I think if I work harder, I can make these selfies even more cringe-worthy.
Finishing week 6 was a bigger accomplishment for me than I initially expected but not solely based on the fact that I have now run longer consecutively than I have in years, but because I made it through week 6. I wish I had a better log to refer back to, but over a year ago I tried to start running and kicked off a C25K and was doing relatively well. I haven’t taken the time to dig through my old Garmin records, but I feel that this time around I have been able to hold a better pace through it all. I also do not believe that I made it beyond week 5 the last time, so mentally, finishing week 6 was a big thing for me.
Breakdown
W6/D1
- 5 Min W/U
- 10 Run
- 5 Walk
- 10 Run
- 5 Min Cool Down
W6/D2
- 5 Min W/U
- 12 Run
- 3 Walk
- 8 Run
- 5 Min Cool Down
W6/D3
- 5 Min W/U
- 15 Run
- 3 Walk
- 5 Run
- 5 Min Cool Down
I guess it was just a schedule thing, but it seems like I went running later in the day compared to running at lunch. I don’t know if that helped or not. On day two, I think the heat got to me as for some reason when I went to move into the 8-minute run, I stopped my watch. I have never stopped it in the middle of a workout like that so I am chalking it up to a brain fart. I did not realize what I did until I looked down to see how much time I had left because I partially felt like I was dying. I am still doing my best to not focus on my pace while I am running, just going on how I feel. If I feel slow, I try to focus on my form and pick the pace up just a notch without burning myself out.
On the final day of the week, despite the heat, I felt SO accomplished by just being able to run for 15 minutes without stopping. The final five minutes were tough but it actually got better as I got toward the end. And to think I ran for 20 minutes without stopping was really amazing. I kept thinking about how I had trained for a marathon all those years ago and ran for hours but 20 minutes now was such an accomplishment.
Race Predictor
While I try not to get too hung up on my pace when running, I do go back and look to see how I did. I was happy to see that for the most part, I am have been able to hold about the same pace regardless of the time running. There is part of me that still thinks my watch is wrong when it gives me these estimates, but the thought of a sub-27 minute 5K is something that feels awesome. I am not counting on it, however. As this week approaches, I see day three has a 20-minute run and I am looking forward to seeing what this race predictor shows after that.
Awkward Shorts
Emily is the ultimate hype-person. When I was trying on running shorts, she made some really loud comments about my quads when I stepped out of the dressing room. When I heard, “Oh my God, dad, your quads!” I am certain I turned bright red despite it being such a big compliment.
Given the heat on day three of the program, I ventured out in public with my “booty shorts” and even though awkward driveway selfies are…well…awkward, I have been trying to document as much of this process as possible. I was in short shorts and not wearing all black, probably a first for me, so I was terribly uncomfortable the entire time.