Week 2. Run 3 Done!

[HEK26]

...Just finished week 2 and I found it mega hard, Sore legs and breathing heavy. Really not looking forward to the 3 minute run in week 3. I don't think I will be able to manage it, should I repeat week 2 until I find it easy?

[19To15]

Getting the breathing right makes you forget about the legs. In through the nose, out the mouth. This has taken me to week 8 and I hated running before and am hugely overweight/obese. Keep going but go really slowly.

[SlowLoris]

Stick with the program. You might surprise yourself. It's a progressive program so you are not going to find it easy. If you did then you probably wouldn't need it in the first place.

Look forward to the next run. It's a choice, no one is forcing you.

If you are struggling slow down a bit. You can always go slower.

[jiggles7 Graduate]

Hey Hek26. Pretty sure I felt like that too. it'll take a while for you to suss the breathing but one day you will just click. I can't do the nose breathing but I just breathe through my mouth and that works fine for me. I think just jive the 3 minute run a go, you may surprise yourself, I would only repeat a run I hadn't completed. personally I don't find any run 'easy' I still have to work really hard even in week 9 but some runs are good runs, some runs I just have to grit my teeth and get through. what kind of pain are you experiencing when you say sore legs? you may find that drinking more water helps (easier said than done I know) and doing some stretches beforehand if it's muscular.

[HEK26 in reply to jiggles7]

When I say sore, more heavy. I know I don’t drink enough water so I will make a extra effort. Thanks for the advice.

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

What’s the worst that happens if you can’t complete week 3 fully? Would it be terrible if you managed 2.5 minutes? I think it would be progress. You are ready for week 3 physically, slow and steady and you can do it. You may have to dig deep to do it, but that’s part of running, mental strength. Trust the programme and believe in yourself. You’ve done great so far.

[pampam]

I’ve made a point of looking back at my posts and yes, I too found the run you’ve just completed difficult. So a big pat on the back for completing it.

I’ve repeated runs, if I felt like I needed it. Repeating a run has always been naturally easier the second time and given me the confidence to move on. Or try the next run- there’s no problem if you don’t complete it. You just repeat a run until you do.

The main thing is to enjoy this- that way we’ll stick at it.

See you around fellow runner, Pam.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on getting started.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Just run at the easy conversational pace described in the guide and you will be fine.

Enjoy your journey.

[Dilly_Dilly]

Just like to say, I know exactly how you feel. I'm starting w4 r1 and I was apprehensive. I found the first 1min 30 run harder than the 3min part, also cos there aren't as many walks you finish much sooner than you think!! Keep going...you are doing fab x

[Mercmancouchto5k Graduate]

Hi Hek26, I just did W3R1 yesterday and I took an extra day off before I did it. I too was really worried about the 3 minute run. I managed it. Think of it this way - like a school exam. You have done six runs before this one, so six 100% results - all A star rated. So if you go back now without trying to do W3R1, you will get 100% but you already did that exam. If you bail out 1/2 way through W3R1, you will still have sat the exam. I managed it when I didn't think I would. Thanks for the post. It is great to see somebody else with the same hopes and fears. Go for it.

[HEK26]

Thanks everyone for the advice. Heading out in a bit.

[jiggles7 Graduate in reply to HEK26]

Keep us posted

[HEK26]

I did it and didn’t stop! Feel so silly for being apprehensive, but super chuffed. Thanks again everyone! 😀