Completed 1st week...

[Annamm]

Hi everyone!

Completed my first week and enjoyed it. About to start the second week but concerned I may not be ready? Do you think I should stick to the first weeks run,walk regime? Help!

[Rilke]

I’m in exactly the same position; worried that if week 2 is too tough for me I will just give up (as I have numerous times in the past) I much prefer staying in my comfort zone but know that I won’t improve with that attitude.

[Annamm in reply to Rilke]

Thanks for the reply.. I am going to try and see if I can do it. If I struggle towards the end I will revert to week ones regime.. worth a try!

[GoogleMe Graduate in reply to Annamm]

If you struggle, do the same session again but more slowly (maybe including a slower walk, not just slower run.

People assume that Week 1 is the easiest of the programme because it is where you start. It is not.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Move on... you finished it, you enjoyed it.. so slow and steady and on you go Well done you

[Annamm in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you.

[WonderfulLife64 Graduate]

You can do it, make sure you run at the best pace for you. Slow down if you feel too tired, just keep going. My pace is very slow, but I finish each run and the sense of achievement is amazing. Just about to head out for W5R3!!

[Annamm in reply to WonderfulLife64]

Thank you. W5 R3. Go you!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on getting started.

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

There is nothing wrong with repeating a run, but if you have completed it all then you are ready to move on.

A positive attitude and belief in yourself is necessary and this post may help with that healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

You can do this.

Enjoy your journey.

[WonderfulLife64 Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you - really appreciate the encouragement 😎👍🏻

[Annamm]

Thank you all! Just completed Wk2 r1. And went really well!

[pippkins Graduate]

Keep going - the runs look daunting on paper but believe in yourself - your body is very quickly gaining in strength and stamina, you will amaze yourself and feel a real sense of accomplishment after your next session!

If you are finding yourself out-of-puff or your legs feel very heavy, make sure you have had a glass of water about 45 minutes before you run, just to up your hydration a bit, make sure you visit the toilet just before you set out;

also, SLOW IT DOWN - going slow will get you through this, don't feel self-conscious that you are "shuffling along", your body is going through the same running motions but in a more gentle way. Your muscles are still learning and adjusting, getting ever-stronger for the next run.

Google Japanese slow-running (Niko-Niko) to see slow running in action! I started doing this style of running in my early weeks and it REALLY helped me (and my dodgy knees) my pace has increased as I progressed through the plan but even now I start off with a bit of Niko-Niko just to get me through challenging bits of my longer runs.

Good luck!