miles in, I pass the guy again as he's walking into his neighborhood. That old man deserves some recognition for walking 2 miles, with a cane no less, at his age simply for exercise.
Anywho, the run went well and I'm anxious, as usual, for the next workout. I've now done just about 12 miles since I started and I'm finally beginning to feel like I'm making progress. Seven weeks and one day to go.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
W2D1 Complete
Despite the fact that I had been stuffy and had a slight sinus headache, I went out for the first day of week 2. It felt like ages since the last time I ran but it was purely mental. Barely any discomfort in my legs, even though the intensity moved up a notch, and my breathing was still fine. I also went out two hours earlier than I typically do, since I wanted to be home in time for the Heat game. This was as good a reason as any for me to see why I prefer to run at dusk as opposed to the Sahara-like temperatures when the sun is out in full force.
For week 2, each day starts with a 5 minute warm up walk, followed by alternating 90 seconds of running with 120 seconds of walking, and ending with a 5 minute cool down walk. The extra 30 seconds of running didn't feel like much of a change but I found myself wanting to look at my phone to see how much of the walking was left because the two minutes felt like an eternity.
I sweat a ton today. So much so that I probably could have filled my Aquafina bottle once I emptied the water from it. Oddly enough, though, I didn't get a single mosquito bite even with all the awesomeness exiting my body via my sweat glands. W2D2 should be Tuesday night and I can't wait. I'll surpass the 10 mile mark by the end of my 5 minute warmup walk.
For week 2, each day starts with a 5 minute warm up walk, followed by alternating 90 seconds of running with 120 seconds of walking, and ending with a 5 minute cool down walk. The extra 30 seconds of running didn't feel like much of a change but I found myself wanting to look at my phone to see how much of the walking was left because the two minutes felt like an eternity.
I sweat a ton today. So much so that I probably could have filled my Aquafina bottle once I emptied the water from it. Oddly enough, though, I didn't get a single mosquito bite even with all the awesomeness exiting my body via my sweat glands. W2D2 should be Tuesday night and I can't wait. I'll surpass the 10 mile mark by the end of my 5 minute warmup walk.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
W1D3-With 10% less blood sucking
I started a little bit later tonight than I had planned on thanks to a random forest fire somewhere in SW Florida. Where's Smokey when you need him? The wait was worth it, though. Once I went outside, much of the smell was gone and my breathing was just as controlled throughout the exercise as it was the other two days this week.
My overall distance was the same which puts me at roughly 7.3 miles for the week! Eventually, that number will be closer to 9, at the least, but I think this is a great start. While I was out there, I thought about the 5k that's now 3 months away and whether or not I'd be able to do it. From a cardiovascular standpoint, I don't think I'm far off. My pace will probably be an easy jog for much of the race so it shouldn't be an issue.
The two sticks that propel me, however, still need some work but I've noticed some improvement already and I'm sure there's more to come. I'll be taking the next two days off since there's only 3 days per week in the C25k program. Sunday will mark the beginning of week 2 and I can't wait. As recently as a month ago, if you had told me I'd be thinking that, I would have told you to lay off the crack pipe.
My overall distance was the same which puts me at roughly 7.3 miles for the week! Eventually, that number will be closer to 9, at the least, but I think this is a great start. While I was out there, I thought about the 5k that's now 3 months away and whether or not I'd be able to do it. From a cardiovascular standpoint, I don't think I'm far off. My pace will probably be an easy jog for much of the race so it shouldn't be an issue.
The two sticks that propel me, however, still need some work but I've noticed some improvement already and I'm sure there's more to come. I'll be taking the next two days off since there's only 3 days per week in the C25k program. Sunday will mark the beginning of week 2 and I can't wait. As recently as a month ago, if you had told me I'd be thinking that, I would have told you to lay off the crack pipe.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
W1D2
I completed W1D2 last night, just in time to watch game 1 of the NBA Finals (go Heat). The run went great. I went about the same distance as W1D1 but I focused a lot more on slowing my pace down. A lot of what I've read and heard from other runners stresses a slower run when starting out in this program but it's something that creates a bit of an issue for someone of my stature.
At 6'6" my strides are naturally going to be longer than the average person so going slow essentially means trying to trim the distance of those strides. I've been able to get to about half my normal stride but any less than that and I may as well power-walk. As far as pain is concerned, the little bit that I felt in my calves after W1D1 was nonexistent. I felt some tightness in my shins but it was only when I did the walks between each run and I would equate the feeling to the good burn you get when working out with weights.
My breathing was even steadier last night and I felt great when I finished the 30 minutes. I just wish the mosquitoes would lay off because I may not have any real estate left over for them by the time the 9 weeks is up. I'm planning to tackle W1D3 tomorrow night and start week 2 on Sunday.
At 6'6" my strides are naturally going to be longer than the average person so going slow essentially means trying to trim the distance of those strides. I've been able to get to about half my normal stride but any less than that and I may as well power-walk. As far as pain is concerned, the little bit that I felt in my calves after W1D1 was nonexistent. I felt some tightness in my shins but it was only when I did the walks between each run and I would equate the feeling to the good burn you get when working out with weights.
My breathing was even steadier last night and I felt great when I finished the 30 minutes. I just wish the mosquitoes would lay off because I may not have any real estate left over for them by the time the 9 weeks is up. I'm planning to tackle W1D3 tomorrow night and start week 2 on Sunday.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)