First time graduating from the programme was in '16. Then '18 after a long spell on the IC. Now, after a long time working on a ship - lots of vertical motion but darn all linear to run lol - in the process again.
Completed day one of week 4 this morning but had had to miss 8 days or being able to run because of the job I took recently.
A few things that I noticed, a few changes from other times doing/redoing the programme, and in some cases a different attitude.
What doesn't change of course is the importance of 'take it slow' I went out without setting my heart on doing the run successfully - after all it had been 8 days since my last run - so I didn't put a lot of pressure on myself...and voila! it was successful 
At one point, I did think I'd have to stop...but then realised my halfway/turnroundforhome was in sight. We mention a LOT here that 'running is a mental as well as physical game' and boy did it really hit home for me. Just the thought of 'halfway through' seemed to give me a huge boost physically. A very interesting feeling, something like that happening for no better reason than 'thinking' which literally affects you physically And of course, it can and so often does work the other way around ESPECIALLY when you are a new Runner Then the guide 'Just keep on putting one foot in front of the other' can get you through the gremlin mess
I also felt a sense of frustration but through it found the answer to 'What's the Payoff?" Because when you are struggling it's hard to feel motivated. I 'know' I have fun at events again to look forward to, and KNOWING that I am capable of reaching my ultimate running goal - which of course first time doing the programme was absent - and knowing all the health benefits etc gained from running are....rather nebulous in the 'breathing hard, working muscles, how much longer, further, harder now?' moments. All that is a wee bit to far in the future to be a morale booster in the present
But - cracked it. Would never have been something that would have occurred to me first time, and didn't even second, through the programme but this time I realised that the 'pressure' I felt was simply impatience. Because I can't WAIT to be done with 'walk/run'walk/short time/short distance' running ( BUT it is VITAL to follow the programme, do not misinterpret what I am saying I am so looking forward to just being able to go out the door and have 'my time' where all I have to do is run for an enjoyable and fulfilling amount of time and distance without all these segments cluttering up things
Might seem like fiction to some of you 'First time runners' but believe me, if you stick with it - you too will catch the magic and look forward to running further/longer than you are - naturally - struggling with now. Apart from anything else - the 'Toxic Ten' minutes will be the over and done with each run and subsequently the route you are taking will be so much more enjoyable, instead of this kind of feeling that you never quite 'hit the pace'
And, lastly, yes - the distance out to the front door can certainly be the hardest. I sure was feeling it this morning. Last night ran very late, and an ill-advised heavy and spicey meal far into it meant I did not sleep much or deeply. In the past I have followed the advice to lay out my running gear for the next morning but recently I came to the conclusion that it does not work for me as well as simply ' get up, grab the gear in whatever order, get dressed, go out'. I found - and this is just me - that the 'ritual' of getting geared up in a particular order, shaking out neatly folded clothes, and in other words 'being organised' was distracting me from just grab the gear from the trunk, throw them on, and GO. Basically - I don't give myself too much time to 'rethink' or come up with excuses (gremlins) as to why missing a day is acceptable when it really isn't. Keeping it simple works for me a lot better, I'll stay fussy with my work uniform, Running is my escape from all that
Anyway - breathing while running is still difficult, but then it always was for me but I know it will get better. I always feel very good when the run is over - a sense of achievement, and it adds to me sense of independence, this is something I do for me and under my own steam I am looking forward to entering a few events and all the fun they are in a few months time and basically - this Running lark is just about the only good habit I have let lapse but picked up again.
If you are new and struggling - I hope you don't quit before the 'magic' starts happening for you Running isn't 'easy' for the vast majority of us here (otherwise we would not need a programme, right?) but we stick with it and hang out here long after graduation because it is enjoyable - simple as that, enjoyable
Wishing you all many happy miles in your future
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Beyond Couch to 5k runs now on available on the app! ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Fish, chips and mushy peas!
Hello all - 71 years old and hoping to run!
