Another run, and this one marks the end of the 5th week of the Couch to 5k plan. Only a few runs to go now before the first full 5k. Looking forward to it now.

Today’s run was a straight 2 miles (or 20 minutes). I decided to go for the 2 miles for this run rather than the time, because ultimately the idea here is to be running 5k, so sooner or later I need to go for distances instead of times and this seemed like the appropriate time to do that.

Today’s run was also the first pure run - no walking. That meant running more than double the distance I’ve run in one go since the plan started. 4 times the longest distances I’d run in this plan up to Wednesday. A serious jump - possibly the largest of the plan so far.

However, it was no real problem. I warmed up a little better before getting started and got myself into a decent rhythm as quickly as possible. From there it was just a matter of putting one foot in front of the other and breathing. Finishing it was a great feeling - not least because there is no way I could have done this 6 weeks ago.

My run was half uphill and half downhill. By the time I reached the golf course at the top of the hill (halfway), my lungs and legs were complaining. However, as soon as I turned around the run seemed to suddenly get easier. Spooky. I may try and find a flatter route for the days I’m not feeling too energetic!

I finished the run in 18 minutes, which I was pleased with - a little quicker than I’d aimed for. I (and my running partner, who also did her run today) are both feeling pretty proud of ourselves and have both recently discovered we’re actually rather enjoying this running lark. Who’d have thought it?