W3R3 think I'll need to repeat i

[Kreesh]

Just did this run this morning and as usual I had to stop running half way through the first 3 minute run, but was okay to complete the second one?! Maybe it's a getting warmed up thing, but should I wait until I do both runs easily? ??

[LMS2110 Graduate]

Just a thought, why not try doing a slightly longer warm up ... Like walking briskly for a couple of minutes before you turn on the podcast - it might be all you need in the way of warming up so that your first run is more successful. Otherwise, all I can add is that I still find the early part of every one of my runs more difficult than the final stretches. I'm just putting it all down to gradual warming up and my failure to find a comfy pace in the first few minutes. I hope I'll get better as I become a more experienced runner.

[runningnotwalking Graduate]

I found one or two of the first runs hard when starting but put it down to running the first run too quickly. Perhaps changing the pace a little will help ?

[Kreesh]

Thanks all. To be honest, a fast walker would overtake me I'm such a slow coach when running! It's maybe all in my head. I am not at all confident I can do 5min non stop next run...

[Hidden]

It sounds as though a bit of a lack in confidence could be getting in your way to some extent. Bear in mind that a fast walker has probably been doing that walking for a lot longer than you've been running. You will improve and, perhaps, need to tell yourself that you are doing something that is for your own benefit. If you go a bit slowly at the moment then so be it. I often jog at walking pace but still feel that I am doing myself a power of good. I wish you all the very best with the rest of your C25K.

[Kreesh in reply to Hidden]

Yes confidence is a big factor in this whole enterprise! I do feel I'm doing more than I used to which was absolutely no exercise! Thanks for your kind wishes.

[Stubbyp Graduate]

The early stage of each run is definitely the hardest. I can remember the early weeks and how hard they were. You will learn to push through the tough early stages as you get to know that it gets much better very quickly with just a bit of determination. I'm in week 7 and the first 5 mins of the 25 min runs are definitely the hardest, finding the right pace and getting properly warmed up, but knowing that the feeling will pass gives the confidence to push on. It's easy to say this now but I do remember struggling with even the 1 min runs just a few weeks ago.

Don't worry about your pace, the programme is all about building stamina, speed can wait until you're happy running for 30 mins, and believe me you will get to that point. Just trust in Laura and the rest of us that have been through this too.