Week 2 Run 1

[aromy]

So I've just completed w2r1 and I found it really tough. I live in the countryside so avoiding hills is impossible. When I'm running on the flat or downhill, it's a breeze. Uphill is awful and ends up with my breathing all over the place which makes it worse! It's my first run of the week and I'll be running the same circuit for the rest of the week (sun and tues). This way I can only get better. 🤞🤞

[Whatsapp Graduate]

Just remember RUN means JOG. Don't set off too fast. Its tempting, but drains the tank, and leaves you high and dry at the end

[Irish-John Graduate]

It's a tad harder programme if you are doing hills, but exponentially better results as you progress

The other good news is you still only need to run "time" Absolutely please do not get worried about "speed" or "distance"

The programme is really about building up stamina, and that is the foundation for all the rest.

I hated hills, avoided them until well after graduation. But when I did start taking them, a few weeks later I shaved ( hacked) almost 15% off my personal best 5k time on the Flat

[aromy in reply to Irish-John]

I agree. I'm not worried at all about distance right now. I just want to keep my body moving and improve my breathing as well

[Irish-John Graduate in reply to aromy]

Hills will really help with breathing though when you are actually running them it doesn't seem likely. I could not believe my time in the 5k race after just running hills (and God I was slow on them!) for five or six weeks once a week before the event

[SC1472 Graduate]

I have the same issue with the hills, but have managed to get a circuit together that involves a longer walk to start with to get me up the worst of the hill and the rest is undulating. Even once I start the return downhill it still goes uphill halfway down!! I'm going to gradually reduce the initial walk so that I end up 'running' uphill. It will get easier for you, keep at it, I remember having to stop on my initial runs due to an inability to breathe but am now on week 7 (age 48 and not fit, never been able to run) so there is hope!!