How can 3 minutes take so long to pass (& other questions).

[Lilybell]

I learnt tonight that slowly is the only way I'm going to be able to get through the 3 minute runs. I don't know why I am finding them so hard. Is it my weight.(76kg). is it the terrain (hard sand) is it because I'm feeling so old (48) or is it because I am so very unfit? All I know is that I had to very slowly jog the last 3 minutes or I wasn't going to make it. I did and I did.

[SC1472 Graduate]

Hello and well done for completing the run! The programme is designed to progress you from not running at all to being able to run for 30 minutes, each week will feel harder as you are being pushed to improve your stamina.

Weight being an issue? Obviously the lighter we are (I wish) the easier it will be to run as there is less fat (in my case) to carry around but it should not really have a big impact at this time. If you are looking to lose weight then you need to ensure you are eating less calories than you are burning.

Terrain - can't really answer the sand question but this may have an impact if you are sinking in (not an expert here).

Age - a mere youngster compared to some on this forum.

Just basque in the glory that you completed the run and take each run slowly and steadily and you will get there. You don't have to complete a certain distance you just need to do the time. Relax and make sure you breathe!

[misswobble Graduate]

Slow is sensible🙂

If you are new to running, and to exercise in general, how could you expect to be anything other than slow? You have to be realistic

Fortunately this programme is designed for people just like you, and being slow is the best way to get through it.

Slow and steady! Good luck 🙂👍

[lardofale Graduate]

Hi Lilybell! Well done for completing it despite the doubts! The programme will ease you into it, the doubts will disappear honest! I'm 88kg, 47 years old and was desperately unfit when I started so I think it's more mind over matter. Having never run on hard sand I can't comment on that though I have run on a playing field as part of one of my routes but with no ill effects.

Stick with it and you'll smash it! Best of luck

[sjs1969 Graduate]

Please don't be so hard on yourself and worry about feeling slow - instead celebrate the fact that you ran every last second of the three minutes! 😊 If you're anything like me - 48 and unfit too - you've probably not tried to run for 3 mins since school days and so is it any wonder that your body is finding it a tad hard? Each week, your strength and stamina builds with amazing speed - that's more important than actual speed, in my view - and anyway, who are you trying to beat?! Above all, stay positive!

[pkjemmott89 Graduate]

It's fine! I think slowing to a crawl is fine as long as you know in yourself that you're still in running mode. Stay calm, breathe and push through.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

What have we been saying all the time It is the ONLY way... get there safe, injury free and having had fun!

Well done you! You did do it!

Hard sand, is hard... are we talking beach or track? Beach running, ( hard sand, even dry) outs quite a strain in your calves...Not unfit..just out of condition.. we shall sort that Stamina and strength exercises on rest days are essential A healthy eating regime too, linked with this could work wonders

Just keep it slow and steady as you move on

" Snails see the benefits... the beauty in every inch "

PS

You are very young! Humph! ( I am old )