Hello, I’ve been lurking on this site for a few weeks now reading all the amazing advice and support! This forum is really great so I’m wondering if you all can help me or even just give me bit of kick up the backside!
I’ve been running for a few weeks now, having had ZERO running experience previously. I really enjoyed weeks 1 and 2 but I’m finding week 3 tough and it’s making me wonder if I’m truely cut out for this running malarkey 😏 I’d get my frustration if I was in weeks 5/6 but I’m not even half way through and my last 2 runs have not been enjoyable in the slightest! I only have to run 3 minutes and today I had to stop about 20/30 seconds before the end of the last run! Although I did complete the session on the run before today!
I don’t think the near 0 temperatures help...does anyone else struggle with keeping steady breathing when it’s so cold? I do have Asthma but it’s under control with various inhalers.
I really want to stick at it but the thought of having to run for more than 3 minutes next week fills me with dread! Anyone hit this metal block so early in the programme and lived to tell the tale?
Thanks
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Dee8705
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I’m struggling to start wk 2 - I sneak peaked the program and though no way ! Think I might try it in the treadmill it’s so cold out there . That is part of my issue ! I have zero motivation at the moment
Hi sweetie well done for not giving up. I had terrible trouble running for 3 minutes with a 90 seconds walk then going off for five. In fact I had to repeat the week twice, not getting any better. I felt like I could get enough air in on the 90 second walk and like you I didn't want to give up so I took some good advice slowed down and moved onto the 3 five minute runs with the 3 minute walks between and I did it. I promise you it's worth it I ran for 20 minutes without stopping this morning and although I was very very slow and looked a right old sight at the end bright red and breathless I had the biggest smile on my face. Keep going you will beat this the feeling of achievement in end is amazing. Grab your trainers kid next run you will beat it : )
Forgot to add my friend who is a long distance runner told me that covering your mouth with a light weight scarf ( she uses a snod) can help with breathing, i still can't quite get the breathing right and end up panting like a steam train but it is getting easier. I remember to use my Brown pump before I start : )
hello! I found week 3 particularly tough. But - you say you managed the first run! So you *can* do it :D. Stay slow -- all the way through the programme I kept finding new depths of slow to start each run, which ensured I finished most of the runs (I had a few "practice" runs later on but I knew from this forum that it was no big deal and many people have to repeat a couple to complete properly).
Other people can give advice on the cold and asthma but I can do some butt-kicking
Well done for keeping going this far and being honest about your frustrations. I started the programme in August last year having had zero experience running. I graduated in November and now would describe myself as a bit of a running addict (feeling really sad if I can't fit in a scheduled run!)
I'm telling you this because in Wk3 I felt like EVERYTHING ached and that I would never manage to run more than 3 minutes without my lungs bursting. Then at the beginning of week 4 I realised during a run that the aches and pains were gone and weeks 4-6 were wonder week's where I watched in awe as my body started managing things I would never have thought possible.
I've also learned over time that sometimes a run doesn't feel great. I remember once having to stop about 10 mins into a run and then convincing myself I was hopeless and was never going to be a real runner. I think most of us on here have had bum runs and lost our confidence at some point.
The trick is to recognise it's all part of the journey and the way forward is to just keep getting out there and putting one foot in front of the other.
The programme really works so draw some confidence from that and if a running interval feels hard then slow right down.
You can do this - and I look forward to seeing how great you'll be feeling by the end of week 5 😊
Check out IannodaTruffe 's reply...and as he says.. the trick is, slow and steady ..it works.
Make sure your asthma meds are sorted and wear a Buff which covers your nose, but does not restrict breathing... if you run slowly, your breathing should be fine
Yep, the key is to slow it down. Even mid run, if it's getting too hard, slow down and concentrate on your breathing or on your footfall. Either one, just use it to focus your brain. Forget that you're waiting to hear it's time to walk.
You can do it. Trust the programme and believe in yourself like you never have before.
I've just run 25 mins today for the first time, from someone too lazy to walk 10 mins to the shop or would rather miss a bus than run. I didn't think I'd get here but the programme, with a bit of belief and effort from you will get you here and I'm telling you now it's gonna feel great!
As for the asthma, I get it seasonally and I suffered badly in the first few weeks. It's just about controlling your breathing and that comes when you slow down.
I’ve certainly had ups and downs. Prepare well, have something good to listen to as a distraction and set off really slowly. You really can do it, you don’t need a kick just some belief in what your body can do 🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️🙌
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