Hi all!

[Tinamum]

I’ve been doin this for 9 weeks now, it’s taking me 3 weeks goin out 3 times a week to complete 1 week . I think I’m ready to move onto week 4, has anyone else found it a struggle? I’m determined to do this but was so close to giving up last week.

[Richard7 Graduate]

I think the general view is you might be going too fast! If you slow up your runs until you find a comfortable pace you should be able to get through the week. I have found that if I go fast I really struggle but if I reign it in it becomes much easier which then allows me to run further and progress through the programme. I think if you are beginning to get fed up with not making progress then definitely try slowing down.

[Tinamum in reply to Richard7]

Thankyou, I’m so new to this, it’s great I’m taking time to myself to do this, n I’m so pleased that I have come so far. I must try Slowing down the pace n I will move to week 4!! Whoop!!😊

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Richard's advice above is the first thing that comes to mind, since you haven't actually told us what was causing the problems.

New runners should not push hard. Basic endurance is built by running slowly, somewhere between 50-75% of the effort of a fast pace. So slow is good, to build that basic endurance and stamina building your body enough to be able to start pushing for speed in the months to come.

Loads of people have the same problem, because they are all making the same newbie runner mistake of trying to run faster than their current fitness enables them to actually do. You should be able to hold a conversation while running.

Well done for perseverance, but slow down and you will enjoy your running so much more.

[Tinamum in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thankyou, think I have just been tryin to go to fast, still enjoying it though, lovely gettin out in the fresh air n improving fitness! Will slow it down- thanks.

[Wizziewood]

Well done you for getting to W4. It really doesn't matter how long you take. Every run you do is another run under your belt.

As the others say, keep it slow, slow, slow. Slow is the way forward!

Trust in the program, it really works.

You can do this ... keep smiling, keep running and keep posting.

Good luck and happy running!

[Tinamum in reply to Wizziewood]

Thankyou, I’m lookin forward to next run!