Struggling

[jennyh7227]

Does it ever get any easier? I’m on W3R2 but just can’t run 8 mins without my lungs exploding never mind my legs. Struggling to keep the enthusiasm going 😒

[Jen58]

well done for getting this far ,

I am sure someone will be along to help 😊

Sorry I couldn't help 🙄

[Tbae]

I noticed from your first post the two mentors have sent you the links and suggested you Slow right down to enable you to get the extra oxygen you need to run.🤔

Slow with your footfall below your hips and slow to allow you to breathe naturally and comfortably🤔

No one wants to see you struggle and lose your enthusiasm, we want to see you succeed and only enjoy.🌟👏👏🤔

What is missing 🤔 and what do you need 🤔 Your first post was 1 month ago.🤔

It takes courage to ask for what you need.

And you have shown you are courageous.🌟👏👏

[jennyh7227 in reply to Tbae]

Thanks- how do I find my previous posts- need to go back & look at the links? I definitely want to succeed!

[Tbae in reply to jennyh7227]

Just press on your circle 👍👏👏or go to your profile page all your posts and replies are there.🌟👏👏

The advice from notoutof breadth is fabulous.🌟Your own conclusion about running on your own at this time also will allow you to achieve your slow and steady.🌟

You have got this now.

Slow and steady is the solution to everything. Believe it , practise it and believe in you.🌟👏👏

We are here for you.🌟👏👏

[jennyh7227 in reply to Tbae]

Thank you!

[Millsie-J Graduate]

Slow down and then slow some more. 😀

[ClarriePan Graduate]

I can’t add anything except - there is no such thing as too slow 😄. Well done and keep on plodding.

[notoutofbreath Graduate]

I would say it gets less uncomfortable as you go along the programme. It's never "easy" as such, because it's got to build your stamina up. That said, I wouldn't be expecting your lungs to be as bad as "exploding" by this point. Either you're going too fast or you're not getting enough breath in. Go slow, then go slower. Then slower. Try and overexaggerate the slow to the point of ridiculous, just to see if it makes a difference to your lungs. Try the slowest of the slow first, find the comfort point, because it's easier to speed it up later to find the point where it turns into exploding lungs time than do it the other way. You've nothing to lose with tortoise, except perhaps feeling a bit silly! As a superfast walker, for a long time, I KNEW I could walk faster than I was running and reining myself in proved much better in the long run (oh wow, unexpected, but accurate pun there )

[jennyh7227 in reply to notoutofbreath]

Thanks! I will try going slower. I’ve been going out with my husband who is slighter & fitter than me so has found it easy early on which has been demoralising. Think I’ll stick to it by myself so I can go extra slow- & yes I can walk faster than I run too 😂. Thanks for the advice.

[ebcroquet in reply to jennyh7227]

I think you’re right, you are being drawn to run at a slightly faster pace than you need at this stage 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate]

Yes, it really does. Hang in there. It's going to be worth it. Honest 👍😉

[jennyh7227]

Thanks everyone. So I’ll slow myself down and stay positive!

[CarolineKC Graduate]

Running with other people is tricky as their pace is not yours - you might find it easier if you run on the same route but each at your own pace - and meet up at the end?

[ancientrunner Graduate]

Remember when you started and didn't think you could do 1 minute - or 3, or 5. You'll do it, especially if you slow down as promised!!

[Hidden]

Everything everyone on here has said and more. Running with a partner is fab if you are synced on fitness and pace. If you are not and you are the slower runner, it can be utterly demoralising despite the niceness or helpfulness of the other one.

It’s okay to be utterly selfish on this plan and go as slow as you like. Slow running is cool running, it builds your stamina and confidence without getting you out of puff and enthusiasm. Even though W 3 is a great week for progression, it’s not an easy one, because each time out you’re being stretched just that bit more.

Does it get easier - imho nope it doesn’t, but it does get more rewarding, when you look back at your earlier runs and think oh 90 seconds run that is easy...

take it easy on yourself, run slow or run cool as I prefer to call it, and you’ll get there, I promise.

After all you are in the week when I finally realised I could credibly run for more than a few paces.

Well done on keeping going and happy running next time out

[jennyh7227]

Update on my progress. I took a week off running & refocused my mind. I started again this week and went back to a week 3 run which felt more comfortable. I then did a week 4 run today & smashed it! I’ve slowed my pace even further and really concentrated on that at the start of the run so I didn’t get out of breath at the beginning. I actually challenged myself towards the end when I’d got my pace. My plan is to continue a full week of week 4 again & progress from there. Feeling so much better & thanks to everyone for your advice- it has really helped. . I’ve also stopped running with other people following this forum so doesn’t matter what speed I’m at. 👍😁