W2 R3 done

[Liborek]

So, I've just finished my 3rd run this week and to be honest I'm not feeling any better. Every time I feel like I'm dying!!! When it will become easier? Your experiences...

[SC1472 Graduate]

Each week is designed to push you towards the goal of running non-stop for 30 minutes so, in theory, each week is as hard as the last. What you need to remember is that you are building up stamina and if you were now to go back to week one you would find it easy! You are changing your lifestyle for the longer term. Once you graduate it is recommended to consolidate for a few weeks to allow your body to adjust to what it has learnt so far. You then find that you then want the next challenge of running faster or further so you are always going to potentially find some runs hard while others will become easier.

It is brilliant, and fantastic that you have completed week three. As you progress to the longer runs you may want to adopt the mantra of slow and steady as this will help you to achieve the longer runs without dying on your feet.

[Liborek]

Thank you for your comment; the "slow and steady mantra" I've adopted somehow naturally 😃. Can't do anything else!!

[Sadie-runs Graduate]

I am not sure it ever gets "easier" but it certainly does become manageable, and most importantly, pleasurable (well, it did for me, around week 3). You say you are on your 3rd run of the week…but what week of the programme are you on?

Are you sure you are not running just a wee bit too fast? In what way do you feel like you are dying? Are you making sure you are well hydrated throughout the day? Have you got good supportive running shoes?

There could be all kinds of reasons that you feel like you are "dying"! I usually find the answer to any woe is to slow it right down!

Stick with it…

[Liborek in reply to Sadie-runs]

Hello Sadie, it's week 2; fairly early into the program, therefore opposition is expected, and not just from my body...😃

I don't think I'm running too fast as anything else would be, most likely, classed as walking!!

My shoes were rather pricey but according to the sales person, they're "made for me", I don't know, still waiting for the revelation!! I do drink plenty of water but I'll increase my intake. Thank you.

[rolysmate Graduate]

I'll let you know as and when and if I ever get there lol

[Liborek]

I'll be waiting 😃👍

[misswobble Graduate]

Stick with it. Go steady 👍✔️🙂

[Razouski]

It can feel hard going, but keeping it really slow will help you, and just hang in there. Don't listen to the gremlins which may pop up and tell you you can't breathe, or that you're heart is going to burst out of your chest, or that your legs are made of lead etc etc. Part of this running lark is about improving your fitness, and part of it is about your mind. Getting your head to believe that you can do this will help your persevere through each run interval.

Just remember that the programme works. There are so many of us in here who felt exactly as you do right now and have gone on to graduate, so I know you can do this too.

Good luck with your next run and don't worry if your pace is so slow it's not much different from walking, it's the running action that counts.

[TJMazz Graduate]

Just started W3 today and found it easier than W2 for some reason. Keep going. Slowly but surely works for me

[TeeJayTee]

Well done, that's 2 weeks complete.... go you!!!!

[Liborek]

Thank you guys for sharing your experiences, for kind words of encouragement and support. It means a lot to me, thank you 😊.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Sllllllllllloooooooow!

Each run makes you stronger, but take it really gently. Some other exercise on rest days is useful too, to build up strength and stamina

runnersworld.com/start-runn...

Strength and Flex, yoga, or swimming or cycling and of course walking

[Amarigue1976 Graduate]

I completed run 3 week 2 this morning and feel amazing. I was a real couch potato who would have said there was no way I could run a step 2 weeks ago. My first run week one I felt dizzy but persevered and thought there was no way I'd complete week 1. I did an extra run in week 1 to try to prove to myself I was ready for week 2. I did not believe for a minute I could run 90 secs non stop but was elated to find I could. I can't agree more that you need to take it steady and if my legs ache I try and remember this and slow down.

I can't wait to start week 3 and have my first run on Sunday but am apprehensive I can run for 3 mins!

Wish me luck and good luck to everyone else.

Keep up the good work you'll get there and are doing amazing 😉

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

My longest run this year was 17.5k taken nice and slow.......I would categorise it as easy.

My last 5k parkrun was only a few seconds off my PB and I would categorise it as a hard run.

Of course you get fitter but the demands of the plan push you harder. You have only done six runs......it is very early days........but I bet you have noticed improved recovery times already.

There are no shortcuts but by putting in the hard work now, in time you will be able to choose whether you do an easy 17.5k or a hard 5.

Keep running, keep smiling. It is worth it.

[Liborek]

Well done Amarigue, that's the enthusiasm I'm looking for...I'm sure that my time will come, eventually 😃.

It seems that we're on the same running pattern; Sunday will be my first run of W3 as well. Let us know how it went. Good luck and light feet!!!👍😃