HERE I GO AGAIN! I recently challenged my good friend Netty who ran alongside me doing the C25k, to do the 10K with me. She kindly accepted the challenge. I was pleased that she did, it gives me a running buddy who I can compare and compete against as we go along. I am pretty sure if we didn't encourage each other as the weeks progressed I for one might have given in to the torture. I know this is far more grueling but let's face it when I first started out on my 5k training I never really thought I would make it to the end as it was really only to get fit, but it quickly turned into training as we became friends and egged each other on to the finish. Lets get this show on the road! 
Bridge to 10k running programme. Repeat each week 3 times having a rest day in between.
Week 1...Brisk 5 minute warmup walk. Run 10 minutes / walk 1 minute / run 10 minutes / walk 1 minute / run 10 minutes. / walk 1 minute / run 10 minutes. Five minute cooldown walk. 53 minutes in total. |
| My Walk/Jog Route |
I began my 6 week journey on this 10k training fit and raring to go. I actually found Week 1-Day 1 reasonably easy, after all I did run for 30 minutes with the C25k. I really hope I can make this programme to the very end. That would be a massive achievement for me.I will admit that towards the end of the last run I began to tire. I finally made through so I am happy. Day 1 done...Yay!!!
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| Wild Flowers on route |
On my rest days I plan to go for a walk quite nearby in amongst the fields. It's actually the old train track. It's a lovely area that is quite peaceful. You get the odd person walking their dog or going for a bike ride, but that's about it. Your on your own with your thoughts of the day. The path that I take goes on for miles... you just need to know when to turn back and head for home. I love to take in the beauty of all the lovely wild flowers that are scattered around. I'm sure there must be other nice walks nearby, I just have to find them. I'm so glad that I've decided to take up my new exercise routine. Should have done this a long time ago!
Ok...feeling revved up today so I did my Week 1-Day 2 early again as I need to go to the garden centre for plants so I thought lets get out of the way. I felt good again about this workout, I even got through without hanging on for my dear life during the last jogging interval. I forgot to log my distance at the end of day 1 so I guesstimated it at 4.5 according to my Treadmill I was way off so I changed it to something like toady's. It surprised me actually. Although I don't think in all honesty that its completely accurate.
Tuesday 31st May I got home from work and had tea early. It was a lovely evening so I went out for a walk. There was plenty of bikers, dog walkers and runners all with the same idea. GET OUT THERE IN THE FRESH AIR!! I was going to walk the entire old railway line route but geez didn't realise it was so bloody far. I will do it one day though as I know it a favourite walk for many runners or walkers alike. I enjoyed my walk but I am going to download some new walking routes to try out. I rather fancy the Beverley Beck walk that is quite nearby so I may do that while I'm off work. Hope the sun comes out to play for my next scheduled walk!
Had busy day at work so my legs were already tired. Started Week 1-Day 3 feeling tired but as the workout went on I seemed to find some energy to finish the intervals without too much effort. Of course I had the fan on full blast and drank plenty of water on my 1 minute relief walk. What I want to know is ... why does that last minute of the jog seem to take longer then the 1 minute walk interval!! I have decided not to push myself too hard. I need to get through this. I can always work on speed later. I'm hoping also doing the B210K will help ensure that I complete the *Race for Life* in July in 30 minutes. I would love to say I could but we will see.
Week 2...Brisk 5 minute warmup walk. Run 15 minutes / walk 1 minute / run 15 minutes / walk 1 minute / run 15 minutes. Five minute cooldown walk. 57 minutes in total.
Week 2 Day 1 was fine. Got through this ok. It felt better as this time there was only 3 running intervals instead of 4. I think phycologicaly it is easier. I cant wait for week 5 where you run for 30 minutes twice. I had the fan on full blast and a ton of water to drink. It was hot and humid but I managed to get through. I would at one point to do a workout outside, just to get used to running on harder ground again. Maybe it would have to be early in the morning before people start to appear. 
Week 2 Day 2 Todays workout was amazing. I felt I had so much energy. So much so that I even ran through the last five minute cooldown. I was really pleased that I did. Not saying I would do this everytime but today I just knew that I could do it. Monday 6th June I did my usual route over the bypass and into the open fields. I must say that I do enjoy this route. You feel totally relaxed and free from the worlds worries.
Had to get today's run Week 2 Day 3 done early as we are going out to the garden centre for yet more plants. So I hit the treadmill around 7:00am. I must say doing less intervals is so much easier. I was a bit tentative with this workout as on my last workout I felt a strange rippling down my left calf, wasn't sure what it was until I looked and saw that my veins were stood out quite prominently. I had surgery on them quite a few years ago but they have returned. However, this did not happen today so I felt happy about that. I was afraid I would have to rest up.
