Well today I took myself off to the local park for a "run" well it is more like a "wobbling shuffle" really! Surprised at how much back fat I have accumulated over the years. The local pond was still frozen over solid but I could see ducks and geese in an unfrozen area near some trees so that was nice. I am finding it difficult this week running for 90 seconds and I can't last that long without having a short break during the 90 seconds where I continue to walk for a while. Is this OK or should I go back to week one until I can comfortably run for 60 seconds? I don't really want to go back to week one but I feel I am cheating a bit by not being able to run for the full 90 seconds... Anyway, I did complete the session and met four people along the way who were mostly walking their dogs. Not one of the dogs decided to chase me which was great really as there is no way I could run away from them. Everyone said "Hello" and one guy said "I wish I could run", I smiled and replied "So do I". At least I thought, he must have thought that I was a runner!
What do you think guys, should I go back to week one and admit a bit of defeat?
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unfitfred
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Ooh careful now, you are starting to like this! No, don't repeat the 60 min runs, repeat this one till you manage 90 seconds. Just try it again next time you run and repeat it till it works. Every day you rest after a run, your muscles are getting that much stronger and when they are ready, you will get through 90 seconds. Be relaxed about it and let it take the time it takes. Keep in mind when we run, about 3x or 3.5 x our weight is landing on each leg at a time. That's a lot for the muscles, tendons and knees to cope with. Stamina too just increases as you go along. I thought the first couple of weeks were hardest.
I'd suggest doing exercises to strengthen your thigh muscles and knees, if you can fit that in. There are some up on this site. That might really make a difference after a couple of weeks.
Absolutely. Doing exercise other than running which exercising your muscles differently is ideal. With cycling you are not landing with your full weight on your legs so it will continue strengthening ankles, shins and thighs while your muscles recover from the high impact that is running.
I'd also suggest looking into squats and seeing if they work for you. Keep at it Fred, it really will all come together and start to feel easy.
I don't think it's right to think of it as defeat, but more as your body adjusting to the plan. If you managed to complete week 1 three times (as I understand it) it's right that you've moved on the week 2. If you didn't complete week 1 three times, you should go back till you can do that. Otherwise, keep plugging away at week 2 until you can do that three times. It took me a while to get up the fitness to complete W1D1 so there is absolutely no shame in taking your time. I think it's more important to go at your own pace than push yourself to move up too early and get disheartened. We'll all get there eventually -- it's not a race!
Thank you for replying, I will plug away at week two then until I feel I can do it reasonably comfortably even if it takes me two or three weeks. I will feel disheartened if I progress too soon - you are right - and then I will end up giving up and getting back on the couch again. Thanks for your support.
Hi Fred,yes just keep repeating this run until you reach the 90 seconds .
It really doesn't matter how long it takes . Some people complete the programme in 9 weeks and some take longer , but theres really no need to go back to Week 1.
Just keep going , it'll come, you'll crack it Fred ! xxx
Thank you poppypug for your reply. I will do week 2 until I can comfortably reach 90 seconds of running before I move on. Thank you for your support!
I can only say what others have said, keep trying week 2 until you can do it and you will eventually, don't give up.
I couldn't help but grin at "I wish I could run", "So do I", it reminded me of W1R3 when I first did the plan a couple of years ago. Struggling along the canal on a wintry but sunny Sunday afternoon, my now hubby and my daughter racing off ahead while I struggled. Someone said to me what your person said and my response was exactly the same as yours! I went on to complete the plan and ran regularly, I've just come back to the plan after a break from running and start week 3 tomorrow.
Well done on making a start and good luck with the rest of it, you can do it!
...try, try again... Like all the great folk on this post who know, have said.. just run, run repeat until you get there...!
Everyone on the programme has had their blips and it really isn't a race.. just all about, being out there, doing it and achieving your own personal goal; and you will. Slow and steady...keep on running
I've really no need to reply I just thought I would add support to everyone who has already responded with excellent advice and support. Keep going you'll do it. Like btyd49 said I found the earlier weeks the most difficult.
Nah, keep pressing on, slow but sure. Slow is marvellous for C25k and is the best way to proceed. No rush or imperative to do anything other than finish the session.
As well as running you could do some walking on your non-run days and that's great for burning calories. Combine this lot with healthy eating and there'll be less of you by week 9 and Graduation.
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xxx
W2R2 done, but a day of mixed emotions...
W2R2
Today is the day, w9r3 it's done! 
Glad today's run is done!
W2R2
