Couch to 5K Week 2, Day 1 calls for a five minute walk, then alternating 90 seconds of jogging with two minutes of walking. That’s an increase of 30 seconds of jogging compared to C25K Week 1. I was anxious to add to the time I spent during the jogging portion so I was looking forward to the day’s workout.
Before I ran, I put on my Omron HR-100C heart rate monitor to determine my heart rate during the walking and running phases of the workout. I use it during my H.I.I.T. bicycle workouts and although inexpensive, the heart rate monitor provides fairly accurate feedback. According to the heart rate monitor, I was in the moderate intensity to heavy intensity range (140-180 bpm) during the running phases.
Like the previous week the jogging on the first half of the out and back route was at a faster pace than the last half. My breathing is becoming less labored so I’m encouraged with the progress in that area. I bike regularly, so I was surprised that I was so winded during the first running workouts. I guess it just took a few days for my body to get to use to the intensity of the running.
Since I’m running for a greater length of time during the jogging portion, I’ve increased the distance I travel during the workout. I now have to cross another busy road, but the scenery is a little different. Overall C25K W2D1 went well, although I’m still having some slight cramps in my calves during the last half of the workout. Anybody have any suggestions on how to get rid of that?
Hi!
First, congrats on starting C25K!
I started the program myself about 3 weeks ago, and so far I’m finding that it’s working just as it says! After the first and second runs of Week 1, I was SO sore! I didn’t know how I was going to continue. But with the help of a little Tiger Balm, I kept on going!
I’m doing Week 4 Run 1 tomorrow (running for 5 mins.. eek!).. I’m crossing my fingers!
As for the cramps in your calves, for the first week and a bit, I had the worst cramps in my shins. But as I said, with a little tiger balm, and just taking it “slow”.. they disappeared. I did a little research and I found that leg cramps are often from pushing yourself too hard at the beginning of a training program. Maybe try taking it a little slower until your adjusted?
Good luck!
If you have some time, check out my blog too! I post all my runs and some baking/cooking recipes too!
http://www.runningfromcupcakes.com