did my first run of week 4 today and even though I did it I felt the burn! I’m struggling to get my breathing under control during the first half of the run. By the end I seem to have it under control but not the first bit, is this normal and any tips to help and also stop the calf burn?
thanks! 😀
My breathing is always all over the place for the first ten minutes before I settle into my pace. A few people I've spoken to also have this, so I reckon it's quite common.
With regard to calves, I've found a good stretching routine before and after my run really helps, plus as you progress you'll get stronger anyway 😁
The "Toxic Ten" is an actual thing Carners1 - this post explains more about it: healthunlocked.com/couchto5...
Hi Glassesgirl , welcome, and congratulations on starting week 4!
If you haven't already, please do have a read of the How to run C25K guide, which has loads of useful information: healthunlocked.com/couchto5...
If you're struggling to get your breathing under control, and your calves are burning, you're almost certainly going too fast. Being well-hydrated, doing pre- and post-run stretches, and taking at least one day off between run days is also important.
Happy running!
I absolutely hate the first ten minutes of almost every run I do. I thought it would get better as I got more experienced. It hasn’t! Knowing about it and that it will go away as the run progresses really helps me to keep going. The key is to start off slow and patiently.
Cmoi has given you some great advice. Slow and steady is the right pace for c25k-probably much slower than you’re expecting. That’s how you’ll develop best as a runner and it’s all explained in the program guide, along with lots of other really important tips.
Really good luck with your next run. Try that conversational pace and see how it feels.
Calf burn was tough throughout my C25K.. I thought it was just to be expected... It wasn't till I graduated and let myself relax
I slowed right down while doing my consolidation runs.. and wished I had done this when the middle weeks got tough..
I then found my breathing a lot easier..
If I could give you that advice 👍
Think of your nutrition..drink lots of water..
You are doing great!
Keep up the good work 🏃♀️👏👍❤️
Similar here! I didn’t figure out conversational pace until I was a couple of weeks into the magic plan! Glad I’m not the only one. It’s wonderful when you find it🏃♀️❤️🏃♀️
healthunlocked.com/couchto5....
Hello... please do take a little time to read the post from a week or so back 
You have had some advice and some links from Cmoi , but there may be something useful there too!
Generally it does sound as if you may be moving too quickly at such an early stage of the runs.
Hopefully you have read the guidance so, think slow and steady. No burn at this stage... if it happens, then ease back.
This is a great programme, enjoy the journey
Well done you on starting this and, please do keep us posted!
when i started i thought omg how can i do interval 5 minutes of continuous running, my legs felt really heavy, i felt out of breath, but after coming on this lovely forum and read all of the beginner advice and posts, i slowed down and looked at my running form, it was a lot easier, now i can sail through the first 5 minutes of running, so you will get there
Just getting started!
Getting Started
Just started
Started week 4
Week 4 done! Tough run though...
