Going back to the beginning again...sort of

On the advice of my running partner, I have started trying going back to some [url=http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml]couch to 5k[/url] stuff. So far, it's worked. It looks like I should be able to get my times right down for 5k and 10k and should be in the position whereby I am doing little or no walking.

I have almost come to the end of week 6. This now has no walking at all and is focused more on increasing the amount of time you run. The increases aren't huge; but it can still be a bit of a struggle running continuously for around 22 minutes, which is where I am now. Only a few more weeks to go and then I should be able to run 5k. I will then try to find a programme which means I should be ready for the Haldon Heartbeat (8.55 miles) at the end of April.

It's certainly going to be a hectic few months running wise.

Due to having to go sort of back to the beginning, I've had to change the races that I'm going to do. I have no runs now until the end of February, which is a 5k in Bath (Skyline series) and then the following week, I am in Cardiff for the St David's Day 5k.

Exeter First Chance 8/1/12

Got there quite earlier, having gone for a wander beforehand. By this time, I'd been awake for a good 7 hours and was starting to get quite bored. Just wanted to go out there and run! We were warned that the start was a good ten minute walk from race HQ, which for me, was a good thing.

Started off quite slow and saw no club mates there. Unfortunately, we passed far too many bikers and walkers and had to constantly shout that runners were coming through.

The race didn't appear to be just road - never had a race which wasn't just road.

I passed (or got passed by) a scary amount of runners wearing fluorescent yellow running tops. :lol: (a few of the clubs' colours)

The race was two laps - I hate laps a lot. Just can't get on with them.

Part way around the second lap, I started to speed up slightly, having tried to keep a slow pace in order not to use too much energy before the end of the race.

Near the end of the race, I had a few people (I think they were marshalls) telling me to go faster. I ended up sprinting across the finish line to discover that a few team mates were at the finish line to meet.:)

All in all, it was a good race. Will certainly be doing this next year. Finish time of 1:21:53 = 53s slower than Castle Combe, which I found to be much harder.