I found w2R1 ok so skipped straight to w3R1-found it was ok too so thinking of w4r1 as next run and following programme from there?gd idea?

[Sunny_3]

[Kimmiijay Graduate]

I'd probably try to keep increasing speed and making it harder that way, but I guess if you're already hitting 10kmh or 6mph and its not much of a challenge step it off. My mate says if you aren't hot and sweaty by the end of exercise you need to step it up a bit.

[Hidden]

Nope - definitely not a good idea to skip that far ahead. The whole idea of these early weeks is to introduce you and to get your body ready for running.

Skip to W4 and you will more than likely struggle with the longer runs in W5 - W6.

End of the day ask yourself what is the rush to jump forward, just take it one week at a time, one run at a time and you'll start to learn to enjoy running.

Good luck.

[Sunny_3 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for both your responses, they have been very useful. I'm new to running and obviously getting ahead of myself without realising I will make it harder for myself in the long run. I will stick with week 3 and carry on. I think i may just increase my speed a little but am wondering if thats a good idea as Laura's comments always say not go too fast, I'm sticking to a steady jogging/running pace for the run sections? Thanks again.

[Hidden]

It's great that you're so enthusiastic about progressing that you're thinking of jumping ahead, but I'd echo what MatthewW said about setting yourself up properly and safely for the longer runs. Whilst it is easy to get caught up in the excitement of being able to achieve early runs relatively easily (this comes from someone who skipped week 1 and went straight to week 2), you'll thank yourself for sticking to the programme in weeks to come when stamina matters most.

The programme is designed for all shapes, ages, sizes, varying lifestyles, other exercise commitments etc, and you'll find that all these variables and more make different weeks harder or easier for different people - check out the poll on what week people found the hardest and you'll see the variety.

I'd also caution pushing yourself harder at this early stage - whether you realise it or not, you're learning loads of stuff about running, recovery, pacing, building speed and more importantly, stamina and endurance from the structure as it is. This will stand you in good stead when the runs become more tough. I don't know about others, but I get a bigger sense of achievement from finishing a steady paced run, than from starting off too fast and burning out / stopping before the end. As long as you don't follow the advice about heel striking (I'm still not sure how that got recommended as advice on these podcasts!), you'll find yourself flying through the programme!

Enjoy

[Sunny_3 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for your comments, I've realised through everyone comments/experiences that I need to be logical about this and think about long term stamina and being able to prepare myself for the longer runs with the ground work in earlier weeks. I hadn't really thought of it in this way so glad you all have helped put me back in the right direction!

[katee1958 Graduate]

I agree with newbie runners comments, I think the stamina you build up by following all the stages of the programme has really helped me, in fact, I know I personally wouldn't have been able to do this without the gradual increase (remembering I am/was very unfit) and I am ALWAYS hot & sweaty at the end...but am loving it. Good luck with your journey x

[Sunny_3 in reply to katee1958]

Thank you!

[Scipio Graduate]

I agree with the others above, I think doing each run as in the programme helps to build the stamina that you will need for the longer runs.

[Sunny_3 in reply to Scipio]

Thanks!

[Maturelady Graduate]

I agree with the others. If you skip too far the chance of being defeated and disappointed is greater, which in turn could put you off. Plus each week Laura gives you tips to make sure you are running correctly. Happy running and keep it up.