Have done week 1 2 runs so far and really loving it but I have some burning questions that are bothering me and I want to get the best out of this so I’m hoping you guys and gals can point me in the right direction.
First one is does it get easier? I am struggling to see how I’m going to be ready for week 2 after my next run when I’m barely managing the 60 seconds running (average between 45-55seconds before I can’t go anymore) I am going to stick at it but can I stick with week 1 for an extra week to push myself to that minute or do I plod on and take the plunge and try week 2 when it says to?
As a complete newbie to the running world is there any sound advice to prepare for each run? I’ve been drinking more than usual and trying to eat better but feel like I’m missing something that can help me improve and better myself.
Lastly what do you all do on rest days? Had a rest day yesterday and felt like I needed to do some kind of exercise and even debated at 10pm last night going for a small jog around our local area because I felt really demoralised and almost as if I was being lazy!
Many thanks in advance for any pointers you may have for me.
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CrazyCakeLady
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Firstly, well done for starting the program! That in itself is a huge step and the hardest bit is having the motivation to get off the ‘couch’ and start!
My advice would be if you’re struggling to get to the 60 seconds of running, I would repeat the week until you can get there before you move on. Really focus on pacing yourself and going nice and slow if you’re struggling even if it feels like you’re going at snails pace!
I don’t really prepare for the runs but I find a good nights sleep the night before and doing the run in the morning works best for me. I also drink a glass of water before I go out and take water with me so i’m staying hydrated.
On rest days I don’t always do other exercise but I do aim for 10,000 steps every day whether it’s a run day or not. So maybe if you feel like you want to get out and do some kind of exercise just go on a walk and try and get some extra steps in?
Wk 1 and 2 were the hardest for us but I think its just your body adjusting after that it got easier. We didn't do anything on rest days other than usual dog walks. Advice I would say go slow so that you can complete the running sections check out the Japanese slow running technique it really worked for us in the early weeks and trust the programme you will be amazed at how far you will have progressed by wk 4 😀
I have just done w1 r3 this morning and I only (and I really mean only!) just managed 60 seconds. I’m not sure what to do about continuing onto to week 2 or do I just to repeat wk1 again?
I’m leaning towards repeating week 1 as I think that will boost my confidence more by seeing I am getting better than attempting week 2 and possibly not being able to do it.
Well done on starting it though, we can do this!! 👏💪😂
Great work on getting the first couple of runs under your belt 💪.... I am a gentleman of a certain stature, and 9 weeks ago was in exactly the same position as yourself. In fact W1R1 I nearly gave up went home on the 3rd running interval.
Today I ran for 30 minutes non stop, was it easy? No! but it was no harder than getting my ass through W1! I cannot stress enough for you to read IannodaTruffe pinned post, the advice he gives here is invaluable. I’d also advocate posting on here for further advice or just some general encouragement.
If my body can achieve what it’s achieved in the last couple of months, I can guarantee that yours can too.... just take it slow, make sure you look after yourself, take extra rest days if necessary and finally accept that some runs are going to be harder than others for no apparent reason!
On the "yes it does" side, as you do more exercise your body gets stronger and has greater capacity for endurance. This means the mechanics of running becomes less of an effort the further you progress.
On the "no it doesn't" side, the programme is designed to stretch you a bit more at each progression along the schedule. However, these challenges are within your growing capabilities.
You will be genuinely surprised at what you will be able to do.
Well done on starting and keep going into Week 2. I too felt that I had to do something on the rest day so I did some of the NHS Strength and Flexibility podcast sessions. A bit repetitive but a decent work out when starting out
Well done for getting started. I think you’ve already had lots of great advice about continuing through the program. As for exercise on other days you can do anything that is none impact to give your legs chance to rest. I do strength/ weight training on days between runs and one Pilates class per week which I love and really stretches out the tight running muscles. There are lots of free videos on line. Try the NHS website. Sunday is my total rest day when I don’t feel guilty if I do absolutely nothing! 😂
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