First attempt today

[Omgrunning]

First attempt at running in about 30 years today. W1R1. Didn’t manage all of the 60 second runs as was worried about how high my heart rate shot up to, so kind of did alternate ones with more recovery time in between. Did about half of them though and at least 3 were all the way through. Please tell me it will get easier!

[Cand9600]

It really does get easier! Now on week 8 having never run before!

[John_W Graduate Ambassador]

How are you monitoring your heart rate? Is your heart a concern?

[Omgrunning in reply to John_W]

Thanks for replying. Apple watch is monitoring it as I started workout mode. I'm just concerned about how high is safe given that I'm over 50 with high blood pressure and not used to it yet. When walking for excercise I normally sit around 113/114bpm, but during the jogs today it went up to 154 & stayed above 130 while walking. Even now, an hour or so later it has only just dropped below 100 and is 96 right now. Normal resting rate for me is about 65-70

[WytchHazel74 in reply to Omgrunning]

If it’s any consolation mine goes through the roof! I have a Fitbit and when I look back at my heart readings it’s bonkers. However if you have any concerns then go and see your GP and get them to check you over again.

Ok I just checked and my last run (I’m on week 8) my heart went up to 168bpm. It was a real challenge, my heart was pounding and I was out of breath, but that’s normal.

Your body is learning to do something it’s probably never done before, but it does get easier. In these early sessions just keep it slow and steady; put some running tunes on, keep your head up and your shoulders back to open up the lungs, and just focus on the coach in your ear and not the tech. Pace and heart rate zones can come into it later. Good luck!

[John_W Graduate Ambassador in reply to Omgrunning]

The running will do wonders for your high blood pressure. Don't focus so much on your heart rate - it will only hold you back and worry you unnecessarily,

If you're unfit with high blood pressure then yes your HR will be seemingly quite high as you JOG (yes ... JOG, not 'run') for the 1st time in a long time, but honestly, forget the HR.

Just make sure that when you JOG ... your breathing is nice and steady. You should NOT be out of breath. Concentrate on what your breathing is doing and not your heart.

Far better to focus on the process and just making a habit of getting out for each run.

And please watch this:

youtube.com/results?search_...

[Tasha99 Graduate in reply to Omgrunning]

154 is normal. Not bad in fact really. Many people’s hr goes up to 180-200 when running. It’s also very normal to be elevated all day after a run. Your resting heart rate will fall as you do more.

[WytchHazel74]

I am really not a natural runner so I totally get what you’re saying. That first session is a massive shock to the system! You think it’s only sixty seconds, but by the end of the first one I was gasping for breath and already red in the face, and by the third one I though I was going to die.

What you have to remember is you are doing something amazing, and your body will adapt. Don’t worry about speed, just concentrate on posture and breathing as you progress. I found that by week 3 my body was getting to grips with what was being asked of it, and that felt like a major breakthrough. Good luck and well done!

[Omgrunning in reply to WytchHazel74]

Thanks for that, really encouraging!

[WytchHazel74 in reply to Omgrunning]

You’re welcome, just keep plugging away at it and be proud of yourself 😊

[nowster Graduate]

Keep in mind that wrist-based heart rate monitors are not always reliable, especially when the wrist is moving back and forth a lot.

[Omgrunning]

Hi all, just came back to thank you all for your advice, empathy and encouragement. Without it I think I would have given up, but yesterday I did W1R2 and managed all of the runs without stopping.

The advice on slow jogging was particularly useful, that really helped. I was so happy afterwards and really want to stick at it now.

Thanks all!

[2orangey4crows]

Well done for cracking on with it ! It’s such a buzz when you complete a run . I screen shot the app some times to look at what I have achieved ! The Slow running ( and I mean Snail 🐌 slow) has made a huge difference to me and is getting me through the programme . Def don’t focus on distance or speed at the moment . You will do it ! Looking forward to hearing more of your journey

[Tiny3001 Graduate]

hey. I really struggled with both walking and running on week 1. I never ever thought I would make it but I just did 20mins non stop. Honestly go super slow and it will be fine. Trust the plan

[Smile23 Graduate]

Well done w1r1 is the hardest!

Go slow keep going slower

The plan has hidden magic i am sure

I havnt run since school. I am 52 and overweight

i start week9 tonight and cant wait to run 30 mins😁

Just listen to your body and your coach you will do great 👍

[scubasmiff]

We should have a badge for the over 50s club. You've done the hardest part, getting off the couch! Yes it can be a slog and you'll get good days and not so good days, but as your body adjusts you'll keep surprising yourself everytime you start a new part of the programme.

I'm on w5, I wouldn't say I'm loving it, but the face things have gone from being grumpy to a neutral at the start, and I actually gave myself a smiley for finishing yesterdays run.

Keep it slow and steady, it's not a race to the finish, the goal is to finish. And if you ever think you are running to slow, look up Japanese jogging, there's science in there!

[Smile23 Graduate in reply to scubasmiff]

Like the over 50 badge😁👏

[Ruby69 Graduate]

I’m 68. In w4r3 Go SLOW as you can without walking- look at slow running on YouTube - it works for me! U can speed up when your stamina more resilient good luck