Good morning and welcome to Week 4.
I can honestly say that I wasn’t convinced I would make it this far. I’m not renowned for my love of running but I find myself here and together with the support and motivation of our fantastic CheeziJoggers group we have made it this far together, albeit virtually.
I must admit, Sarah Millican, my coach on the Couch to 5K app was a lot more cheery in her description of today’s run than I was but she convinced me that the previous three weeks had in fact prepared me and I “could do it”.
So stretches completed and with half a banana to line my stomach and give a much needed energy boost, off I went. My brisk warm-up walk was accompanied by the sound of Tony Christie singing (Is this the way to) Amarillo and complete with arm swinging actions I marched off with a determined look upon my face much to the bemusement of the passing lady in a red coat & pom-pom hat who happened to catch me joining in with the claps as I marched along 🤦🏼♀️
Sarah was of course right and listening to her words of encouragement helped as I started jogging after the warm-up walk. Last week’s 3 minute runs seemed considerably easier this week and knowing that a longer 5 minute run was coming, I actually looked forward to the three minutes! Working on this theory, I am hoping that by this time next week, 5 minutes will seem a breeze.
This week however, 5 minutes was quite tough! As music helps distract me I chose a CheeziFit favourite, You can’t stop the beat from Hairspray to see me through. Knowing it is over 5 minutes long, I knew I would get to the end of the run before the song finished so I was able to mentally do the routine in my head and tick off each chorus as the seconds went by.
I found in the last couple of minutes of the run, despite being icy cold, my palms were in fact very sweaty which I can only conclude is because I was clinging on hard to the hope that I will get to the end of this Couch to 5K programme.
I’m know I am going to need some longer songs in the coming weeks so if anyone has any suggestions, please let me know. Bohemian Rhapsody is all lined up ready to play...
I recently read a running blog which stated that people fall into three categories;
1. Those that love to run and enjoy everything about running
2. Those that don’t love to run initially but learn to love it
3. Those that don’t love to run and never will
Each of us CheeziJoggers will fit into one of those categories and it is quite possible that the category will change as we continue through the programme – time will tell!
To download the official C25K app via the NHS website HERE where you will find all the information you need together with hints, tips and stretching advice.
It is never too late to start as the programme can be completed in your own time and fit in and around your lifestyle.
For further information, please contact us at cheezifitzoom@gmail.com