Does this get easier?

[Ex-NonRunner19]

W2R2 today and am finding it really hard, even though my ‘jog’ is more of a shuffle. Never been good at jogging. I’ve had a sneak preview at future weeks ... 😱😱😱

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Don’t worry about what is to come... of course those runs are currently impossible, you just hit 90 second runs. This is the work to make those runs from impossible to challenging.

The slower you go the better in many ways, especially at this stage, it takes time for your body to react and be ready for the next run.

Believe in yourself, only think about the run you are facing. Relax and go at your pace.

Not many worthwhile things are easy, but you can do this.

[EW99 in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Agree. Last week I was really concerned about doing 8 minute runs this week for week 5 but as it turned out it was fine. Looking ahead is a bit of a mistake I think.

[misswobble Graduate]

Don’t let preconceived ideas get the better of you or hold you back.

This programme is amazing and will get you running for 30 mins.

One run at a time will get you there. Don’t look ahead, just do the run in front of you,and prepare to be amazed 💪😃👍

[Hidden]

That's kind of how I feel - I wish I could actually RUN instead of the hot-shoe-shuffle-type-of-thing that I do now. I bet it would be so much easier to just run. Oh those days hopefully will come by the end of the year.

[UnfitNoMore Graduate in reply to Hidden]

The old expression is walk before you run... so here its walk, hot-shoe-shuffle, jog, run. You’ll most likely graduate before you consider yourself as running. Speed really doesn’t matter. Pushing your heart rate up for 20-30 minutes will make you fitter at a surprising rate... when you hit 30 minutes you will have improved your life expectancy... then you can work on speed if you want to.

[Notanaturalrunner Graduate]

Trust in the programme, it has worked for 1000’s of people most of which consider themselves ‘not great runners’. As the others say just work on a pace that’s right for you, I don’t consider myself a fast runner but I cover the time and distance and who cares what others think. It’s for my health and benefit and it’s me that’ll reap the reward.

You CAN do this and you will do it. We all have rubbish days but just concentrate on the current run and it’s amazing what your body is capable of not to mention the benefits to your mental health.

Onwards and upwards Nonrunner19 😊

[Hidden]

"Easier" is tricky, because each week builds and challenges. So, for me anyway, within each week it hasn't been easy yet but I could easily do what you're doing now. That isn't a brag! My point is it was a nightmare back when I was doing it, and I struggled heartily. But several weeks on I have improved my cardiovascular fitness and leg strength so much that, yes, it would be easy. In my fantasies what I'm doing right now will be easy in some future if that makes sense.

[Tasha99 Graduate]

It doesn’t feel like it gets much easier but that because you’re going further with the same effort if that makes sense 🤔

[Beanjo Graduate]

Don’t worry about speed. Whether you do a slow shuffle ( I move like a snail 🐌) or a slightly faster shuffle is irrrlevant. The important thing is that you’re moving more than you would be if you were sitting on the couch!

I think everyone who’s done this programme has looked ahead and thought we couldn’t do it but as others say- each run builds on the previous one and you’re amazed when you hit each new milestone.

Trust the programme- it works! Slow and steady will do it and each week your health is getting better.

Now go smash run 3 😊🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[Ex-NonRunner19 Graduate]

You’re all fab out there in 5K-land. Thanks for the encouragement & support. I’m hoping for a breakthrough moment when it feels good. Onwards!

[Bandit14 Graduate]

Everyone looks at future weeks and thinks omg I can't do that it's a natural gremlin reaction - but trust me you can box those gremlins😊

Wk 1 was a killer for me 60 sec running and I thought I was going to die - looking back it was just those couch gremlins trying to hold me back.

Trust in the plan and go slow and steady - it may not get easier - but you will start to grow confidence that you can and will do all 9 wks.

I'm starting wk7 tonight - if you'd have told me I would get this far I wouldn't have believed you back in wk1.

Well done for getting out there and best of luck xx

[Oldlady57]

I felt the same this morning doing W2R2!! Just gave myself a good talking too lol. As people say, there’s going to be good & not so good runs. Lots of support here too, to encourage & support you. Good luck on your journey 🏃‍♀️👍🏻

[alex10756]

i am on run 2 week3 today but the other day when i done run1 week 3 i had a couple wee jogs on the 5 min cool down walk i starting to feel good in myselve