Week 3 surprise...

[KofG]

Wow, I just completed week 3 and found it to be easier that week 2! Now I'm afraid that week 4 will kill me. Could be that I'm improving, but really, running the 3 minutes seemed easier than running the multiple 90 seconds in the previous week. Either way, I'm just waiting to be devastated when I start week four this weekend. Not sure what to expect since I don't "listen ahead".

Overall I think I'm relaxing more as I run, for some reason week one had me nervous and I think it effected my breathing and even my weird arm swinging! So continuous of my arms that I was moving them all over the place--was expecting to take-off! Wishing you all, and me, luck!

Laura rocks and her words of encouragement really help.

[useitorloseit Graduate]

Those early weeks did seem to get easier - fewer runs so fewer chances to think 'oh no I can't do another run ...'! You'll be fine. Just stick to the programme!

[runswithdogs Graduate]

Glad to hear you're relaxing into it - sometimes you need reminders as you run along. Also great to hear it's getting easier. One of the best things was finding that the recovery time you need gets shorter and shorter - I was more impressed with that than the length of the runs! Looking forward to hearing about your week 4.

[Tomas Graduate]

Sounds like you're doing really well. Congratulations! And as for relaxing - that's probably what made the difference between the weeks. I've found that the less I think of "oh my gawd, this is going to be a hard run" and simply just go out there and do it, the easier it feels.

Enjoy the programme, and let us know how you're getting on.

[Buffy007 Graduate]

Can't wait to hear how you get on with your first wk 4 run.

[DoniMac]

Hi I am about to start week one, and very nervous, have not done any walking or running for ages.

How did you get started and keep motivated?

[KofG Graduate in reply to DoniMac]

Getting started was easy, just download the podcast and Laura will walk you through it. She also motivates you. I'm only starting week four but it does get easier. For Christmas I got a Fitbit so I am also motivated a little by watching my steps increase. This may sound silly but it does motivate. Good luck.

[DoniMac]

Thanks for that KofG, I did get a Fitbit, but it was too much to think about everything, I can't listen to music either, have to concentrate or my legs go everywhere but where they should

did you get knee and shin pain when you started?

[Hidden]

I also found the longer runs easier than the stop/start runs of the early weeks, but that doesn't mean you can skip any weeks. Just stick with Laura, she'll get you there!

[Mattsv Graduate]

Well done on getting to week 4. There will be more running and less walking as you go on, so pacing yourself will become more important. For the first 3 or 4 weeks I was running at 10.5k per hour, now on week 7 and I have wound it back to about 8.7 kmh. Whatever speed you are currently running at, just be prepared to slow down if you need to as the distance increases.

[Buffy007 Graduate]

This running lark isn't easy but I've managed every stage. Stick EXACTLY to what Laura says and it works. I have never run since school (40 years ago) and have wonky knees but am managing it and haven't put a foot wrong yet. I truly think that the first run of week 1 was the hardest one. After that its probably a question of knowing what you're up against and realising that you've just achieved it so can do it - IT WORKS. Everyone says it does and it really does. I'm like KofG, just finished wk 3 so no expert - but who cares - I'm an expert on the first 3 weeks now and I've done it - so you can too. Do remember - that first run is the worst.

[Buffy007 Graduate]

Have you started week 4 then?

[KofG Graduate in reply to Buffy007]

I just completed my first run of week 4---two 5 minute runs. So far so good, I was able to complete it. Too cold to run outside, so I had to do it on the treadmill. Have you completed week 3?

[Buffy007 Graduate]

Well done - you're my inspiration - if you stop then I will, so take your responsibility seriously - no pressure!

Glad you managed it seemingly without too much of a prob. My first run is tomorrow but my knees are objecting and its likely to be below freezing - not too much of a problem in itself except that the roads might be slippy and that will be a real shame - I'll be truly very sad if I, literally, break my stride but I suppose its just not worth risking slipping and breaking a bone. Fingers crossed for a thaw.

[Buffy007 Graduate]

Just done wk 4, r1. Stunning morning - minus 4; amazing sky. Found it relatively easy (well, not easy, but manageable) The worst bit was the 2nd 3min which seemed to last forever - then the final 5 mins was fine - even put on a minor spurt for the last 5 seconds! Bring on run 2.