I’ll be playing a bit of catch up this week, but by Friday, we should be back on track here on the blog.
In real time, however, I would like to take a moment to point out that, since I began Couch 2 5K, I have completed a total of 50 miles! It’s not a huge number in the grand scheme of things, but for me, it’s huge. Especially considering that I never thought I would be able to actually run any portion of that. So, Happy 50 Mile-versary to me! I am really looking forward to crossing 100!
Back to Day 2 of Week 6.
I messed up my tracking on this particular day. Somehow, I managed to exit out of the app with about one minute left to run. Annoying? Oh, yes. But, it didn’t hold me back from completing my session. I was testing out my new Garmin Forerunner, and so I was able to mark off my remaining time. I wasn’t able to pull a good pace reading, though. I estimate I was looking at an 11-12 minute mile, based on my past performances. Respectable, if I do say so myself.
This session involved two 10 minute running segments, split by a three minute walking interval. And I enjoyed it. Gasp. I maintained a nice pace and really didn’t encounter any particularly challenging moments.
It’s all very encouraging.
I don’t like doing back-to-back sessions, like I did this week, but I had a few obligations and if I wanted to finish Week 6 within an actual seven day period, I didn’t have much choice. I hope I’m not doing any damage (my ankles have been a little glitchy), and I am hoping to settle into an easier routine of every other day leading up to my first 5K.
In other news, talk to me about cross-training. I want to do something on my off days to keep me loose but I’m not sure what. I love walking, and I would be happiest if that counts. I don’t have a gym membership and I don’t have the consistent schedule flexibility to go to a class somewhere. I can do dvds at home and I do have yoga mats and dumbbells for toning and strength training. I’d love to hear your thoughts.
I know we talked about shoes yesterday, if you decide you want to get fitted for them and want someone to go with you, let me know. I was scared to go do it on my own 🙂
Walking definitely counts as cross training! Yoga is REALLY good for runners, especially with keeping your hip flexors from getting tight. I’ve been doing Jillian Michaels Yoga Meltdown one day and No More Trouble Zones the other day.
I don’t think anyone I love should ever have to be subjected to the sight of me on a treadmill. We’ll see how it goes tomorrow and then I’ll start thinking about next steps.
Ugh. I hate yoga. Is there something like yoga kickboxing or survival yoga for outrunning bears or something? That seems more exciting!
But good on walking. It’s my favorite.
I think even 20 mins of a boot-camp/crossfit type circuit is super effective. Squats, lunges, push-ups, sit-ups, mountain climbers, the dreaded burpee, box jumps, jumping jacks, chair-dips, etc. You can also look into Tabata workouts (20 seconds of high intensity, 10 seconds rest for ~8 minutes). I have been doing this stuff for a few months and I beat my 10K time by 5 mins on sat!
I’ll have to look into some of that. I don’t know how my knees are going to feel about a whole regimen of squats and dips, but they may surprise me! Thanks for the tips and way to go on your new best time!
Well, I do UltraBarre most weeks, but I haven’t made it to class in a while. Otherwise, I do foam rolling (which is hilarious, given how uncoordinated I am) and alternate Jillian Michaels DVDs. The yoga one isn’t real yoga. It’s more like a slow-down, but still painful version of her 30 Day Shred stuff, which I know you’ve done before. Maybe you can start getting some pool time in? Swimming is a great XT option, as is bike riding.
I wish I could do a barre class. With Mr PugRunner’s work schedule, it’s hard to commit to a regular thing. 🙁
Biking and swimming are both decent ideas. Might as well make use of the pool in the early mornings before it gets crowded. Thanks!