W3R1 done, even in the rain!

[stillamystery]

I've been lurking in these forums for a while now, but I thought I'd finally share my first post!

I've just completed W3R1 in the pouring rain. Was dreading it slightly but I forced myself to get out there, and it turned out much better than I imagined! For a start, I encountered absolutely nobody else which I liked (I always subconsciously speed up when people are watching me and it can throw me off), and by the end I was sweating so much less than usual (still not sure if it was because of the rain or because I'm actually getting fitter? Who knows).

I think it's insane how in the space of just 2 days, a 90 second run has gone from feeling like forever to feeling so quick and being a welcome relief! Hopefully I'll feel like that about 3 minute runs next week, because they felt SO long today haha.

One thing I noticed was that I'm feeling the strain in different places now I think? During weeks 1 and 2, it was my lungs/abdomen/breathing in general that felt like it was under the biggest strain, but after today's run I feel like my calves and feet are holding me back more - I barely thought about my breathing. I'm not sure if it's because I did more running on grass during weeks 1 and 2 whereas today I stayed mainly on paths, or because I need new trainers (I've had my current ones for about 8 years oops), or both.

It's definitely a bit of a learning curve, but I love that I can already see results! I'm actually starting to look forward to the runs for the feeling I get afterwards, which I never thought I'd say. Just hoping that my calves won't cause me trouble as it progresses. But feeling strangely positive! Thanks for putting up with my stream of consciousness ramblings.

[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.

[Little_lizzie]

Hi!

Week done... I've just completed week 3... and I agree with enjoying it and looking forward to doing!

Is very strange how over the weeks the body acts differently..

Now that I've found my pace my legs are not aching but I am out of breath a bit, not quite got my breathing right..

I do my runs at the gym.. I don't do cold weather lol

I always do warm ups and cool down stretches.. but noticed people at the gym don't.. I know I ache when I don't do them... I winery if they ache after they've run for miles!

Good luck with rest of your runs!

Lizzie x

[stillamystery in reply to Little_lizzie]

It's very strange isn't it? Definitely a welcome change though!

I understand your trouble with breathing - I feel like I'm quite up and down with it. Some days it barely crosses my mind and I can just do it, other days I really have to put effort into breathing properly, especially if I get a stitch. I'm still not fully sure what causes my stitches, if it's because I haven't waited long enough after a meal or if I'm going too fast or what, but oh well.

And I can't believe that some people don't stretch! I absolutely swear by my post-run stretches. I did the first 2 runs of week 1 without stretching and was in absolute agony the next day, now I'm mostly fine!

Good luck to you too!! xx