Struggling to progress

[Countrygirl123]

Wk3 run1, really struggled with the jump from 90s to 3m, literally couldn’t do it. Frustrated that I’m finding it so hard to progress...

[diligesmore]

I found W3 R1 the exact same - it doesn’t seem like such a huge jump but it feels like it. I just about managed to get through it by slowing right down. I’m now on Week 4 and I’m finding it much easier. You can do it - as long as you’re getting out and trying that’s truly all that matters! Well done for getting this far

[Oldlady57]

I too struggled with W3R1, partly due to head gremlins. I had Oldfloss in my ear though saying “snails pace 🐌” so l slowed down. I found run two much easier ish. You’ve got this, just have faith both in yourself & the programme & maybe adapt the mantra of “snails pace” 👍🏻

[AgingMetalHead Graduate]

Yep same here. 90 seconds to 3 minutes sounded ridiculous at the time. Who could think that was a reasonable jump!? But like others have said, I took it slowly, chose a route I liked (which back then was far away from other people!!), made sure I was hydrated and off I went! Really looked forward to those recovery walks!

[Countrygirl123]

Thanks for the positivity. I think my expectations were too high, I thought 3 minutes wasn’t very long (bearing in mind the 30m end target!) and perhaps I did run too fast. Will try again tomorrow!

[Oaktree2]

I was the same too especially when Laura told me I was half way through my 3 minutes when I had clearly already run for 10 hours! 🤪

I’m now in week 4 and found that being a 🐌 is the best thing ever. It really does make a difference.

You’re doing a great job...you’ve got this far and you will get further. Trust in yourself and the programme!

[Run1980 Graduate]

I agree with everyone, going at a snail 🐌 pace is definitely the way forward. If I try to run any faster I can’t breathe but running really slow gets me round. I’ve just done my last run of week 5 and managed a full 20 min run because I just took it really slow. Good luck for your next run 🏃‍♀️

[Countrygirl123]

Right this moment it seems difficult to imagine being able to run for 5mins let alone 20!!

[Ang33333 Graduate]

Slowing down is probably the answer. As slow as you need to to complete the run! 🐌🐌🐌🐌🐌🐌

[dollymo]

I remember that jump too, I ran so slowly I never overtook anyone! I held in my head a picture of me at the end of the three minutes doing that walk. I imagined how it would feel and sometimes it worked!!!!

[PaulaGullett Graduate]

I think you’re going too fast - don’t think about speed just a slow jog for the time expected. You’re still finding out about running too and you’ll find your way as your fitness levels increase. It is a challenge on some runs and you’ll wonder if you’ll get to the end but you will just don’t try to race yourself. Keep going! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[Countrygirl123]

Thank you all, I’ve now done w4r1 and the running wasn’t as hard despite going up significantly. Think going slow was the key and my fitness improving. However I now have shin splints (weirdly in one leg only) so although I’m starting to look forward to the runs and finding them easier, I’m now contending with pain and anxious it may prevent me reaching my goal when I’m now doing much better 😬