W2R2- Love you Laura but that was the toughest for me.

[CasFowler]

I did W1 but ended up doing 4 runs at this due to the fact that the last run was a half run really with dog and child around, did W2R1 and was pretty good some huffing and puffing but found strength and willpower to stick at it but run 2 was hell on legs! Could not manage to keep to 90 secs managed around 75 to 80 then had to stop to die! I am pretty sure my problem was stress as have stopped smoking and my life is super stressful at min, know others have posted some good some bad days but now I have to motivate myself to try again tomorrow and that is what I am finding hard as well what if I struggle again and huff and puff like an old steam engine...

[gemma3378]

Hi I've just done w2r2 tonight and I also found it tough. I managed the runs ok and my breathing is ok but I'm getting bad calf pain. My leg muscles are so stiff the 5 minute walk at the end is agony.

[Hidden]

Well , just remember one of the best remedies for stress is exercise. It might not seem like it now while you are just starting with the running PLUS stopping smoking as well but stick with Laura and you will be transformed. Good luck. We all huff and puff at the beginning but it DOES get easier.

[44cmn Graduate]

Keep at it and you'll feel so much better. I was in your exact same shoes late January, puffing away on the cigs and starting c25k. Infact I was rushing back home to have a smoke ! So I finally realised how ridiculous I was and stopped the smokes, it wasn't easy but so much easier then planning my life around smoking. It made the running easier and I graduated and am doing 5km three times a week in training for a half marathon in October.

Please keep at the running and the no smoking, you can do it

[CasFowler in reply to 44cmn]

Thank you. Found so much determination like you was smoking but wanted to run too so one had to go which was the fags... I am determined to do this somehow. ..

[44cmn Graduate in reply to CasFowler]

Take it day by day and you'll do it. I found it best not to look months ahead, just hours initially and then a day or two.

My usual morning routine used to be three cigarettes, two coffees, shower then a crafty last cig before work. Now, every other day, I swim, run or have a half hour on the weights and a steam. I could Never have done this with the cigarettes.. Good luck, keep at it and you'll feel the benefits very quickly

[BoPeep9009 Graduate in reply to 44cmn]

Wow! That's really inspiring and helpful to hear! Thanks ... i also stopped smoking in conjunction with starting c25k and to hear you've achieved all that in 4 months is awesome! All the best with your marathon (half or whole it's a biggie!!!) challenge!

[no-excuse Graduate]

You will do it if you stick with it. It doesn't matter if you have to stop for a bit or repeat some of the weeks. Just stick with it, it will get more rewarding, there are so many positive benefits. Well done for starting the programme and for giving up smoking, I know its not easy but you have done the hardest bit already. Good luck with it. x

[Hidden]

Okay, so it was a 'bad' run - well done for getting out there and trying and for also finishing it. It's true that exercise is good for relieving stress but as you've just given up smoking you will find that your lungs are trying to have a clear out. Have you had any products from the doctor such as patches and an inhalator - these can really help, that's how I succeeded in packing up last January. I found the running actually helped to take my mind off it a bit and made me more determined. You will frequently find that a 'bad' run is followed by a really good run so please don't let this incident put you off. Are you going really slowly, especially at the start? The slower the better as you need to build up stamina and slow and steady is the way to do it. Good luck with your next run, I'm sure you will be fine, and my very best wishes to you.