Don't know which week I'm on

[Lizzj]

I got to week 8 before Christmas, then had a chest infection, followed by a back injury (bin fell on me). Started from scratch at week 1, and got to week 4. But this week, I've struggled to get anywhere near the five minutes and eight minutes I'm supposed to do. So today, I went out and did week 1 run 1. It wasn't easy, and wasn't pretty. Do I start at the beginning again, or try to carry on at week 5?

[Thriftyvickie Graduate]

Personally if your back is still bad I’d keep going with week 1.

[Lizzj in reply to Thriftyvickie]

No. I made sure my back was sorted before I started running again. It's just that I don't seem to be able to get past 2 or 3 minutes running 😢

[Tbae]

But you have run for 28 minutes in week 8. 🤔

So you know what to do .🤔

Why are you struggling with 5 minutes and 8 minutes.🤔

If your back is OK,🤔

you cannot be going slowly enough through the initial sticky phase.🤔

Slow down and take in the extra oxygen you need, you have done this and can do it again.

You have this experience and miles in the bank.

You can only give it a go.This is not the Spanish Inquisition it is your enjoyment.🌟👏👏

We want to help you.👏👏

[Lizzj]

Don't think I can run much slower. But I'll work it out eventually. Maybe it's the cool weather that's my problem.

[Tbae in reply to Lizzj]

Well the cold oxygen is a problem.🤔👍We do not process it as efficiently.🤔👍👏👏

You can always run slower, even running in the spot with two feet off the ground is still technically running and not stopping for your stamina building.🤔🌟👏👏

[Hidden]

Okay how about this for a suggestion - I can’t take the credit and in truth I can’t remember who first mooted it. But remember first of all to stay slow, then choose one of the runs in W1 to 4, doesn’t matter which - why not aim for W2 R2? And see how you get on - but remember take it sooo slowly, then how you manage that gives you a benchmark to decide whether to move on further or take it from there. It’s difficult when you’re rusty and more than 2 weeks off makes a difference to your fitness, add in an injury and recovery and you’re bound to be much worse off than you were before.

But go out without giving yourself a ‘pressure’ run and that will help.

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

You may be starting your run too quickly Lizz, having got to Wk 8 before, your mind may be telling you its easy and you aren't pacing yourself...

I would have another go at Week 4, its a great week for confidence building. Some nice even paced runs then when you feel comfortable with the five minute runs move onto Wk 5. Remember to start your run slowly and let it build and always do a proper 5 min ( at least),warm up walk.

Keep posting and good luck😊x

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

I agree with Bluebirdrunner ... try those legs out, and as slow as you like.... ( no such thing as too slow. Just relax... your mind as well as your body

You know you can do this, all you have to do now, is to believe it