I'M A THIRD OF THE WAY THROUGH THIS...YAY!!!
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| Bramble Pie in the making! |
Wednesday 8th June We had been out and about buying yet more plants for the garden, we drove up to Shiptonthorpe but didn't find what we were looking for so came back to Beverley and popped into our local for a drink we were going to have lunch but decided against it. So off we went yet again to another garden centre in Tickton. Here we did find plants, my plan was to get a walk in after we got home. We no sooner got home and the heavens opened up. Blast!! Luckily later on the sun shone it's face again and I managed to get my walk in. I enjoyed it, just round and about where I live. As usual stopped to take pictures along the way.
I don't know why but I keep waking up early even though I'm on annual leave from work...boo! So again I could get my run in early, which I like to do. Week 3 Day 1 here we go! I decided the the way to get through this one was to immerse myself in my music and forget that I will be running an extra 2 minutes on each run interval. Believe me it worked. I lost all sense of time and when the guy on my app told me I was half way done, I couldn't believe it. I felt good, hot and sweaty but not tired. Woohoo!!
Today Friday 10th June was a totally bleak day. I was tied up all day with shopping, appointments etc so didn't get time to get my walk in early. As a result of this when I finally found the time, yes you guessed it. IT RAINED!! So I had no choice but to do my walk on my treadmill. Not that there is any thing wrong with that, I just like to get out in the fresh air. I used my Endomondo app and tried to set it to record a treadmill walk but it doesn't have that option which is annoying, so I just used the Walk option. Need to figure out how to switch off the GPS.
Week 3 Day 2 I decided to read on my workout today hoping it would help the time pass by. I put the fan on, had my water at the ready. Switched everything on to go and immersed myself in a book I am reading on Kindle. It is called *The Bringer* quite an interesting book. It's all about I guess you'd call her an angel. As people are about to die she goes to them and leads them to heaven. Only she falls in love with a guy who is at the bedside of one of the people she is attending....And the story goes on......needless to say, I forgot time and the workout was over before I knew it. Totally enjoyed the workout and the book
Week 3 Day 3 I wasn't looking forward to this as I had been at work for 8 hours and I was tired. But it had to be done. The sun was hot and the air was very warm. I put on my fan and off I went. At one point I had to take off my top and just ran in my training bra and pants. Overall considering how warm it was and the fact that I was tired I did pretty well. I'm pleased this week is over and next week is an extra 1 minute each run. I'm so looking forward to week 5. I want fewer running intervals. So week 5 will hopefully seem a doddle. I'M HALFWAY THERE....CAN'T BLOODY BELIEVE IT!!!!
- Week 4...Brisk 5 minute warmup walk Run 18 minutes / walk 1 minute / run 18 minutes / walk 1 minute / run 18 minutes. Five minute cooldown walk. 66 minutes in total.
Week 4 Day 1 I was tired before I'd even started. Busy, busy day at work. It was a hot and humid night, it actually poured it down whilst I was running. Thank god for having a treadmill. Once again doing an extra minute is hardly noticeable. I am totally happy with this workout as I'm getting fitter it becomes less of an ordeal. I was feeling a little more tired on the last run interval but I think that is mainly die to the fact I'd been at work all day on my feet. One of the main reasons I like to do my workouts in the morning. 
Week 4 Day 2 I decided to get my run in a day earlier than planned. Only because I have a hair appointment and other stuff to do. I knew if I don't get it in I will get behind my planned schedule. I need to get my next run in on Sunday as I'm at college again Monday. It went well even though I did my lat run yesterday, I was a little tired but I managed to get through it ok. Bring on next week when there is only two run intervals, longer yes!! but I'm sure it will be easier knowing there is only the two runs. 
Week 4 Day 3 Thank heavens I'm here, I so want to get this week out of the way. I'm looking forward to having to do only two run intervals. Anyway, I was up early as my daughter was coming over to visit us. I thought I would get the workout done and out of the way before she arrived. I wasn't feeling it today, got a lot on my mind lately, but hey-ho we have to deal with it. It went ok, I managed to get through without getting too puffed out, I must admit it does get easier over time. It must be as I'm now considering doing *The Half Marathon Training* with Jeff Galloway. It does take me back to short run/walk intervals though.WOOHOO!!....I'M 2/3rd's DONE...YIPPEE!!
- Week 5 Day 1...Brisk 5 minute warmup walk. Run 22 minutes / walk 1 minute / run 22 minutes. Five minute cooldown walk. 55 minutes in total.
