Getting there slowly

[bareliz]

W4 R2 completed. Definitely not easy but really happy I completed it. The funny thing is my breathing is better at the end than at the beginning - unlike my legs!

[Hidden]

So how on earth does that happen then?? Unless of course your breathing naturally regulates itself and your lung capacity improves... Failing that you sound a medical miracle.

[bareliz in reply to Hidden]

Ha, I wish

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

Ha, no this is normal..

When you start a run, your body has to take on more oxygen to cope with the exertion which takes about 8 minutes until your blood is full of oxygen. Then you feel better because you are running aerobically..

Your breathing regulates and your running feels easier.. (til you get tired😆)

*not a doctor...just tips I've picked up on this forum 😉

[bareliz in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Oh wow, thanks for that, it makes sense. Also it helps psychologicaly, as (except for aching legs) I think that I may be able to run further in future.

[Millsie-J Graduate in reply to bareliz]

Takes me 12 minutes to get to that point..... monitor how you feel when you start the longer runs and recognise your own equivalent to 'the toxic ten' 😀

[bareliz in reply to Millsie-J]

'Toxic ten?' Is that the first 10 minutes of running being the worst?

[Millsie-J Graduate in reply to bareliz]

Yes for those reasons Bluebirdrunner explained

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to bareliz]

Yep! Or toxic 15 as it was for me...

[bareliz in reply to Oldfloss]

Haha, sounds about right!

[RockysGirl48 in reply to bareliz]

So y'all are saying that once I build up to 10 minutes or more, it actually becomes easier?

[bareliz in reply to RockysGirl48]

I don't think it's so much it gets easier, just that you are able to step up the minutes because your breathing steadies. For me it doesn't get easier, just different, but actually not as hard going further through the program as I expected. It really has been well designed.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Because you have relaxed and just gone with it...It is all too easy, to concentrate so hard at the beginning of the run and thump our feet down too.. Now, you have cracked the breathing:)....let the relaxation spread to the legs. Kiss the ground with your feet and slow and steady does it

[bareliz in reply to Oldfloss]

Yes you're right. I am very conscious at the beginning to make sure I put my heel down first as I tend to walk flat footed. I think I over compensate at the beginning but by the end it seems a lot more natural. Thanks for the advice

[Hidden in reply to Oldfloss]

Kiss the ground, now that's a heck of a description, but I love it, because at present I'm definitely a thumper...

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Hidden]

One of my favourites and.. when you manage it, it feels amazing!

[ChunkyMonkey Graduate]

Hi - yes I'm with you on that one! The first run of the session is the hardest . Well done for completing it - you are doing so well.

[bareliz]

Thank you. I try not to think of the following week, just plodding through the current one. Otherwise I might have a cry - haha!

[JenniferCMS Graduate]

Mr Smoothie Michael Johnson says heels first but I believe the latest thinking is to land flat-footed (which might suit you, bareliz). Am I right, more experienced runners?

I find it hard enough to move forwards to think about my running style, but I might try the ground-kissing suggested next time.!! Sitting here, dripping sweat with trembling legs after W8R2 - very humid out there. Almost didn't make it. Tried smiling but ended up gurning like Les Dawson!!!

[bareliz]

W8R2 - excellent, I can only dream! Ha now confused about running style will await advice

[EuanR Graduate]

I think your running style will come with time. As you get fitter it will come more naturally. Once you get the breathing under control it all becomes easier. It was around week 4 that happened for me. Currently about to attempt w6r2. I'm still breathing heavy but not gasping for air if that makes sense. Stick with the program and remember you can always repeat a run if you don't feel ready for the next one. Keep on keeping on 👍

[bareliz in reply to EuanR]

Yes I think you're right. It's not good to overthink these things. Week6 - ha I'll get there one day