Runna

 So I did a thing. 

And I know I said I liked to create my own plans, that is true, but I do like to look at other plans and pick and chose what will work for me into my own plan. 

I have also wanted to try Runna for ages. So I downloaded it and picked a short, 6 week improvers 5km plan, just to see how it worked. 

I chose, two runs a week (knowing that I can still do my choice of long run for a third run). I added in a strength training session and a mobility session. 

Well I'm now on week 6! feeling chuffed with that. And here are some things I really like about the app:

Variety: I like the variety of running sessions you can do; intervals, progressive long runs, pyramids. I've liked it as it's mixed up my running a bit. Although I always liked  like to add in speed sessions, hills etc, it's nice to have it all scheduled for you by someone that knows what they're doing (or an app that knows what it's doing). 

Garmin Syncing: I like that it syncs with my garmin, so I don't have to programme the technical sessions - that said I didn't realise this the first 3 weeks and WAS painstakingly scheduling them into into my watch, until I did realise.  I also like that you can add in ad hoc sessions. Which now I've come to the end of my 6 weeks I'll have a couple of weeks off plan but can still add these ad hoc sessions to my running. 

Moveable Sessions: I like that the sessions are easily moveable on the plan and goals are changeable. For example I changed my 5km time goal half way through. It didn't throw me back to the start of my plan just updated my timings on the intervals/technical runs. 

More Stats: I like the stats it gives you. I do have stats on Garmin, and strava but who doesn't love a third version of stats.

Strength training: What I LOVED was the strength training. Not only is it geared to running. But you can add what equipment you have at home and the sessions include that equipment. I have an eclectic mix of gym stuff (barbell, bands, kettlebells) and was struggling to find works outs that included all these, so this has been an absolute bonus. 

Dislike: Probably the only thing I didn't like, was the mobility, and that's nothing against the app, that's just me. I don't enjoy it (yes I know I have to do it). So I skipped all but one of these sessions. 

Has it made a difference to my running? 

Yes it has, I can feel that I've got a bit faster. It's challenged me on some of the sessions. I've also enjoyed the running sessions more. I've also accepted that I don't have to stick to it religiously and that it's ok to do my own thing somethings (I'm never going to survive 16 weeks of a plan if I feel I can't do my own thing now and then).  

I'm at the point now where I need to think about a marathon training plan. I'm very very likely now to use Runna. After this week  I'm going to spend some time looking at the options for marathon training, and find one that I think will work for me. 

Watch this space. 

Where I'm at & buses

My blogs are like buses: you wait forever for one then two come a long at once.

So I thought I'd update where I'm at with my running, planning, progress and what not. 

So we have officially 20 weeks to go... eeek. It's a this point I could potentially be starting a training plan, but I'm not. I've decided to go with a 16 week training plan, which will start the first week of Jan; I'm going to become one of those people you see out running out the that first week of Jan, and think " London Marathon training has begun" .. well that's what I always think anyway. Turns out it's true!! 

So yes, 16 weeks. I also chose this 'cause I don't want to put pressure on me over the Christmas season, cause let's be realistic, food comas aren't conducive to running, something I discovered after my run club Christmas party/lunch  on the weekend. 

BUT I'm super happy so far with the progress I've made since I got that infamous/rare "You're In!" email back in June. 

I had set myself some goals. 

• A December 1st half marathon, to get me into the running swing of things. 
• To build up some consistency, and fitness 
• To do regular strength training/stretching. 

Pleased to report this has mostly been successful (strength training fail). And there was no half marathon on 1st December (luckily the one I signed up to was cheap so not a huge loss) as I wasn't at the right distance. BUT despite that I'm super glad I did sign up to it as it got me started. And I feel like I've made so much progress, reaching that consistency goal, and I feel almost like I did a few years ago with my regular running. 

It's not always been easy. Some nights/mornings I didn't get out the door. Sometimes I had to force myself out without putting thinking about it it. Some runs were painfully hideous (mental pain, not physical thank god). Some runs were amazing. Some were even fun. But all in all, I feel like a runner again.

I've seen improvement in my speed - horray! with most runs coming in now with 12 min miles instead of  13-14. I would love to get back to regular 11 minute miles, but I know I'm progressing so hopefully that will come. 

Running does seem to be easier. I will say it's easier on my lungs, but I still have to remind myself to slow down. Problem is my legs don't like to slow down and complain if they do. Can't win, my lungs and legs need to make friends and learn to work together. 

My other goal was to slowly build up my weekly mileage. Which I've been absolutely religious about (not going over my planned milage) this was mainly to avoid injury/shin splints. I'm pleased to say that's worked (although there has been the odd days my shins have started to complain). My ultimate goal was to be at 15 miles a week by the new year. Currently reaching 14 miles a week so am well on track to do that!! 

I'm also uber proud as I've been adding in hills to my runs too. I've said it before, and I'll say it again but there is nothing like hill running for improving fitness and running.  And I do still miss Clapham which was so good for hill running. But we have a few hills around here (even though it means not running by the river) and including the hills definitely makes running on the flat so much easier.

I also have an ulterior motive as I'll be staying somewhere VERY hilly for a few weeks over Christmas and if I don't learn to love hills there will be zero running happening, so I have to prepare for that too. In fact my plan is to embrace those hills which I hope will help when I launch myself into that 16 week plan in Jan too. 

So yes, when people ask me how the training is going I am much more confident in my answer. And I'm so chuffed to be out running regularly again. I really am feeling more like my former self back in Clapham 4-6 years ago. It makes me very happy that it's still in me, and hopefully I can continue without injury and get back to full pre covid fitness again!! 

Thank you London marathon for spurring me on.