Another week on the books.
Truth be told, I don’t feel like I really mastered Week 4. I completed it, but I didn’t nail it.
On the one hand, it’s a little disappointing. I really wanted to own this new set of intervals. However, I’m remaining positive, and I’m certainly not giving up. I’m getting stronger and building up stamina with every day, and that’s what matters. I just have to relax and fall into my groove and I know I’ll get there.
A big frustration this week was twice having to turn around after getting about .3-.4 miles for a pit stop. It’s hard to stay properly hydrated when this keeps happening. I don’t know how others do it, and I’m just a bit envious of those for whom this is not an issue.
Another problem is that I found myself holding my breath quite a bit. I am the worst at breathing, especially during exercise. I just find it so difficult to let go and let my lungs do what they were made to do. It’s something I really need to overcome, and it will be my focus going into Week 5. It has to be. I’m not going to be able to run a 5K, or anything else, if I don’t breathe.
Despite these complications, I’m still progressing. We’ve had beautiful weather and I love seeing the sun shining through the clouds on my outings. Even if it means that the heat of summer is coming.
I’m debating doing one more day of Week 4’s intervals, just to try to lock it in, but at the same time, I want to move on and put a challenging week behind me. I’m not entirely sure if there’s a right answer, other than resting up, putting my thoughts in order, and getting on with it. I will see what the weekend brings and report back.
There’s nothing wrong with repeating a week if you need to. For me, I’d rather repeat and crush the goals so I feel confident moving on than to go ahead to week 5 right away. But, everyone is different and you have to do what you think is best for your training. You’re doing great!
I am taking a long break this week because of other obligations and scheduling so I might do one repeat day this weekend, just so that Week 5 isn’t a hardcore shock to my system. I didn’t suck at it, but it was tough. Thanks for the perspective.
Ditto Ashley, no shame in repeating a week so you can feel like you totally mastered it before you move on. Go into Week 5 feeling strong and confident. Whether you repeat or not, I know you’re going to kill it. You’re too determined not to 🙂
Oh, there is so much shame. The 80s music. The talking to myself. The swea… I mean, the glistening. But yeah. I have my sights set on bling. Can’t keep this girl away from the shiny things.