Newbie

[danielbooysen]

So I am new here, I am on my third week but repeated week 1 twice and did week 2 day 1 for the first time, I am still struggling so hard with breathing and my legs burning, do I stick to week 2 or repeat week 1 again, I am so struggling to understand why it’s so hard??

[KimberlyAubree]

I’d continue I did repeat week 2 as I thought I can’t run for 3 mins but just repeat once and keep on going , are u having your rest days? Are u drinking enough water ? Sure u doing all correctly and your legs must just be getting used to the new you x

[danielbooysen in reply to KimberlyAubree]

Yes having rest days and lots of water, probably just take time

[Elfe5 Graduate]

It sounds like you might need to slow right down. - Lots of new runners go much too fast. Have a look at ‘Japanese Slow Running’ clips on YouTube- it really helps to visualise how slow ‘slow’ can be. (You will get faster naturally as time goes on.)

As for breathing, if you are going slowly enough, it will sort itself out. The best advice I had was to not think about it, but just breathe as I needed to. It settled down after a few weeks. 😄

Go gently & take your time. 😄

[HeavenstoBetsy Graduate in reply to Elfe5]

Just had a look at the Japanese slow jogging video it is fascinating!

[HeavenstoBetsy Graduate in reply to HeavenstoBetsy]

youtube.com/watch?v=9L2b2kh...(Not working as expected?)

Not sure how long it would take to get to 5k at this speed however, but that isn't the point apparently.

[Elfe5 Graduate in reply to HeavenstoBetsy]

You are right, that’s not the point!😄 It looks very slow & it will be to begin with - but over time, the pace that feels slow & comfy becomes faster. My “Japanese Slow Run” that I use to warm up for the first 5 to 10 minutes of every run is two minutes faster per Km now than it was a couple of months ago, - but it feels the same to me.

Speed is not necessary to reap the many benefits of running. I am a happy snail, but am fitter & lighter than I have been for 10 years thanks to running. 😄

[HeavenstoBetsy Graduate in reply to Elfe5]

Great! Apparently there are more health benefits to this type of slow running.... I am going to give it a go! Combine normal jogging with the Japanese slow running and see how that feels.

[Archerygoddess Graduate]

I strongly suspect that you're going too fast. If you haven't already, you should read the FAQ post on the right hand side of the page entitled 'how to run C25K. This explains why it's important to run slowly amongst other things. You're probably thinking that you're going really slowly, but you can slow down even further. Don't be tempted to measure your distance at this stage, just run slowly, follow the program, and it will work. I never thought I would be a runner, but C25K really does work. Just remember🐌🐌🐌

[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.

[Lottie74]

I’m in my 4th wk doing wk one, never ran before and very heavy so finding it hard. I just take one run at a time and am beginning to find it easier. If I think about my first run I realise how I’ve progressed. Maybe not as quickly as others but I’m determined to put one foot in front of the other and keep going. Each journey is individual. Have faith in yourself.

[Els_runs Graduate]

Slow down, rest day/s inbetween, drink loads of water even on rest days to help stop burning legs. Do you listen to music? I found this helps me not concentrate too much on the sound of my breathing and it just comes naturally. I repeated runs until my confidence grew and I felt I could tackle the next step. Keep going, don’t give up, it will come 💪🏻💪🏻