Week 2, run 3 (woohoo!)

[Miss_slinky]

I’m so happy! 😀 It sounds so daft but I’m so glad to be out running again and it makes me feel so good. Yeah I’ve got my body hang ups but I think to myself if anyone did shout anything rude at me all I need to think is I’m a new mum - of course I’m carrying a few extra pound and carrying them with pride as they helped me house a beautiful little boy! Anyway I digress...

I went out this morning and I felt strong and loved the run, felt like I could just keep going at the end but I’m sticking to the podcasts! All in good time - I genuinely believe that running is brilliant for your mental health. Just felt amazing- why wouldn’t you? You are doing something positive, for your health, wellbeing and looks(!) and it felt great. I’d forgotten how much I love running.

Only thing again is breathing - they say to do it with steps - I need to work on this again! As I was finding that a bit hard today! Any tips?!

[Hephz89]

Not daft at all - and yay to beautiful new baby! Multiple middle finger flips to anyone rude enough to shout out!!

I’m not sure about the breathing - I listened to the app but didn’t really take on the advice on matching it to my steps. For me I think that as I did a lot of the programme on a treadmill this allowed me to set a pace and stick to it, which maybe helped me focus on stabilising my breathing?

I know since switching to outdoor running with its ups and downs I have been more conscious of my breathing! I’m sure someone with more experience can offer some better advice but perhaps you could find a really flat route or try a treadmill so that you can focus on keeping it steady without having to adjust to the route? X

[Miss_slinky Graduate in reply to Hephz89]

Thanks!! Got to be honest I’m not a massive fan of the treadmill - cause they are all in front of mirrors at gyms (why would I want to watch myself run?!) and I’ve always done outdoors running in the past. Personal preference. Yeah I think I was spending too much time holding breath - 4 steps seems quite a long time to me!😂

[Hephz89 in reply to Miss_slinky]

Haha fair enough, I have to agree I’m swaying more toward outdoor running these days! Netflix got me through the dark gym nights, a welcome distraction from mirrors and reflections!

Oh gosh yes, 4 steps felt too many to me too!

I saw from your profile that you’ve graduated and then some previously - can you remember how you controlled your breathing last time? X

[Miss_slinky Graduate in reply to Hephz89]

Probably by not following that advice!😂 I recall having an issue with it last time too!

[Hidden]

Hi the breathing thing I think I can confidently say there’s probably only ever been one person who has managed to follow that advice.

Generally, its best not to overthink it, and I’m not being sarcastic here - you’ve breathed all your life. If you’re breathing way too hard on your runs, then you’re running too fast. I went through all sorts of weird counting methods to try and synch to steps etc, and ended up tripping up.

Honestly most of us find it sorts itself out over time I’ve never yet read a post from a runner saying ‘that breathing tip is brilliant’ - in fact most posts talking about breathing are just like yours, asking for help.

You know what you’re doing, you did a far tougher job bringing a baby into the world - breathing is easy in comparison!

Good luck and happy running

[Miss_slinky Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thank you! I recall having a problem with this tip and feeling quite out of breath last time I did C25k but I remember then I was just running too fast! As you say we breath naturally anyway...it’s when you get to longer runs you need to pace breathing as well as pace of running!