Kathy

[Kmgw]

Only done 2 runs but really struggle with first 3 60 sec runs! Cant breath and want to stop however i do keep going and the last 3 60 sec runs are so much easier - anyone know why? Is it just i am not breathing right? Feeling confused xx

[Jax1960 Graduate]

Hi there, congrats on sticking at it. I’m no expert but I found that when you first start to exercise it seems really hard, but then as your body adapts, your heart rate rises and you start getting oxygen to your muscles, it starts to feel slightly easier. Keep at it

[AnnieW55]

Well done so far. It sounds like you need to slow down. Slower than a slow thing that is slow is the pace you need for now. You're struggling to breathe which generally means you are going too fast. Also there is a "thing" called the Toxic 10 which is basically your body trying to catch up with the oxygen needed to exercise which is another reason for now to slow it right down as I don't think you should be experiencing that yet, it should be another delight to come later on.

[Hidden]

Hi Kathy/kmgw

If you can’t breathe it’s generally because you are going to fast and that’s an easy mistake to make first off as a newbie. Have you read the FAQ posts (pinned posts area) all about the plan.

First of all, aim for slow and steady pace - think glacial - you should be able to talk while running. Secondly, the breathing there’s all sorts of hints and tips about timing, but to be frank you’ve been breathing since you were born! and there’s very few of us who could do as the coaches say on the breathing front.

Generally take it slow and steady is the mantra and you’ll be fine. Don’t worry if you can't manage it all, it’s a journey and you could just be being a victim of the toxic 10s - again see the FAQs if you don’t know what they are.

And please be kind to yourself, it’s a new thing you are doing and it takes practice. It seems weird when as children we run naturally, but as adults we lose that innate sense, so practice makes perfect.

I hope your next run goes a little better for you.

Good luck and happy running

[lizmaple]

As all the others have said, go as slow as possible. I started far too quickly on my first run and thought my chest was going to explode!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Can't breathe, slow down, especially in the first ten minutes of exercise.

The guide to the plan healthunlocked.com/couchto5... points out that your pace should be dictated by the ability to be able to hold a clear, ungasping conversation as you run...........if you can't, slow down.