Am I going forwards or backwards?

[Run1980]

Just completed week 2 run 1 and feel great. A couple of weeks ago I was running 3-4 miles at about 8.5 mins per mile. I had been struggling with it for a few months, not sure why.. weather, stress, old age creeping in.. but my breathing was bad and I just found it really hard so had stopped enjoying it. I decided to go back to basics with this to try to enjoy it again, which I am but have I done the right thing? Sometimes I feel like I’ve gone backwards, I feel like I could keep going when it’s time to walk again but I don’t want to deter from the programme so I do walk. What’s anyone’s thoughts?

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Tricky. If you were running 3/4 miles at that speed, I dunno what you’re getting from the very early weeks here though I understand the logic behind your choice. Your fitness won’t desert you, but maybe coming in somewhere mid programme would have been better?

[Run1980 Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

I never thought to start mid programme. I’m hoping that I can build my stamina up better by starting from the beginning and then I may be able to do the harder runs with a bit more ease. Thanks for your advice 👍🏻

[UnfitNoMore Graduate in reply to Run1980]

What type of runs are you looking to train for?

[Run1980 Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Not sure really, just wanted to enjoy it again and keep fit. I don’t really run for races or anything like that, just do it for myself. A bit of me time, clear my head and just to try to keep fit

[UnfitNoMore Graduate in reply to Run1980]

The headspace runs on Nike Run Club are getting rave reviews, I’m looking to being able to do them. And there’s other guided and varied runs with Mo, and some others. Things like No Time? Go Time rock. Not sure if you’ve tried them before.

[Run1980 Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Not tried any of them. Think I will stick with this but will try them once I’ve completed this programme. Thanks so much

[Ang33333 Graduate]

Do you think you were just running too fast before? All that makes my breathing bad is going too fast. I can imagine the first weeks of the prog will be no challenge to you, but as a programme it's brilliant so worth a go to get into good habits again. Slow and steady is always the best advice on here. 😀

[Run1980 Graduate in reply to Ang33333]

I probably was running too fast although I didn’t feel like I was. I am terrible at breathing even now and I tend to pant more than full breathes. I can’t breathe in through my nose and out through the mouth when running, I don’t know why. Will stick with it tho as you say it’s going to get harder so building up now can only help. Thanks for the advice 👍🏻

[Ang33333 Graduate in reply to Run1980]

I'm a mouth breather too! My nose just doesn't work when I run!! 👃😀