Week 4 of my Couch to 5K journey marked a significant milestone: the halfway point. Embarking on this week, I was filled with a mix of exhilaration and nervous anticipation. The program’s structure was about to take an ambitious leap, and I was both excited to start and conscious of the challenges ahead. This week was a true test of my commitment and endurance.
This Week’s Structure
Each session began with a 5-minute walk to warm up, followed by intervals that pushed my limits further than before; 3 minutes of running, 90 seconds of walking, 5 minutes of running, 2 and a half minutes of walking, another 3 minutes of running, 90 seconds of walking, and a concluding 5 minute run with a 5 minute cool down. It was a regimen designed to stretch my capabilities and endurance.
Daily Milestones
~December 25 “CHRISTMAS” (Day 1): The week kicked off with 1.82 miles. The initial excitement quickly transformed into a realization of the week’s difficulty. The longer running intervals were a stark contrast to previous weeks, demanding more from both my body and mind.
~December 27 (Day 2): Covering 1.83 miles, I found myself wrestling with doubts of physical demands. Each step was a conversation between my will to continue and the temptation to stop. But with each interval completed, I gained a small but significant victory.
~December 29 (Day 3): Completing 1.92 miles, I could sense a shift. Despite the challenge, there was a growing confidence, an understanding that i was capable of more than I had given myself credit for.
A Humbling Experience
This week humbled me. The increased running time was a start reminder of the journey’s difficulty. There was one moment on the first day after just hitting one mile I had actually asked my self out loud, “am I even moving” it was incredibly difficult. Yet, it was the very act of questioning that fueled my determination to continue. With each run, I was not just counting down, I was building strength, resilience, and belief in myself.
The Power of Perseverance
What kept me going was the knowledge that I was nearing the program’s halfway point. Each run brought me closer to that milestone, and with it, a sense of accomplishment that was deeply personal and incredibly profound. The realization that I was only 3 runs away from halfway through was both a comfort and motivator.
Halfway to Victory
Finishing week 4 was about more than completing runs’ it was about overcoming the mental and physical barriers that had once seemed insurmountable. I was officially further than I had ever come in previous attempts and halfway through the program, despite the increasing difficulty, my excitement for the journey ahead remained undiminished.
Looking Forward with Determination
As I look to the second half of the program, I do so with a mix of anticipation and readiness. The path to the 5k is clear, with 12 runs standing between me and my goal. Each step forward is a step toward not just a physical destination but a personal transformation.
This week was a testament to the journey’s complexity and my capacity to rise to the occasion. It was a week of being humbled, of being challenged, and ultimately, of triumphing. As I continue, I carry with me the lessons of these early days, the memories of each mile covered, and the unwavering belief that the finish line is not just a place, but a promise of greater things to come.
Side note* I have caught up and am now going to attempt to post the day or day after I complete a run Instead of week updates. Hope to see you there!