- Week 5 Day 2...Brisk 5 minute warmup walk. Run 25 minutes / walk 1 minute / run 25 minutes. Five minute cooldown walk. 61 minutes in total.
- Week 5 Day 3...Brisk 5 minute warmup walk. Run 30 minutes / walk 1 minute / run 30 minutes. Five minute cooldown walk. 71 minutes in total.
Week 5 Day 1 It was so hot and humid, I barely had the energy to do this workout but I have to keep on target. I find it hard to motivate myself sometimes after work but because it was hot and humid it made it worse. I did however enjoy the fact that there was only two run intervals. It makes so much difference to your mentality. I don't mind when it's short intervals but long intervals no-way. My next scheduled run is Thursday but I think I might wait until Friday. I have a short day at work and I might feel more energetic. LoL x
Week 5 Day 2 I found this workout so much easier as I hadn't had a full day at work. I always find I have more energy when I have a short day or at a weekend. The long days at work just tire me out. Anyway after the 5 minute warmup walk I noticed my app was saying that I had a 25 minute run *NO WAY* I thought. So I actually stopped to check my app and yes I had a 25 minute run. Bloody Hell! I got that wrong. Day 3 is actually 2 x 30 minute runs so I have amended the schedule accordingly. I did enjoy this workout regardless of the extra 3 minutes each run interval.
Was so looking forward to this walk Saturday 25th June. Had a lot of rain lately so this was well over due. My lovely friend Netty visited today, it meant so much as it was the first time we had actually met. We had only ever chatted via the internet so this was extra special for me. She brought me my wings for *The Race for Life* Now it seems all real. Love you already Netty. Well the rain held off so I ventured out into the great outdoors. Loved it, there was lots of families out biking so I wasn't totally alone today. Non the less I thoroughly enjoyed just being out there.
- Week 6...Brisk 5 minute warmup walk. Run 60 minutes. Five minute cooldown walk. 70 minutes in total.
I decided to go ahead and get a workout in. So here goes. Week 6 Day 1 I thought it best that I take it nice and steady. After all slow wins the race. I kept at a pace that was comfortable and I made it through my first 60 minute run. YAY!! I know that the previous week was almost the same with a 1 minute walk in between but 60 minutes......OMG! I did it!!Week 6 Day 2 This was an amazing workout. I don't know why but I seemed to have a lot more energy and felt as though I could go on for ever. I do like it though when my app tells me that I'm half way done. That means 30 minutes left to run...20 minutes...10 minutes...5..4..3..2..1 I love it when I know I'm on the downward slope. Enjoyed this workout and now looking forward to finishing week 6 hopefully on Sunday. Strange but I cannot put my average HR in my Stats, won't click in box. Anyway it was 144.
Week 6 Day 3 I was up early so I had a coffee and got on the treadmill. I was so looking forward to this workout as it meant I'm done apart from my graduation run. It's good to get the early run in before the heat starts to build. It was nice and cool and I had the fan on full blast so todays workout was good. I turned on the app and I was off. While I was doing the workout I was already planning my next goal, which is going to be "The Half Marathon" I'm just going to do it at my own pace. It's a 6 day week workout but I'm planning to do it every other day so it will go over the week. That's fine so long as I get through it I'll be happy.
I'M DONE!!!
- Graduation Run...Congratulations you've made it! Get out there and run for 60 minutes
We so CAN DO THIS honey - you're right! :) It's great to have a running buddy even if we do live so far apart - and I agree, without somebody there to egg me on I would probably have given up on c25k too - I never actually believed I could do it... and now we're crazy enough to try 10k! Mentalists! I'm quite certain that 10k is a step too far for me - I'm far from convinced I'll do this distance and I'm thinking I might have to repeat a few of the weeks a few times just to build up - but hell we're going to give it our very best shot!
ReplyDeleteAll we can do Netty is give it our best shot. If either of us finds it too hard then we can always stop and say we tried. If we feel we have to repeat a week then so be it. I repeated one day on the C25K as I thought I needed to. Good Luck to us both!!!
ReplyDeleteI do like your blogs new look - I chose this background initially but then changed my mind!
ReplyDeleteI like the format of your 6 week program - I'm very tempted to jump ship on mine and start on the same one as you. I can always use my phone timer to keep track of how long I'm running and walking - and as an added bonus I can go back to listening to my own choice of music. The stuff on the podcast isn't exactly my style! Also, I'm finding going back to intervals is a pain in the rear - it's easier to run for longer rather than all the stop start stop start of the intervals on my program. I'm not sure why they've done it that way. Where did you get your 6 week program from? Is it an iphone app?
