Newbie, wk1R1

[Lorijay]

Started today and did it! Really happy but by the 5th 1 min run really hard breathing but didn't stop. Feel really motivated which is odd as I'm 58 and 20 a day smoker so maybe this will be the catalyst for quitting. Great forum which I'm sure is helping with motivation. Thanks to all.

[Seasidepanda Graduate]

Just take it really slowly, that makes breathing easier. You’ll do great!

[Lorijay Graduate in reply to Seasidepanda]

Thank you for the advice and encouragement.

[Hidden]

Take it nice and slow, and if you think that’s slow, slow it down a notch. Slow running is cool runnings and helps you make the distance.

Well done on getting this far

[18Windmill Graduate]

Well done for starting! I'm only on week 2 but found my W1 R3 really hard, legs had nothing. So not stopping is brilliant. Lots of great advice here. Keep going.

[Lorijay Graduate in reply to 18Windmill]

Thanks Jan & Windmill. I was so tired physically for a couple of hours after but couldn't stop smiling which was nice.

[DoodleDee Graduate]

Hi Lorijay,

Well done! I’m 58 too and believe me it does get easier! I go as slow as possible ( I’m sure I saw a snail pass me yesterday! Lol) but it’s working. Good luck with the program. You can do this! 👍🏃‍♀️👣

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate]

Yey....well done you should be proud...next step to quit smoking & carry on with the programme...you will feel like a different person

[Rumour Graduate]

The one thing to remember is take it at your pace. I know it says week 1, week2 and so on, but there is no shame in repeating weeks until you feel you are ready to move on. Nothing is guaranteed to dishearten you more than moving to week two and finding it too hard. Especially if you are struggling on week one

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

For people in the UK, just noticed on BBC Breakfast, Carol Kirkwood the weather presenter was in Hyde Park in London "relaunching" C25k for newcomers, best of luck to you all

[Nictwit Graduate]

Well done for starting and for pushing through to the end. When you're addicted to the thrill of running it'll be a good driver to give up the cigs, instant improvements to your times as your lungs recover ☺

[Tinf Graduate]

We've all been there, Lorijay! I remember being shocked at how hard I found the 60-second runs, and wondering if I could ever do this. A large part of my problem was breathing, but I don't think I really was able to sort that until I needed to do longer runs - you just can't get into a settled pace over 60 seconds (or anything less than 10, in my experience). So stick with it and I'm sure you'll figure it out too. (Btw - I gave up smoking about 2 years ago and I vape now, so still not 100% clear of the drug but it's a lot better - I doubt I could have finished c25k smoking the real thing!)

[Tasha99 Graduate]

Quit smoking!!!!

[ClarriePan Graduate]

Well done. As others have said try slowing down. You can’t go too slowly as long as you are running and not walking! When you’re ready to give up smoking you might find vaping or Niquitin Quickmist a good option if you don’t find cold turkey possible.(My husband used Quickmist after trying everything else).