Fit and Run.Info

I’m now on my 5th week of running!!!

Running and glancing at the stop watch function of my timepiece. 3, 4, 5 minutes and walk. Brisk. Breathing deep as pearls of sweat dropped from my head. Whew! After three minutes, I was on my feet again, running for the next five.

I’m now on my 5th week of my couch-to-5k running plan and, compared to the previous weeks, its now straight runs for 5 minutes alternated with 3 minute walks, three sets! But I’m not complaining. In fact, I’m all the more determined to increase it as well as reduce my pace per kilometer which now stands at 8 minutes.

In previous running plan runs, I usually have a longer cool down walk that sometimes take more than 20 minutes at a leisurely pace but this time, wanting to know my actual pace, used a shorter route (top) at about 4 KM along the SRP, an abbreviated version of what I followed during the third week.

This route along the SRP is more picturesque than the other side that I used in my second week. Lots of open spaces here as well as an elevated portion when the road crosses the Mananga River. As usual, less traffic in the morning (between 0540H – 0612H), few runners too and it’s still not too hot for comfort. The downside? It’s concrete all throughout and sometimes can be hard on the shins.

Five minutes for this newbie runner is no mean feat. As much as possible, I want to maintain the same pace when running. However, when I was already on my third and last set, I have to slow down a little as my legs began to tire but I still strictly followed the time. Tiring, but definitely well worth it!

Similar Posts:

• Doing another route in SRP, 3rd week of running plan
• 2nd week of couch-to-5k running plan
• 5th week and now 8-5-8 minutes run and walk
• My first run at the SRP; fifth day of couch-to-5k running plan
• Wrapping up my first week of couch-to-5k running plan

Estan Cabigas is a multiawarded blogger, freelance photographer and a newbie runner based in Makati City, the Philippines. A true blue Cebuano, he makes stunning images and meaningful photo stories. He has writtten for CNN Go and his photograph published in the May 2010 issue of the National Geographic Magazine.

To know more about him and his photography, visit estancabigas.com.

Tags: couch-to-5k, routes

6 April 2010 | Races, running plan | .