Hi, I am at wk8r2.

[Imnotarunner43]

I have had my tough runs here and there but never gave up. My partner decided he would run with me last weekend and it was the worst thing ever. It sort of knocked my confidence as I thought I had been running (to a fashion) 5k....he informed me that if i ran at a faster pace and went down here and up there then that would be 5k. I said that I am happy doing what I am doing as it is better than sitting on the sofa...he kept trying to get me to improve my pace. Is anyone else feeling as though you're just managing to do what your trainer is telling you to do? I am struggling for the first 5 minutes with my breathing now .....it seems uncontrolled....where before it was a bit panty...but not like this deep fast struggle I'm experiencing.

[Eatcakeandrun]

Sorry to hear your confidence has taken a knock - but don't let it get you down!

The programme is really more about time than distance - lots of people don't do 5k even at the end of the programme. You don't want to feel out of control with your breathing, so slow it down!

Maybe go out there on your own next time! Good luck, you are doing really well getting to week 8!

[Imnotarunner43 Graduate in reply to Eatcakeandrun]

Thank you x

[F1ipperation Graduate]

Slow and Steady and trust in the programme. I can’t believe I’ve now had 22 injury free runs with this programme after two failed attempts at running (without the programme)!! We are all different but the progress we’ve all made shows us we can all be runners !! As far as I see it, pace can wait until I’ve finished W9.

Hope this helps. Keep doing what you are doing and you’ll get to where you want to be.

Keep enjoying the running 🏃‍♀️ 🏃‍♀️ !!

[Imnotarunner43 Graduate in reply to F1ipperation]

Thank you x

[RunGirlyRun]

I would avoid going out with your partner again and/or tell him that though well meant his input was off-putting rather than encouraging.

At least half the battle with running is psychological and when he is attempting to "improve" you he is ignoring your incredible progress over the last 8 weeks. You ARE improving, every week, all through your own hard work, focus and determination. You will change your route and pace when you feel like you are ready.

I think perhaps the breathing will settle again, especially once you stop stressing and have got passed the psychological barrier of thinking that you are doing something wrong. You are NOT. You are amazing. Maybe take your time in your next run, slow it right back down and focus on getting that rhythm going before you pick up to your normal pace? A perk of slowing it down might also be to think that you are doing the opposite of what your partner said because YOU are in control of your running, so there!

Good luck with your next run. I know it will be brilliant! X

[Imnotarunner43 Graduate in reply to RunGirlyRun]

Thank you x

[RunGirlyRun in reply to Imnotarunner43]

🏃‍♀️👏👍

[Eiralas Graduate]

Distance doesn't matter, pace doesn't matter... What does matter is that you can run comfortably for the allotted time. That means run slowly, be in tune with your body and what it is capable of, and gradually build up your strength and stamina - which is what this amazing programme does by gradually increasing the amount of time you run. Once you get to the end then you (that's you, and not your partner ) get to decide whether you want to try to build up to running further, or faster, or just continue happily as you are. Good luck with your next run x

[Imnotarunner43 Graduate in reply to Eiralas]

That's exactly what I was intending on doing....I do have some inclines where I live, so maybe changing my route might give me a bit of confidence and a change running on flat ground. Thanks xx

[Jay66UK Graduate]

Thank your partner for wanting to support your running but, as others have said, politely ask him to butt out!

There is a fundamental problem with this programme - the name - and it makes people focus on the distance when we just want to reach 30 minutes.

As for the breathing, I have the same. If you search here for “toxic 10” you will find out what is going on. Once I understood it I stopped panicking about it (which makes it worse). After about 12-16 minutes my breath is as calm as it is when I am sat on the couch. Before that it’s ragged as hell!

Keep smiling, enjoy the next run.

[Imnotarunner43 Graduate in reply to Jay66UK]

Thank you.....my breathing was never this chaotic before but will definitely look at Toxic 10...thanks.

[Helenpa Graduate]

I’ve graduated so I can run for 30mins but still haven’t managed 5k and I’m totally happy with that. My post grad challenge is to up my pace and hit 5k, this gives me a new aim so is great for motivation. As for breathing, this hot humid weather has made it difficult for me, cooler runs are much easier. Go slow and steady - I’m a snail that a couple of months ago couldn’t run for 1min! You’ve got to week8 that’s amazing!

[Imnotarunner43 Graduate in reply to Helenpa]

Thanks..I think I will be the same as you. X