Does everyone feel noticeably stronger each week?

[Anniejam]

Tomorrow I start week 3 Run 1. Listening to the commentary you are encouraged towards the end of the run. But I’m curious, one of the statements made is ...”hopefully you feel you have gained some improvement from your previous weeks runs”. Does everyone feel a noticeable difference in between the weeks? I felt a little stronger for the 1st/2nd runs of the 6 runs last week.

But that soon faded away as I started my 3rd run. I always feel a little jarring sensation along the front of my shins, but that fortunately passes quickly on the walks.

I know it’s different for everyone and what level of fitness they started with but from a complete novice perspective...Im curious at what stage do people really feel they are making strides?

Thanks in advance

[Rennur Graduate]

Now you've discovered that some runs are better than others.

Sounds like a touch of sore shins rather than full blown shin splints.

You should consider some leg strengthening exercises on your rest days.

But all in all it sounds as if you're doing fine.

[John_W Graduate Ambassador]

I can still recall, nearly 6 years ago, that I started to notice changes in how my legs felt, in Week 4.

[Hidden in reply to John_W]

That’s weird, nearly 4 years ago for me and again an enduring memory of week 4!

[B1GK9 Graduate]

Feeling the changes from one week to the next might be a stretch, although being able to complete the runs is a confirmation that something is happening.

Certainly as you look back from say week 4 to week 1 and reflect you will probably appreciate the difference.

Strength changes weren't what I noticed but I did certainly notice my aerobic capacity improving.

Keep going, it will work.

[Anniejam in reply to B1GK9]

Thank you. I’ve started this programme 3 times. This time feels different, not sure why. Since last November I’ve lost 4 1/2 stone. I try and do at least 30/40 mins cardio every day. Other occasions I was doing the program I think I was working too hard on my rest days. I feel a bit more determined to finish it! Thanks for the advice.

[B1GK9 Graduate in reply to Anniejam]

4 1/2 stone is a lot.

I have done something similar so I can understand the effort. Well done you. I bet you are feeling tons better and all sorts of small things will be easier. Stairs were the one I really noticed, I thought everyone hated stairs and was tired after just one flight. Now not so much so every time I climb some stairs I mentally take note of how far I have come. Big gains are just little gains added together.

[coolfemme Graduate]

You said - "I felt a little stronger for the 1st/2nd runs of the 6 runs last week." Are you doing 6 runs in one week? The advice is to take a day off between runs.

[Helm108 Graduate in reply to coolfemme]

I read it as OP is on Week 3, therefore has just finished Week 2, which is 3 sessions with 6 running intervals each

[Anniejam in reply to Helm108]

That’s exactly what I’ve done 👍

[coolfemme Graduate in reply to Anniejam]

Right, sorry misunderstood

[Anniejam in reply to coolfemme]

No, I’m starting week 3 today. Week 2 had 6 runs each session! 👍

[Hidden]

It was week 4 for me too. It's strange but that is also a strong memory! I looked down at my legs and noticed that they had changed shape

[Anniejam in reply to Hidden]

Roll on week 4 huh? ☺️☺️

[Hidden in reply to Anniejam]

Yep. Then week 5 and so on, then 5k, your first 10k, a runniversary or two... The skies the limit and you will feel STRONG 💪

[Crystaltips32 Graduate]

I did my first run of week 4 yesterday 🙂 I've definitely felt a difference in my strength levels. I don't feel as physically weak as I did before 😸