Do the Couch to 5k running plan

(nearly ashes now) My walking shoes are completely shot (from the inside – too many miles on them) so today I made a necessary purchase: a pair of “Mizuno Wave Alchemy 8” running shoes(on SALE!).

Details:
• supportive, superbly cushioned running shoe for the moderate to severe overpronator.
• SmoothRide Engineered, Composite Double Fan Wave provides the perfect blend of control and cushioning while providing an unsurpassed ride.
• Outsole and midsole platform are engineered with SmoothRide technology which minimises changes in velocity to give the smoothest ride possible.
• Lightweight responsive midsole compound with good durability.
• Shock-absorbing cushioning compound found in the heel.
• Enhanced Fit Technology that works with your foot to provide the
optimum fit throughout the gait cycle.
• Full-length midsole ventilation system reduces heat and humidity
build-up inside the shoe.
• Provides the utmost in breathability and comfort of the upper.
• The most durable carbon rubber that allows for longer wear in high
impact areas and supplements traction at heel strike.
• SmoothRide Engineered, combination solid rubber/blown rubber forefoot outsole design for cushioning, durability and flexibility.
• Removable Anatomically Moulded AP sockliner.

Rather stupidly I went running tonight even though my knees are very painful. Even though the programme allows for a 2 day gap between runs, I am going every other day so I don’t lose momentum/ interest. I ran carefully, slowly, close to the ground. It hurt my knees. And now I can barely walk and stairs are a nightmare. What possessed me? I was already limping on both legs. Doh. What happens now? :(

Aarghh. I ran tonight, this set seems quite easy – the 2 min walk is too long. I am finding that I can’t concentrate on running for 90 secs though, even though tonight it was fine stamina-wise. I kept slowing down and then catching myself. Lol I’ll never win a race! But now I have big blisters on both heels, and sore knees:( I wore different shoes as my others are making me roll in on the right as they are worn out (and not made for running anyway). But I soon felt them rubbing my heels. I am not sure what it says about me that I decided I’d rather continue running with blisters than quit! For the 5 min cool down I took off the shoes and walked home in my socks. I’m annoyed as I had planned to get running shoes fitted tomorrow and now I can’t because of the blisters. Grr! I’m concerned about my knees though. I might see if I can patch up my heels and go shoe shopping anyway as I will be running again on Monday.

I totally rock, week 2 is 90sec run and 2min walk and I did it! My running definitely gets ragged towards the end but I didn’t feel like I had to stop. It was actually over really fast! I weighed myself today, which was an unmitigated disaster but hey, at least I can see how much work I have to do. Thinking positive! (Trying)

I added this goal in August, when I figured I would do it every week and be done by October. Well, it’s October now, and I haven’t exactly taken off like a rocket. I’m still on week one. It’s getting very cold out now, and I don’t think that it’s a good idea to start running around outside in sub-zero temperatures come next month. And I’m not confident enough to go to a gym to go running (I would rather exercise in solitude, thanks). I don’t exactly want to give up on this, though. So I’m not sure what’s going to happen with this. I’ll give it some thought.

I did it! I flag around interval 6 (of 8) and I am not sure it is getting easier. But week 1 is over and I’m really excited to move onto week 2 tomorrow.

I started on week three today and I think this week will be a good one. I had to stop myself from running for a longer period of time than was recommended because I don’t want to get injured or burn myself out so I walked on a steep incline at 4mph during the rest periods to help keep my heart rate up. (When my sister and I were kids we used to make fun of speed walkers… she would have died of laughter if she caught sight of me today.) I stretched for about 20 minutes after my workout then hit the sauna. Hope I can take the rest of my runs with this ease!

Done! It was tough today and I’m not sure why as I had thought it would be easier than Friday, after having done it once. I put gel insoles in my shoes to try to prevent shin splints (too late!) and put tubigrips on my shins, and wore tights to support my hips. So I thought I was better prepared. Hmm. I felt more out of breath and sweatier afterwards so I think I might be going too fast. I am doing 2.5m/4k in just over half an hour.

At the moment I can’t see myself being able to move on to week 2.

However, I have just read about the Disney races! New goal? I think so…

I did my first run on Friday, I am so proud! I felt like 60secs of running was a bit too long but that 90secs of walking was too long as well. My running was not really running, especially towards the end, I was sort of tripping along but I loved it. I listened to a podcast which really helped, a song I love came on at just the right moment when I was tiring, and spurred me on. Afterwards my hips were so sore and my foot was not too happy about it either – I know my hips will get used to it but I think I will have to go to the doctor about my foot:(

So far so good. I feel like the walking intervals during week 2 are a bit long but I know that I will miss them later so no complaints here. I am realizing that I placed to much importance on music the last time I tried this program. I ran to Suz’s Couch 2 5K the last time, liked the majority of the music, but found that it was distracting to run to songs that I didn’t like. For some reason I found myself focusing on the inane lyrics and getting irritated instead of finding a stride and listening to my body.

This time around I am listening to a new podcast (The Chubby Jones podcast) and since I am not familiar with any of the music featured there’s no emotional connection. It’s background noise and I just run.