W1 R3 done!

[SteveB2812]

well that felt much better today. Legs are aching but my lower back is so sore 🙄

Feeling inspired and can’t wait for W2 to start though. I could get used to this for sure. Just wish my breathing would settle down as occasionally my chest hurts while running.

I’m seeing the positive in it all though,,,maybe I will become a regular runner now 😂🏃🏻‍♂️

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate]

hi SteveB2812 …congratulations on completing week 1…welcome to your new way of life!!!

I am not kidding when I say to you that I can almost guarantee that you will complete a run , maybe next week or it may be week 6 or 7 and you will suddenly notice that you’re not struggling with your breathing, it just happens! I used to, when I first a started the programme, wonder how, when a gazelle ran passed me, they weren’t gasping for breath and then suddenly, that was me!!! (Not the gazelle bit!!!) You’re in the early days…when I first started the programme I thought my lungs and my heart were trying to get out of my chest!!! Honestly, keep your runs slow and steady and you will be amazed at how everything starts to fall into place…enjoy yourself, that’s what we all want you to do ☺️

[Instructor57 Graduate]

Well done completing week 1 👍It's certainly not unusual to have a few aches when you decide to start running.

Have you read through the programme guide?

healthunlocked.com/couchto5....

It's packed with helpful information to guide you through the programme

Do remember to keep the runs slow, this should certainly help with the breathing!

Also stay well hydrated, even on non running days , and remember the after run stretches

All of this will help

Do be careful with the back !

Don't run in pain , if you need more than 1 day between runs then that's fine .

Often lower back ache in new runners can be due to poor core strength so some strength exercises can help on non run days when you feel up to it .

Enjoy the journey

[Bluemerlegirl Graduate]

WooHoo! Congrats on finishing that first week! Don’t let your breathing discourage you, it’ll settle down and chances are, it’ll happen and you won’t even realize it. One day you’ll be running and you’ll realize you can breathe without feeling like your lungs are going to explode. I was the same way my first week (after being out of the running game for almost 2 years). Now, when I run the same route I ran my first week, I look at landmarks as I pass them (feeling great) and I tell myself “I’ve come so far from that first week when I couldn’t make it to that fire hydrant without wanting to collapse “. It all comes together and when it does, it feels so good! Keep putting one foot in front of the other! You’ve got this!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Welcome!!! You had had great advice... and mine...slow and steady. You will be totally amazed where it will take you. Trust the plan and enjoy!