Are we there yet ?

 #definitionofdone

I'm trying to get back to pre-lockdown level of running fitness via a C25K programme (OneYou). A week ago I hit the first longer run (week 5, run 3) at 20mins. I planned a fairly forgiving (aka not too hilly) out and back route, but got to 14 mins with the wind in my face and a slight incline..... and just ran out of breath. I paused the app, walked to recover, then ran the remaining time. (and yes I had completed all the previous runs up to this one)

The app says "smashed it" when you complete the run. It doesn't have an option to say “nearly there” or "could do better".

Now I know project managers that would take something live at that point ..... I mean the run wasn’t continuous, but there was 20 minutes of it ? and maybe the customer doesn’t need the last 6 minutes until we’ve managed to do a continuous 20min run at a later date. I mean it’s good enough isn’t it ?

But the next long run isn’t 20 minutes, it’s 25 minutes. And the week after consists of 3 more runs of 25mins.

Not done then.

This week I planned a similarly forgiving route, but in the opposite direction so I’d have the wind at my back on the homeward leg. And this time.... I managed the full 20minutes. Just.

Done yet ? If I am picking my route so carefully ? And dreading the uphill slopes ?

Well it depends... what does “done” mean in this case ?

My personal view (as it’s my goal and done-ness):

It does not mean I can run 20minutes cumulatively (14+6)

My MVP on the programme is a continuous 20min run

But the true programme “done” is to complete that run with enough quality and comfort that I can happily move on to the week 6 and 7 runs. (I've done the week 6 interval runs already)

And actually the goal isn’t to complete the C25k programme, that is the “means whereby”. The goal is to get back to my pre-lockdown running, which was running intervals. I’m adding that test into my running.... over a shorter distance than 5k initially, and over 5k later.

Not quite done yet then 😉 (post script to add: yes there is a time element to this goal. In theory I have a Supernova 5k run in November. Which means I have time to repeat weeks in the programme and don't need to settle for MVP. When I asked, they said they would make a go/no-go decision about 8 weeks beforehand..... so I'll know some time in the next few weeks.)