Week 3 (park group so r1) run done - any advice as found hard going?

[misslynx]

Just come back from running 3 minutes continuously the first time. I found today really weird!

First 90 seconds was a doddle - was that it? I exclaimed!

The 3 minute jog may have been 30 minutes - it seemed to be forever! When I thought we were near the end I hear 'thats half way'. What?! No blooming way love! We have done a marathon here! It felt long!

The second 90 seconds I wasn't looking forward to but had recovered well enough to attack it - I think I found this hard going because of having done the 3 mins?

The final 3 mins I was actually saying 'I don't think I can do this' before we went. I was so tired. I slowed to a snails jogging pace and went as shuffly as I could, picking landmarks out I could run to instead of counting seconds. I did make it, but I really didn't think I could.

My summary? Glad I didn't give up. My new trainers are spot on for me. I am genuinely worried about numming 5 minutes in a weeks time - today was so hard for me. Is this normal??! How do you stop counting and praying for a whistle to blow so you can return to a walk?!

Every week has been challenging for me so far but I am now seeing more of a ramp up and its worrying me a little. Any tips/advice appreciated.

[Seasidepanda Graduate]

I bet you just went too fast? I got to the point of finding 90 seconds easy and felt I’d die doing 3 minutes, but by the 3rd Run it was fine. I could do it and I even tried carrying on a bit longer!!

But, I run like a sloth!! That’s the key for me!

[misslynx Graduate in reply to Seasidepanda]

I think I ran quicker than I had done previously to start with - and I know I then really slowed down for the last 3 minutes which enabled me to keep going so you might be right!

Thank you for that - I've been doing short (30 second) speed bursts with my PT in the gym and I think my speed/confidence may have got a bit too fast for outside/c25k.

That makes sense! Thank you! xxx

[Seasidepanda Graduate in reply to misslynx]

I spent a lot of time asking for help because I was struggling so much with breathing. I’ve never exercised in my life, but I walk a lot and walk fast, so I’m not that unfit! I just didn’t understand...

But EVERYONE said I needed to go even slower than I thought, and now I’ve nailed it and can even chat while I run!!

Good luck from here anyway!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

It will all evolve...just do what you are doing, slow and steady and trusting the programme

[Michele2017 Graduate]

You keep going... one run at a time, you can always redo a run. Im at the same level as you so keep in touch. New trainers here too! I meet a running instructor who say I should be do 180 foot falls a minute which means I barely move my feet forward( maybe half a step) but I do alot of it, if that makes sense so I'm very slow but steady. x

[misslynx Graduate in reply to Michele2017]

My partner calls it 'shuffling' I think that is a perfect description for me when I take it steady! Nice to have a shuffle partner

[Michele2017 Graduate in reply to misslynx]

your a pro! not a shuffler!

[Michele2017 Graduate in reply to Michele2017]

Good on my last run I felt like Mrs Overall!

[Hidden]

Slow and lots of mini footfalls are definitely the way to go. The initial burst of enthusiasm and energy can really catch you out in the early weeks. It's all aiming for solid, stamina based and slow runs. You will be fine with the ramp up, the programme is well designed to make you take the steps up as and when needed.

If you've got this far, I promise you will do the rest.And if one run feels too tough you can always re-do it. Most of us have had that experience. And your C25K names means you're bound to do it! Good luck and happy running

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Read the guide to the plan healthunlocked.com/couchto5... which should help.

[misslynx Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you - I read this before my question but I think I just didn't realise I was jogging quicker than I should have been which explains why it just got harder. I trust the programme - just not me yet!