Week 2 Run 3

[SloopJonB]

Wow! This was the hardest yet. I really thought that as time progressed, it should become easier but on a hot (28 deg C) day I really struggled. I did it but my breathing was laboured even after slowing down the pace. The pace was 138 steps/min which was marginally better than the end of W1. Now startinh W3 with 3 minute and 5 minute runs, I think I'm going to struggle. Any thoughts about getting through this please?

[nowster Graduate]

Don't worry. It's hard to run in the heat.

A lot of us got up early to escape it, but the early morning was still uncomfortably warm.

[Instructor57 Graduate]

I'm not surprised it was difficult if it was 28 degrees when you ran !

Where are you running and what time did you go ?

I was out at 06:15 this morning and had a nice cooling gentle breeze, but that had gone by the time I finished running .

I wouldn't have even bothered had it been later than 07:00 so I would not worry too much !

You probably know this but try and run at a pace where you can speak full sentences without gasping for breath !

And would strongly suggest going really early to beat the heat !

[SloopJonB Graduate in reply to Instructor57]

Hi, I am in mid Hampshire and I went out at about 1.30. You might think that this is the hottest part of the day but it's not - if the sun stays out all day then about 5pm is the hottest time. I'm running around a small country park and their is a lot of water around which helps to regulate the temp. As week 3 starts on Monday and the temp is still going to be hot I think I'm going to have to be really careful and watch my pace which will be difficult!

[steviej99 Graduate]

Don't focus on pace. Doing the run is all that matters so take it slow. As the workload increases you need to conserve energy and stay injury free. It will only get easier when you build up your running muscles and stamina, probably after you graduate. You're doing great so far. Good luck and enjoy your running

[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.

Enjoy your journey.

[TortoiseRegretsHare Graduate]

Well done for getting out in that heat - it was my day off, but I went for a bike ride: that was really hot, I could manage more than 45 minutes - and cycling is easier than running.

[Skeg Graduate]

Each week the effort needed increases so dont expect it to be easier. Forget the stats just follow the plan and enjoy your success to-date.