Mind over matter

[hollew]

The minute I allow myself to think I'm feeling fine and doing well, my body gives up and I have to walk.

I feel as though I will never have the power within to push myself!

[rosie15]

I'm just the same .It does seem too hard but its early days yet.

[useitorloseit Graduate]

I think it's early days to be thinking like that! You'll be fine. Just follow the programme, don't do extra - just do what Laura tells you to do and you'll be ok. If you push yourself too hard too soon, you will be demotivated and possibly injured. Also running with a 10 year old is not advisable as it will make you feel like you're 150!!! They have boundless energy and just run for joy, unlike adults for whom it is pure torture to start with!

[LordOberon Graduate]

The only way I could achieve the times set for running was to run slowly. Don't worry about the distance just achieve the time target. Running with a youngster probably forces your pace a little and increases the chance to burn out before the the time set.

[Hidden]

Don't worry about running fast, running slow enough to complete the set running periods is what's important. I'm on week 8 and it took me a while to stop worrying that I can only run marginally faster than what is a brisk walk for me. Speed can come in time as we get fitter

[Atalaya Graduate]

Yep - I agree with everything said above. I'm another one whose run is just a little bit faster than a walk. I also, without fail, find the first bit of any run extraordinarily difficult mentally and physically and have to constantly remind myself that most people feel the same way and I mustn't stop. Somehow I always come through it.

[Vixchile Graduate]

Like others have said follow laura words and don't add extra, I learnt from this mistake the first time. You will get there slow and steady is the most important part of this programme. Good luck and let us know how your next run goes

[freckles44 Graduate]

Everyone feels like that, just remember it's not about speed it's about building stamina, even if you go really slowly just try to think about something else, I found music works for this. Above all don't beat yourself up, just try again next time, try to relax and enjoy

[GoogleMe Graduate]

I'd go further... it is about sustaining a running motion, and may well not be faster at all, or even as fast, as a brisk walk.

Most of us have phases where we overthink and end up getting in our own way. Sometimes we've heard so much about the power of positive thinking but really it is about just doing it in that moment. Granted that as everyone has sensibly pointed out, you probably could usefully reduce your speed because the aim at this stage is just to keep running (take smaller steps, run on the spot if you get truly desperate). Laura will give you the go to have a little push for the last minute if you've still got it in you

[Realfoodieclub Graduate]

Give yourself a break your learning something very new. I had similar problems for a while until someone gave me the tip to start to count to 100 in your head when you feel like quitting. It focuses the brain on something else and by the time you get to 100 it has calmed the panic down. Keep going you will find what works for you.

[Slookie Graduate in reply to Realfoodieclub]

That's a good tip RFC. Will put it in my pocket next time out.

[Slookie Graduate]

You will. Keep at it but make sure it is v-e-r-y s-l-o-w-l-y. Running muscles take time to develop so even if you are running at walking pace it is still helping your overall development. When you start to see the benefits it will perk your willpower up a bit too (not saying you need to benefit, but I did and it was wonderful to see untoned flab turn itself into something resembling toned muscle).

Good luck and keep at it!

[scawbyplace Graduate]

Please don't get downhearted. Determination will get you through.

Like realfoodieclub I give myself something to aim for when I think it is time to give up e.g round the next corner or to the next turning, then when I reach that point I focus on the next one. Some of my longest runs have started off with me wanting to give up after 10 mins!

I am a slow runner but I now run 3 times a week with at least one of those being a 10k run - last year I couldn't run 100 yards without thinking that death was imminent! I didn't think that I would ever be able to run at a 'running speed' without my legs creaking and groaning but it does come together eventually - believe me. Just don't be in a hurry.

I recall reading a post on here when I was really struggling that said 'anything faster than a walk is running' and that gave me heart. I am no gazelle but I can now call myself a runner - it just takes time.

Keep up the good work - we are all cheering you on : )