Happy Running Netty x
Hi Netty...yes it is an iPhone app. It's the same as my c25k app. I use Trance music to run too. I find it has the perfect beat for jogging. Glad you like my new look, still needs a few tweaks maybe. You could always copy my programme if you wanted too. Good luck to us both!!
ReplyDeleteHhhmm... I think my treadmill might by lying to me! I've been comparing stats again - Week 1 - 53 minutes duration doing the 5 minute walk followed by 10 minute jog, 1 minute walk reps x 4 each ending in 5 minute walk- I'm going at 3.7mph and jogging at 5mph (one of the reps at 5.1mph) but I'm covering nowhere near as much distance as you :( I'm only doing 4.14 miles. Maybe I need longer legs ;) Wonder if I can get them on ebay?
ReplyDeleteps - love the blog - it's so motivating to be able to compare my workout along side yours :)
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about the distance. Let's see what my treadmill says tonight. But when you think about it we are walking/jogging for almost an hour which is what the 10k takes to do. So really we should be doing around 6 miles in distance. Still not sure if treadmills are fully accurate.
ReplyDeleteMy treadmill's pretty old and decrepit so maybe it's not being accurate on it's distance - not bothered either way - we're off our arses and DOING this - so it's all good! I like what you said "I have decided not to push myself too hard. I need to get through this. I can always work on speed later" An excellent way to look at this. As long as we finish that's what counts. I made the mistake of just checking how the workout will go next week and I'm astounded that the running portion takes such a MASSIVE leap! I'll try to go into week 2 full of confidence and not beat myself up too much if I find I'm struggling and have to do a week of 12 minute jogs then go onto week 2 fully the week after.... seems like a huge leap to me! Anyways, love reading your blog as always - if you can do it I can do it - so lets get on with it! LOL
ReplyDeleteI dont think the distance matters really on the treadmill. It can't be accurate. As long as we get through this tht's all that matters. Tonight was not too bad, the only thing was the heat. After the hot day that we had it was a bit much but I put my fan on and off I went. Good luck tomorrow on your run. Do want ever you need to do with the intervals Netty. Theres no point in over doing it. If I need to hold back then I will.
ReplyDeleteOMG - You've done week 2 day 2 already! Go YOU! :) I've not even started week 2 yet (check out my Report on my outdoor jog when you get chance) I might do week 2 day 1 tomorrow if we're up early enough to fit it in before work. By the time I'm home it's almost topping 100 degrees in the conservatory at the moment so I have to run early! I feel as though I could probably give day 1 a go this evening but I think after yesterdays outdoor efforts it's very important for me to have a rest day. If I jump on there and I'm not properly rested so I struggle it'll knock my confidence for sure.
ReplyDeleteYou do need that day off Netty. I'm not doing a run tomorrow although I feel I could. today was amazing for me, did you notice I ran for the 5 minute cooldown walk. I honestly think though after a days work I don't have as much energy so today was good for me!
ReplyDeleteawesome burn for week 3 day 1 Janet - well done! You're doing amazingly well! :) I'm actually looking forward to week 3 (not that I've finished week 2 yet!) Those extra 2 minutes aren't preying on my mind as much as this weeks increase did!
ReplyDeleteHonestly Netty....you don't even notice your doing an extra 2 mins running. I don't think the B210k is as bad as I thought it would be. Don't know if I'd be saying the same if I were doing it outside every time though. I still need to try a run outside.
ReplyDeleteLoved reading your blog again this evening Janet. Made me laugh to think of you flinging your clothes off to keep cool....and it's going to get hotter!
ReplyDeleteHaha....it was really hot. I just had to take my top off or I'd have collapsed.
ReplyDeleteawwwww - thanks for your kind words Janet - it was so lovely to meet you. I felt as though we'd known each other for years! :) You're doing so well with your running. I'm hopeful that the weather will be a little cooler tomorrow morning so I can finish week 4 off! Who would ever have thought that we'd get this far!? :) Keep up the good work xx
ReplyDeleteThat's exactly what I said to steve, we did chat like we'd known each other for ever. It has been so hot, too hot for running. I plan to start week 6 Friday unless it cools down quite a lot. Ooh it'll soon be your *Race for Life*....good luck and remember lots of pics!
ReplyDeleteOMG you have done a 60 minute run?! Bloody awesome! VERY WELL DONE! :)
ReplyDeleteI couldn't believe it myself! I came in after it and said "I have just run fir 60 minutes" like an excited school kid. I wasn't planning go do it till Friday on a short working day, but I wasn't as tired so I went ahead. So glad I did. It was hot and humid though.
ReplyDelete