W8R1 done - please say it gets easier!!

[Fluffypaws21]

Well, have been plodding along and reading lots of lovely posts to keep me motivated! Not long back from Week 8 run 1 which has nearly killed me (slight exaggeration!). Laura keeps telling me I should be getting used to the longer runs now - not sure I am as I sit here with stiff legs and a scarlet face!!!!

[MarkyD Graduate]

25mins->28mins->30mins.

When you think about it, W9 is only an increase in 2 minutes compared to your current W8 runs. By the time you've done W8r3 you will be ready for W9 and graduation, I promise.

"It gets easier".

[Fluffypaws21 Graduate in reply to MarkyD]

Thanks! Feel better thinking that it's only another 2 minutes!

[Hidden]

you are so close to graduation now that is all down to you , you have done run1 week8 , all teh other weeks have got you to this point, stick with it and you will do it as for easier , the hardest part is starting at week1 run1 , you did that now look where you are go on you can do it

[Fluffypaws21 Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thank-you. Feel a bit calmer now. You're right that the first run was really the hardest! Determined to keep going.

[Hidden in reply to Fluffypaws21]

good for you glad you are feeling calmer now

[poppypug Graduate]

Yep Fluff, I agree with Marky D, you've done 28 minutes, you can do 30 minutes no problem

Whats a piddling 2 minutes between friends ?

Never forget how far you have come, you are doing really well, just keep doing what youre doing. Deep breaths....

Graduation week next week, keep going ! xxx

[Fluffypaws21 Graduate]

Thank-you. You're right - a measly 2 mins. Only time so far I've had a proper panic thinking I couldn't do anymore but I know I can - paws crossed!

[Pollynorris Graduate]

Remember how hard w1 was? Week 8 to 9 is the smallest increase of the programme - the end is in sight!

[the_tea_fairy Graduate]

You're doing grand. Don't let the red face scare you. Mine is still quite often beetroot after 10 mins and I'm almost able to do 2 (red faced) hours by now, so it's worth just ignoring it.

The stiff legs are more if a pain; build em up gently and try a bit of gentle post-run yoga if they're stubborn.

You are so nearly there

[hilbean Graduate]

But you did it! And that deserves a huge pat on the back. Not long now until you graduate x

[Fluffypaws21 Graduate in reply to hilbean]

Thank-you. It always helps having some moral support.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Each week you have increased the challenge to yourself and you body, and you have met that challenge. You will sail through the W9 challenges and then you are on your own and you can just stick at 30 minute runs, if you want to, which will give your mind and body chance to catch up with each other. You will be able to run purely for fun and reflect on your amazing transformation into a runner. In future if you push yourself it will still be hard, but you will eventually discover the pleasures of the easy run when your body takes over and you are just along for the ride.

Keep running, keep smiling.

[Fluffypaws21 Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thanks for your reply. Yes, smile back on and I'm off out again tomorrow.

[Runon Graduate]

It does get easier but when it does you'll be finding yourself setting new more difficult challenges for yourself - longer distances, faster times, rougher terrain, hillier hills, vallier vallies etc. Part of the 'buzz' is the reward we feel in overcoming these. There will come a time (probably not that far) off when running for 30 mins becomes a very pleasant and enjoyable experience at the right pace and you will look at the landscape as though you are out on a stroll - when it feels easy - and that's when you will possibly want to start stretching yourself again Good luck - you'll do it easy!

[Fluffypaws21 Graduate in reply to Runon]

Thanks for your reply. I do feel better now and I can see that it will become less of a struggle and something I will really enjoy. Am not giving up!

[helingmic]

Fluffypaws21 , in my non expert opinion, you can ease a bit! You can slow the pace to give your tired legs some way to recuperate.I am on week 7 . I have a lung condition, yet I do my "running" on a static bike! yeah it's long, so I cut it in half, mainly because I need the loo! and start the other half again. Nobody says you have to have stiff legs. go gently, because that's part of the building up.

Take care of your legs and they'll carry you further!