I know I just posted about this but I wanted to officially declare myself halfway done with the program. Yesterday morning I had a great run, finishing up week 4 of 9. And after the first of week 4 I really didn’t think I’d say that again. I did make a few changes that I thought were worth talking about.
- I stretched and stretched and stretched and used The Stick liberally for the 2 days prior to the run.
- I used these energy goo things Melissa bought me for Christmas 15 minutes before the run. It’s hard to tell if it helped but it is one thing I added. I also determined that vanilla gingerbread probably isn’t my favorite flavor.
- I listened to a podcast versus music during the run.
I think the last surprisingly made the biggest difference. I love music and I love spinning/cycling to music. It’s the main reason I love my favorite spinning instructor. He always makes sure we are peddling to the beat of the music. But running to music? It has just NOT been working for me, especially since I’m switching between run and walk all the time. I found with listening to the podcast, I simply listened. It was easier to not pay attention to the running and I wasn’t using a ton of energy trying to keep up or slow down with the beat of the music.
For you runners…what else am I missing? What flavor of the energy gel is your favorite?
For you non-runners, when are you starting C25K??
Amy-you’re doing great. A couple if years ago I did something similar but stopped following the program and just ran on my own. Huge mistake. Pushed to hard and just stopped. Plus I didn’t stretch and that killed me. I’m “running” again but I think I need to follow a program again. I need to look into C25k. Keep up the great work.
.-= Beth@Sportsmomma´s last blog ..31 Day Fitness Challenge =-.
Beth, thanks! You should really do it again…you’ll probably breeze through the first couple weeks if you’ve run before.
.-= Amy´s last blog ..Couch to 5K – Halfway Done =-.
The peeps at TrySports told me they didn’t like Gingerbread but I didn’t listen b/c I was so set on the Christmas theme! Tell me what you think of the other one – they loved that one!
My personal favorites are Vanilla or Espresso Hammer Gels (a different brand.) GU is good for short bursts of energy (30 mins or less) and Hammer is better for long, sustained energy – before you know it, you’ll be needing that!
.-= Melissa´s last blog ..Life it a gift. Use it or lose it … =-.
Melissa, I’ll be trying the chocolate mint tomorrow! Week 5!!
Orange is the only flavor that I’ve found that I like!
Awesome job Amy! I was wondering the other day how it was going for you. I prefer Hammer Gel, specifically the Apple Cinnamon flavor. Have you tried the actual couch 2 5K podcast from PodRunner Intervals to run to? It basically beeps and paces you with BPM music. I am not sure if you started with that, but that is what I used to get going. Kept me from having to keep my eyes on the watch the whole time. So wonderful for you!