Today was Day Two of Week 5, meaning I had to do two sets of 8-minute runs, with a walking break in the middle. I also had my very first “should I be going on” moment, when I started feeling a little nagging feeling in my lower right leg. Both reports for the week so far are posted here, on my Week 5 page.
Thanks for coming by!
Oranges 2 Oranges 
Hi Shannan – Week 5 is the catapult to longer running intervals. Be sure to stretch very well before and after and do the 5 minute warmup walks and cooldowns. I never skimp on that – the one time I did, I felt more soreness and ‘nagging feelings’ in my legs. It was at this point too that I started practicing more ‘self talk’ and using mental strength to get to the end. Like you said, it is challenging, but it is do-able even for the most novice runners (like me!)
Keep up the great work, you’re almost half way through already!
Run on…
ohh it’s all about the self talk! I start to focus on moving my legs and taking good long strides. That seem to keep me going on those times when “just stop” start swimming in my head.
Thanks, guys, for the tips! I’m going to keep all this in mind when I hit the point where I’m going, “uh, I’ve never gone THIS long before!” I’m also going to make sure I’m doing the stretching correctly and for long enough. I’m sure not being thorough was a big part of today’s leg thing.
Roni, your mention of the “just stop” and “start swimming” made me think of Finding Nemo, when Dory sings, “just keep swimming…”. LOL I’m a little strange that way. 😛
Good job!
Today I hope to run 20 minutes without stopping, wish me luck!