W2R2

[JoanneBrowne]

Gosh, both runs for week 2 so far have felt quite hard and a struggle. Today my energy levels were zero (I was trying to run before breakfast) and I haven’t yet felt the progression and thrill I found during week 1. I am trying to hold out and promise myself that at the end of the week after R3 I will reward myself with a trip to the running shop to see if I can find a pair of springy self-propelling trainers!

I am running in Asics but the same ones that I’ve been power-walking everywhere in for two years so I’m hoping maybe their bounce is compromised!

I’ve also been having some pain in my lower right diaphragm, which I’m guessing is a kind of stitch. Can’t master the deep breathing yet - too much to concentrate on.

I am trying not to think ahead to week 3, but am aware I could always repeat week 2 if necessary and forget the goal of graduating at Xmas. I’ve got the rest of my life to get there, after all.

Anyhow, that’s my update for those of us who are still starting out.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Well done you...make sure you have the right shoes... not too much bounce! Think Tigger!

Keep the runs slow and keep them steady... just relax.. or try to and breathe normally

If you trust the programme and have faith in yourself you will be amazed, what you can achieve

[Djraw Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Great advice from old floss- I followed this to the letter - you won't go wrong

Well done on your run- you are doing really well

[misswobble Graduate]

Breathe normally 🙂

[Cornet-Carolyn Graduate]

I didn't get the breathing under control for several weeks until I stopped worrying about it. As oldfloss always says slow and steady!

[Sadie-runs Graduate]

Hello! Running at a slow slow pace will definitely help regulate the ole breathing. I have never consciously worried about this deep breathing lark, but my breathing has naturally become easier and steadier as my fitness has increased, that for sure. Stitches are often the result of going too fast! The goal (in terms of improving fitness) is not speed, but the duration of running.

You are still at the early stages of running, keep it up and you will soon start to see dramatic improvements in your ability for sure! This programme works. 😀 And do treat yourself to some lovely new runners! 🏃‍♀️

[Zarmina]

When I was doung week1 and 2 my breathing was horrible. This improved by week 3 partly due to improved stamina but probably more because I learnt how to slow down. Keep going, you will soon start loving it!!!

[JoanneBrowne Graduate]

Update: W2R3 complete! Ran a bit later in the morning and had some jelly babies first. It was an easier run and I did the last bit to a metronome set at 170 bears which was an interesting change and focus. I also swapped coaches so was chanting “I love running!” in my head for the first few runs. Feeling a bit more positive about week 3 now and am looking forward to my treat trip to the running shop tomorrow. Thanks for the support!

[kmc66 Graduate in reply to JoanneBrowne]

Fab, well done 👍🏻, it’s a great feeling when you complete a week. I did my last run on week 3 this morning, it felt good 😊, even the days in between when I walk with the dog seem so much easier. I hated running previously I go very slow 🐢 but it does work, I’m amazed by my progress so far. I also Treat myself 😂 treats keep you going 😀