W2R3 running on empty: Nice place to run - but... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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W2R3 running on empty

Pippayoungart profile image
PippayoungartGraduate
25 Replies

Nice place to run - but it’s difficult to see through a fog of partial-asphyxiation.

I can’t seem to get the breathing right. Concentrating on trying to get an even pattern seems to make it worse! I did make myself jog a bit slower, which was better, but it would be difficult to maintain a forward trajectory if i reduce my speed any more!

Also any tips on the jump to 3 minutes? I don’t feel i have any spare capacity at all. Would it be best to repeat W2?

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Pippayoungart profile image
Pippayoungart
Graduate
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25 Replies
Nictwit profile image
NictwitGraduate

My jogging pace for c25k was slower than my walking pace. Glacial in fact. It's the only way to do it. You'll be surprised at yourself, 3 mins is doable, give it a go!

Pippayoungart profile image
PippayoungartGraduate in reply to Nictwit

Thanks for encouragement - glacial is a good description - difficult to ignore people racing past with enviable springy strides though....i’m definitely giving it a go!

Tbae profile image
Tbae

Slow and steady is the only way👍👏👏.

Running on the spot is technically running, if you have momentarily both feet off the ground.🤔

If you can, try not think about your breathing just do it, slow and steady, think about your footfall, kissing the ground gently under you hips, think about your shoulders down and relaxed that have opened up your chest, head up , still, looking forward, your arms and hands un clenched , no tension, just you taking the extra oxygen on board you need to run, just you building your lungs and protecting and building your legs run by run.

If you feel better about Wk 2 do it. It is your programme.

This tried and tested programme builds you for each run when you have had sufficient repair days, they are not strictly rest days🤔

If you are happy with your preparation and your runs as per the FAQ Post advice that has been given, it should be possible to move on.🤔

No you should not be running on M/T🤔.

Sleep, hydration,nutrition,no tension, etc, all important. You should not be tired.🤔

Hope we can help.🤔👏👏

Is this your first Post.🤔

Pippayoungart profile image
PippayoungartGraduate in reply to Tbae

Thanks! Thats all good advice which i will try and remember when i’m out next. I have posted before when i started and was overwhelmed by the positive support received. Unfotunately had to take some time out due to twisted knee (nothing to do with running) so ended up doing W1 twice.

Relax and slow! Onwards and upwards!

Tbae profile image
Tbae in reply to Pippayoungart

You have got this.🌟👏👏

Protect all of you and all of you will strengthen.🌟👏🌟

Enjoy this gift to yourself.🌟👏👏💫🏃‍♀️💫

GoGo_JoJo profile image
GoGo_JoJoGraduate

Don't worry about patterns, just breathe. For a long time my breathing was all over the place. If you're gasping slow down.

If you just feel like you're not getting enough in you may be breathing too fast. Try my anti-asthmatic technique;

On a decent in breath try to hold that breath in just for a milisecond longer than normal before exhaling. This gives your body that tiny bit longer to absorb the much needed oxygen. You won't be able to do it again for a few breaths but if you can manage 1 in 10 breaths (don't count them, just roughly) you'll see a difference. With time you'll be able to hold that inhale for a proper second. I've found this helps fight cramp, stiches and improves breathing when straining a lot. 👍😊

Tbae profile image
Tbae in reply to GoGo_JoJo

Gosh that is clever JO.🌟👏👏

Did not know you had to conquer that challenge also.🤔🌟👏👏

GoGo_JoJo profile image
GoGo_JoJoGraduate in reply to Tbae

I am mildy asthmatic but I beat it with breathing techniques 95% of the time. I very rarely need an inhaler. 👍

Tbae profile image
Tbae in reply to GoGo_JoJo

Your a trooper.🌟👏👏

That toe will just have to come to your party very soon. 🤔🙈😂😂

Guess the toe is blameless really.🤔🙈😂😂🌟👏👏

GoGo_JoJo profile image
GoGo_JoJoGraduate in reply to Tbae

🤣🤣🤣 it is really. If I'd have been paying attention or been wearing slippers I'd have come off much better 😂😂😂

Tbae profile image
Tbae in reply to GoGo_JoJo

My youngest grandson, 18 months , needs his inhaler, hope he leaves it behind him , he is a strong little boy.🌟👏👏👍

GoGo_JoJo profile image
GoGo_JoJoGraduate in reply to Tbae

If you google asthma breathing techniques you'll learn more. I used to carry one everywhere, these days I rarely have one with me unless I have a really bad cough. It becomes a security blanket though, that's the biggest hurdle.

Tbae profile image
Tbae in reply to GoGo_JoJo

Your spot on.👍I am going to google it. 👍👏👏

Luckily his mother is a nursing Matron, so I will be checking up on her too.🙈🤔😂😂😂

Tbae profile image
Tbae in reply to Tbae

When he is older and can talk, and if needed , I am going to teach him Jo’s technique🌟🤔

Pippayoungart profile image
PippayoungartGraduate in reply to GoGo_JoJo

Excellent tip! Thank you!

AnnieW55 profile image
AnnieW55

Agree with Nictwit . Also try not to concentrate on your breathing. It's something you do all the time so just go slow and try to think of something else (or in my case run empty headed). I think the more you concentrate the harder it will get so just let it sort itself out. It does eventually, usually without us noticing, but it can take a few more runs yet.

If you've done w2 just move on, if 3 is too hard you can drop back, no harm done but by taking it slowly you will probably surprise yourself! Look forward with anticipation, there's nothing to be afraid of.

Lovely pic too. You're usual running place?

Pippayoungart profile image
PippayoungartGraduate in reply to AnnieW55

Thanks for that - yes i’ll try W13R1 and see how i get on. Hate the idea of not managing it as it feels like failure! Psychological - not physical fear!

Yes pic is usual running place - mount’s bay, cornwall. i’ve found a cycle path/coast path that is nice and flat...

AnnieW55 profile image
AnnieW55 in reply to Pippayoungart

Ooh you used the 'f' word 😮. That four letter word and the longer one fa**lure, not allowed on here😄, it's practice runs and character building instead!

Well done on finding somewhere so lovely to run and flat - no mean feat in Cornwall (the flatness I mean).

Pippayoungart profile image
PippayoungartGraduate in reply to AnnieW55

Oh dear! I feel i have transgressed! I promise not to use the f word again!

AnnieW55 profile image
AnnieW55 in reply to Pippayoungart

😄

Pippayoungart profile image
PippayoungartGraduate in reply to AnnieW55

Er....?! You may need to translate? Never come across those characters before!

AnnieW55 profile image
AnnieW55 in reply to Pippayoungart

Sorry. I just put a smiley face emoji (I use my iPad) to show I forgive, and understand, your transgression heehee (to make sure you understood absolutely no serious criticism meant on my part)

Pippayoungart profile image
PippayoungartGraduate in reply to AnnieW55

Oh! It came out as two weird chinese characters this end! How strange! They have updated themselves to emoticons now!

JetsOwner profile image
JetsOwnerGraduate

Beautiful. Please keep going. Lots of advice from others here and more experienced than me and definitely good advice. You’ll be amazed at yourself.

Pippayoungart profile image
PippayoungartGraduate in reply to JetsOwner

Thanks for the encouragement!

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