Couch to 5K & RunKeeper: Week 1 Day 2
I started the Couch to 5K program last Monday and continued with the second day of the first week today. I had RunKeeper Pro at my side to keep tabs on my run. The routine was the same:
- 5 minute warm up brisk walk
- 60 second jog/run + 90 second brisk walk (repeated 8 times for 20 minutes total)
- 5 minute cool down normal walk
What was different today? I found it easier to make it through the 60 second jog/run sections and I didn't strain as much. I was still just as sore as I was on Monday, and I started to tense up around the 18 minute mark, just as I did on Monday. My breathing was a little easier today, and I was able to catch my breath fully during the 90 second walking sections (I wasn't able to on Monday). Check out the speed graphs - the first one is from Monday (day 1):
The next one is from today (day 2):
The speed is more uniform on the second day, and I figure that came from having a little more stamina.
The time splits also improved from Monday:
To Tuesday:
It's not a huge improvement, but the two-mile time dropped from 25:38 to 24:10, which is about a 10% improvement. I haven't been able to complete a two mile run since I was in high school (nine years ago), and my best time for two miles was 18-19 minutes. Of course, I was 25 pounds lighter back then!
So far, the program is working pretty well for me. I'm feeling more energized throughout the day and I'm more optimistic about working out.
