Well that's Week 1 Run 3 over and done with. I'm feeing somewhat a little disappointed though because it doesn't seem to be getting any easier.
Maybe I'm doubting myself, maybe my expectations are too high but I just thought that by now it would be alot easier.
My legs are starting to feel it now. I get most of my tightness in my calf's and in my shins when I run. Did buy a new pair of trainers today which are suited for my high arch and for grass. (Trail running shoes). They fit well I must admit.
Anyway I'm still motivated and I'm still looking forward to each session but now I'm alittle worried because the running will now become longer.
I guess I'm not the only one who feels like this.
On the bright side, I've done week 1 and I'm proud of myself for that. Never thought this time last week that I would now be looking towards starting week 2.
Thank you for making me smile. I know I can't expect results over night and after years of doing no exercise, it's going to take time to reverse & head in to the direction of becoming fit again.
Well done! . It is hard, every week, but not so hard that it ever makes us think - oh I can't do it anymore. The programme is designed so that we can cope with the increase in time it's just our overactive minds / gremlins that can't cope with the simplicity of it. Each week that you move further on brings another flurry of excitement as you improve. It's very early days yet, our bodies do amazingly well at adapting to running but it will take a bit of time.
My calves get tight too, stretches before and after really help. Heel dips feel really good! I love them. Take every rest day to allow your legs to recover properly.
In 8 weeks time you'll be so proud of yourself - and so will we! Good luck.
Week 1 Run 3? That's awesome! If you've managed that, you're doing really well. And don't worry about the tightness - I felt that terribly at first, but with each run it's got easier. And I totally agree with what ejvc said - Week 2 did seem somehow easier, less of the stopping and starting, You're only running for a little bit longer, but with much fewer repeats.
You know what? You got this!
The programme works by giving you challenges each week but in carefully graduated steps so that they are achievable. Face week 2 with your shoulders back, your head held high and slow down if you are struggling. You can do this!
Donna, I found week 1 to be amongst the hardest, don't get me wrong, ALL the runs are challenging, if they weren't I wouldn't need to follow the program.
I used to suffer from tight calves and pain across my instep when jogging but, like yourself, I bought a new pair of trainers and since then I've not had those problems.
Your fitness and stamina will increase, just do your best and don't be scared to slow down a little if you need to so that you can complete the run, slow and steady will get you through.
Please keep at it, trust the program it does work.
Spoiler alert. None of the runs feel easy! The program is designed to keep nudging us forward so we never get time to feel 'easy'. What we do get tho is an emormous sense of satisfaction, that just gets bigger and bigger. Trust the program. Believe in yourself. And remember you can always slow down if any stage feels too tough. Getting out there and completing week 1 is the biggest hurdle. You cleared it! Big pat on the back and get ready for the sense of satisfaction you get on completing week 2 ☺
Congrats donna on the first week hope I can feel inspired & motivated to complete 9 weeks
Thank you everyone for your kind, motivating and informative words. Trust me I'm not going to give up. I am well and truly hooked on this now. Think I was just being a bit hard on myself but now I'm feeling better and I will continue.
It's been a long time since I've actually done something for myself like this and I'm loving it.
Thanks again and roll on Wednesday (week 2 run 1).
Hi there Donna - I'm on run 1 of week 2 and half way through I thought 'oh my' (in my best Dorothy voice) but then before I knew it the run was over and I was back home. You will do great and best advice anyone has ever given me is - run slow..
Donna, be kind to yourself... You've moved off the couch into a pair of trainers. If your bod is anything like mine was it was screaming 'wtf' but the plan works by slowly ramping up time and by association the distance.
You're doing well, aching is to be expected as is breathlessness, but provided both of these are not excessive, then don't fret. You know your body and so if it is way too much effort, then you can pull back a bit.
But good news, is you are no longer a new newbie - see there are others posting every day, feeling like you did just 3 runs ago...
You got this lady, we can tell from your attitude in your writing.
Looking forward to the smiley W2 posts...
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Thank you soo much for your motivating words. Think I was just being emotional yesterday. I'm not experiencing too much discomfort. Just enough to let me know that I'm working my muscles. I do alot of walking aswell. Mostly around 5 miles a day. I'm used to the power walking now, that's why I wanted to step up my game.
Even if I have another down day, I know I can count on you all to help me see sense.
Roll on my 1st run of week 2 tomorrow. I'm alittle anxious but I know once I get to the fields, I'll be just fine.
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. It is hard, every week, but not so hard that it ever makes us think - oh I can't do it anymore. The programme is designed so that we can cope with the increase in time it's just our overactive minds / gremlins that can't cope with the simplicity of it. Each week that you move further on brings another flurry of excitement as you improve. It's very early days yet, our bodies do amazingly well at adapting to running but it will take a bit of time. 
Week 9 run 3 done!
Wk5 Run 3 - I smashed it!!
Week 2 run 1 in the bag after much deliberation!
Week 1 Run 3 done!
Week 3 run 1!!!
