So on Monday I posted that I completely chickened out of week 1 run 1 and said I was going to try again today.
Each morning I take my son to preschool and I walk the dogs at the same time. Today I put on my running gear for the journey. Immediately after I dropped my son off I started the run.
I managed up to run 3 of 7 before I thought I was going to pass out or throw up, or both. You have to understand where I live is all hills, no way of getting away from them. I then walked home.
I take that as a win!
Written by
Hayleythart
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Oh ruddy eck! Hills are a pain in the neck for new runners but you have no choice unless you get in the car to find some flat, which you could seriously consider. 🙂
It is actually possible to run more slowly than power walking, it just takes a little practice...the only thing that matters is keeping going, even if it's just an exaggerated stumble.
Aha! You really, really, really haven't got the message yet. And the good thing about that is that easier running for you is just a step away.
Forget, for now (and for a good while) any notions whatsoever of the difference between running and walking being about speed. They are different *movements* with different impacts on the body. You might well run more slowly in the beginning than you could walk, never mind power walk.
I was a fellow struggler with Week One but I cracked it eventually so I can tell you that doing the session until you can't maintain a running movement in a run section and then walking the rest was absolutely the right thing to do rather than messing about trying to run again.
As you've definitely been going too fast so far, next time out you are going to get to four completed run sections at least so you'll know you're improving.
In retrospect I was also trying to *walk* too fast *for me* in the walk sections (should have realised this as I took up running because brisk walking was something I couldn't sustain and found too painful (still find it disagreeable... and I can run over 10k)
Another tip, especially for hills is to take small steps... even teeny weeny almost on the spot steps if you are struggling (but still, also, slow down)
After Week One was finally (after 12-18 attempts) in the bag... I got every other run sorted first time, so I am very optimistic for you.
What you are aiming for is the mental attitude to keep moving, whatever it takes (unless of course you've sustained an actual injury ie a sharp pain) And what it takes for the vast majority of us is slowing right right down... as IannodaTruffe says, to the point where you can still talk.
I live surrounded by hills too, so during the programme I embraced them. It means you can run anywhere if you run hills. Just remind yourself its the hill making it difficult, not your abilities. 😀🏃🏻♀️
Can you alternate the hills - Run up R1 then run down R2, etc?
Also, I agree you may be going to fast. Where you hear run, think jog. What you need to do is to run at a pace you would eventually be able to maintian for 30mins. The same speed as a power walker would be fine, some of them are quite fast. You need to build your stamina first. Speed will come later!
Well done Hayleythart - you did it! The first run is the hardest, but you got out there and made a start Hills are a pain when you start running, for sure - but on the other hand they're a great way of seeing how much and how quickly you improve as you realise a few weeks down the line that you can now run up one which seemed impossible when you started. And they have the other advantage that if you want to run anywhere else - on holiday, visiting friends, in a race, whatever - the course is pretty much guaranteed to be flatter and therefore easier than your regular route. (Speaking as someone who lived on top of a hill for most of the past 4 years, but moved to a flat place last summer and actually *shock* misses the hills..!)
Yay! And Hayley, it doesn’t matter if you are practically walking the run bits, as long as both feet are off the ground at some point, that is running. With every run you complete you WILL get fitter. No doubt about that.
I am so proud of you getting out there. Hills suck especially when you are a new runner, but it can only mean you will get fitter quicker!
Treat yourself to a hot bath/shower and a good breakfast, you have earned it.
Well done. I’m lucky to have a flat road to run alongside. Perhaps you can find somewhere nearby that is less challenging? Stick with it - I’m in week one too!
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
W7R2 - Run with a son 
W4R1 win!
Parkrun/Running - Becoming a Family Affair?
Anxious about running
