Week 4 R2

[LynneG29]

I have been reading posts on here since starting and thought it time I did one myself. I am finding week 4 quite hard and the last minute of the final 5 minute run is still eluding me. Despite Jo Whileys encouragement to keep going I have to slow to a walk! I run first thing in the morning before breakfast, do you think if I ate first it would give me the extra boost needed to keep going?

[Blackberrypie Graduate]

I'm by no means an expert but sounds like it's worth a try! Make sure you're well hydrated too as that's probably also a challenge with running first thing in the morning.

[LynneG29 in reply to Blackberrypie]

Thanks Blackberypie, definitely worth a try when I go out agin on Saturday.

[Blueboy5050 Graduate]

Def eat first, your body is in fasting mode, think of a car, if it ran out of oil would you take it to the extreme? Over stress the engine, even cause long term damage. Warm up and stretch warm down and stretch. And a huge tip is music 🎧 it helps so much..good luck your doing great 👍

[LynneG29 in reply to Blueboy5050]

Thanks Blueboy5050, it will be breakfast first from now on! I totally agree about the music - I have a running playlist on my phone that makes such a difference.

[Chicken1966 Graduate]

Hi Lynne

I read advice here around this subject as I run in the morning also. The general consensus is to have banana either half or a small one and drink water before the run. Nit too much water though don’t want it sloshing about and making you uncomfortable. I also take a small water bottle with me in case i need it especially in the humidity we have had recently.

Other things to try when trying to break a barrier.. vary your route.. If you always get to the same spot and struggle go a different way or get to that spot later in the run.

But most of all don’t give up keep repeating run 2 until you nail it before moving on.

Looking forward to seeing the Week 4 R2 nailed post from you soon!

[LynneG29 in reply to Chicken1966]

Hi Chicken1966, thanks so much for the tips - I will give them a try when I go back out on Saturday - hopefully followed by my nailed it post!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your progress.

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

and includes advice on minimising impact, stretching after every run, hydration and strengthening exercises, all of which will help.

Can you speak aloud, clear, ungasping sentences as you run?.........if not, you are going too fast.

If you have eaten well and are properly hydrated in the preceding 24 hours then you will have plenty of reserves for your run, but this is very individual, so experiment.

Enjoy your journey.

[LynneG29]

Thank you Iannoda, with the great support from this forum I'm sure that I will get there!