things can only get better

[Alfredwoo1234]

on Saturday 15th aug I started day 1 of couch to 5k well proud of myself i did day 2 yesterday couldnt catch my breath as I was running hoping this will get better

[carolinestanford Graduate]

You could have been going too fast... I did this at the start too and slowing down really helped 😀

[Alfredwoo1234 Graduate in reply to carolinestanford]

Thank you i will try slower although I felt I was crawling , 🤣 I wonder if I might have worked myself up of worrying i'd fail that made my breathless and anxious. This is definitely the unknown to me x

[Oldgirlruns Graduate]

I suspect you were going too fast Alfredwoo - it’s a common thing and catches out a lot of us. You’ll find that you can almost always go slower, especially if you can’t catch your breath! That definitely means you’re moving too fast! Read Iannoda Truffe’s pinned post for newbies at the top of this forum - it’s essential reading. And also have a look at the YouTube clip on Japanese Slow Running which I found really useful and which loads of people swear by. Drink loads of water, not just on run days. And be really proud of getting off that couch and onto this great plan! Good luck!

[Scw787 Graduate]

Keep going. I’ve graduated. I still jog. But now I love it xx

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

If you cannot speak aloud clear ungasping sentences as you run then you are going too fast for your current fitness level........slow down.

Enjoy your journey.