Week 1

[Ol_iv_e]

I just completed w1r2 and it was more difficult than my first run any ideas why?

[mrrun Graduate]

Whatever was different made the difference. Tempo, hydration, stretching (or the lack of), sleep, food, muscle group that didn’t wake up during the first run, not enough rest between the runs.....(you insert the rest).

This afternoon l ran 9K merely four hours after l flew back in from holiday and by any standard l should’ve been battered. On the contrary l experienced an incredibly easy and enjoyable run. I figure that must have been because l was relaxed and because l ran and exercised while being away, and felt at ease.

Your runs will always vary, many will be pretty, quite a few will be great, some will be less so and some will be pain. Like life, pretty much.

[Cuig1975]

I found I had aches and pains for first couple of weeks as I hadn’t used muscles etc, even sitting down on toilet 🤪, take extra rest day and go easy on your runs , as you get used to the motion of running so will those achey bits

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on getting started.

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

Everything going on in your life, and your body, can and will affect your running performance and potentially the enjoyment. The top three variables to monitor, in my opinion, are restedness, hydration and nutrition, but there are endless external influences too.

Try to identify these and they can be avoided, or at least you can lower your expectations.

Enjoy your journey.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Many reasons as the others have said. Each run is different, and often the ones we expect to tax us end up being a sheer delight. Just relax and take it slow and steady

Well done you!

[LucyLou9 Graduate]

I echo what other have said, there are lots of factors that affect your running, hydration, how much rest you had, what you ate, the speed you ran at, time of day, weather and just generally how you feel that day. The main thing is not to get disheartened and just stick at it. Some days will be harder than others but don’t let that put you off.

[Meedeb Graduate]

Well done Ol_iv_e!

I’ve just completed Wk1 run 3 so very much a newbie too!

I took on board the posts on hydration, post stretching and rest day - particularly hydrating day before run. It really really helped and hope it does you too, I could feel the difference on the last run (shuffle) I’m slow and have slowed down some more. 😁😎

Happy running - don’t give up and keep us posted how you get on.

[Fatbottomgirl Graduate]

Whilst I agree with all everyone else has said, with me it was more of a mind game. Each week I ran I always found run 2 harder. It was because I knew what to expect and how I felt through it so my mind tried to persuade me not to do it. Ignore the voices😜😜 they are not right! Run 3 will feel much better as you know you've already done it twice before. It does get easier but I still have internal conversations throughout my runs. Crazy yes but still running🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️