Getting Tougher

This is my "Strength Tree"

The training continues for my first 5K run, but getting easier, I'm not sure that's the case.

Today was the first time I have ever gone to the Week 4 level that features a 400 meter run, 200 meter walk, 800 meter run, 400 meter walk and then repeat the 400 meter and 800 meter runs with the 200 meter walk in-between. Those numbers don't see all that impressive, but those 800 meters were tough especially the second one with it starting at the bottom of an incline.

I have to draw some strength from my favourite tree on my walks down by the river. Beyond all mathematical odds, this tree continues to stand with the dirt beneath all but gone. Perhaps I can find the will power to over come whatever hurdles I have placed on myself because when I think of doing those runs, they certainly don't seem to be that daunting.

The first two weeks were all based on time and I was generating some good distances in the allotted time, such good distances in fact that the third week seemed to be a big step backwards. I knew at that time that it would be the calm before the storm as the distances are basically doubling every week now.

I have no buffer to try and get up to speed, so to speak, as my C25K will run out on the Thursday before the race ... which just happens to be my birthday.

I'm still a big believer in the C25K app, but know that I have to find something else to help me achieve my weekly goals. Week 5 starts with three by 800 meter runs for Day 1 and then escalates to a pair 1.2 kilometer runs. As if that isn't bad enough, Day 3 features a single 3.2 kilometer run!

As the app says, I shouldn't get discouraged by this as I have been preparing for this for the past five weeks. Fair enough, but running isn't just about running, it is about putting the right fuel in your body and making sure that you have the energy to run.

I have been trying to reduce overall consumption of food, but will have to step that up while maintaining a diet that provides the protein and energy that I'll need ... time to do so more research on all of that.