Hitting the wall way to quickly

[Joggingon2020]

Just completed week one...breathing is my stumbling block and trying to keep going! Really struggle to hit the 60 with 90 second run starting tomorrow! I Know its early days but does this get easier? 🤪

[Hidden]

Hi, I’m about to start Wk 4! Slow your pace right down & breath in through your nose, then blow out through your mouth! Drink plenty of water, both on run & rest days! There’s loads of great advice on here! Good luck!

[Joggingon2020 in reply to Hidden]

Appriciate the advice will give it a try 👍stay safe

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on getting started.

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

and includes advice about many topics, including pacing and breathing.

Enjoy your journey.

[Dexy5 Graduate]

Think snails 🐌 🐌 🐌 and slow it down to conversation pace.

[Joggingon2020 in reply to Dexy5]

Cheers will give it a try 👍

[Runforreal Graduate]

It doesn’t get easier as such but you gain fitness and the program helps you to overcome your mind when it’s telling you to stop. Keep going, you’ll feel amazing for doing it!

[Joggingon2020 in reply to Runforreal]

Will do ....and thanks 👍

[lottilou66]

As others have said slow down. Have a look at Japanese slow running on utube that’s how I do it. You got this.

[Joggingon2020 in reply to lottilou66]

I will take a look thanks for the tip 🏃‍♂️

[Mader]

I always said I'm not built to run..I cant run..I'm about to start week 5 and am lovin it so far. And to think I was struggling to breath after my first run and was going to dismiss it totally.

Like others say ..I run a slow pace, slow and steady xx good luck xx

[Joggingon2020 in reply to Mader]

About to head out will give it a try ..... and thank you 🏃‍♂️👍

[Poca]

I'm another Japanese slow-running fan, if I can't breathe or hold a conversation I know I'm going too fast. In all the previous years that I've tried to run including C25K I've failed because I didn't have the good advice as we have here, even a PT I had recently just kept telling me to run run run and I just got so disheartened as it hurt too much. Also even a colleague at work doesn't get what I'm trying to do and thinks I'm wasting my time if I'm not pushing myself every time purely based on physical ability to run. I know I am pushing myself on every run mentally and physically and it's about finding that personal balance based on the sound advice here. Good Luck

[Joggingon2020 in reply to Poca]

It's been sound advice so far.....glad I joined. Thanks and keep going 👍

[Rolllo]

Good for you for getting out there! That’s a huge success in its own right. Yes it does get easier. And if a session is too hard, then repeat that one , or the one before, until you feel better, and then continue. That’s the best way. 😁😁

[LuvLondon]

I’m the same. There are some short but steep hills around me that I can’t really avoid unless I just run up and down the same street! I have “completed” week 1 but haven’t managed to run all elements of 60s so I think I will repeat it until I can before I move on. The main thing that motivates me is to know that it can’t get any worse - can it?! Good luck with week 2 hopefully it will get easier.

[Joggingon2020 in reply to LuvLondon]

Thanks. Just got back from W2R1 managed 2 of the 90 but was more or less still on W1 targets so probably gonna redo the week. Feel exhausted but elated at the same time. Keep going 👍🏃‍♂️

[Rumour Graduate]

Hey Joggingon

Breathing is probably one of the things most suffer with at first. Even now I have my moments... But I have learn't something that helps. Yes slow a little so you are able to string a sentence together, but also try this.

When you start running, there is anxiety and tension. Into the unknown. So, as you run, relax your shoulders, unclench your hands and move your arms in an almost relaxed state (But parallel to the floor). Head up looking ahead about 50 mtrs and breath from the stomach, not the chest. And last but not least, relax your running style. Make it more a lope rather than a professional runners stride, that will come later.

It is surprising how much oxygen is taken up by tense muscles, so give it a go, it works well for me. Repeat runs as you need as well. Feel comfortable and then move on, you have the rest of your life to complete this and run. Your run, your pace, your success. #staysafe

[Joggingon2020 in reply to Rumour]

Just got back from W2R1 still had a few breathing issue but got to say not as bad (so going in right direction) next run is Monday and will give your tips a try. Thanks keep going and stay safe 🏃‍♂️👍

[Flye Graduate]

Rather than just slow down on the number of steps you take, shorten your stride. Make sure that you are still jogging but you are moving with energy economy. Shorter stride is less work.

[Joggingon2020 in reply to Flye]

Thanks for the tip 👍 keep going and stay safe 🌈