I've just done run 2 of week 2 and finding it really hard. I'm registered for race for life in 8 weeks and I don't want to let my sponsors down. If I can't run for 90 seconds how on earth am I going to do 5 mins next week???
Any help gratfully received. thanks xx
You can do it - just try slowing right down on your runs - I have just graduated but only manage by going painfully slowly - but I'm still running! Don't give up - if I can do it (and I'm 4 stone overweight) then you can too.n Lucy
Thanks Lucy, I don't think I am going very fast either TBH - it's just my breathing. I tried doing what Laura said, just made me worse! :-((
I discovered the other day that I just can't do "proper" breathing - I tried on my last week 9 run and had to stop part way through. I went out again the next day and just did my usual huffing and puffing, breathless style of run and I was fine. It may not be the best way to breathe and it probably wouldn't sound good if you running alongside me but it gets me through the time. If you CAN do the recommended way of breathing then obviously it is better but I wouldn't get too hung up on it.
Yup - ignore the breathing advice! Lots of people have said on here they find it really offputting, so just do what comes naturally. And don't forget your lungs need time to build up too, just like your legs - so be patient with them......
^^ great advice Lucy 
I agree with lucy - you will be able to run for 5 mins because by then you will be ready for it. None of this plan is what I would call easy and obviously some will find it more difficult than others but believe in yourself and you will do it!
Thanks guys, let's hope so!
Self belief is a huge part of this journey too.
You can do it, bet you thought on W1 you weren't sure how you'd do, but you've carried on and are now on W2, 5 runs in.
Some days will be tougher than others, my breathing is rubbish (probably why I have the fetching red face shortly into a session) but I do what ever I can to help myself.
Your stamina and fitness will improve quicker than you think.
Chin up.....Keep calm and keep going
Just take it at your own pace. If you need to repeat a week for one run do that. On Sunday I ran for 33 minutes but like you at week 2 thought I couldn't do it. Grit your teeth and keep going. You can do it!
thanks, you're right, my first run I thought I may die, but have survived so far! Bring it on.
Please dont worry, just stick to the plan and repeat if neccessary. Dont worry about the breathing thing, I just huff and puff, but eventually you do get into a rhythm. 6 weeks ago I hadnt run for 30 years, tomorrow I am facing 8 minutes!!! Keep going xx
Have faith and stick with Laura; she'll see you through. I hadn't run for 45 years (yes, really - I'm 62 and hadn't run since school) and am now running 40 mins at a time. It's always easier to stop, even now, but try to stick with it; everyone finds it really hard at the beginning. Don't worry about the breathing (although don't stop doing it either! Continuing to breathe is a bit fundamental!!) You CAN do it. Go for it. And always remember - running is 50% physical and 100% mental!
And don't worry about the Race for Life either. It's not compulsory to run it but it is compulsory to have fun Many Race for Lifers walk or run/walk the distance and there's no shame in that. You should be proud of yourself for entering and raising money in the first place.
More than likely your stamina and fitness will have improved by then anyway. As the others say, keep the faith!
You can do this!!! The hardest part was going out for your first run - try and have faith in the programme - I honestly didn't EVER think I'd be able to run for 30 minutes - honestly - but somehow Laura sees you through. Try not to think about your breathing - I get together a mental list before I go out of things to think about - what I'm going to wear on Saturday night, what to cook the kids for tea tomorrow, etc etc - anything to stop me thinking about breathing and my legs!
As others have said - don;t worry about repeating a week - I did (week 4) and was glad I had...
I feel your putting to much pressure on yourself thinking about the race for life challenge, forget about that and just take each week as it comes, I am 53 just been told I am a type 2 diabetic, 6 stone overweight!!!! and I have just completed week 3 and can't wait to start week 4, believe me if I can do you can,
Thank you all for all your motivation - you're marvels!!
I've just been out for run 3 - in the rain no less!!!! I slowed it down slightly and forgot trying to count the breathing and it seemed to work, I didn't get half as breathless. So thank you all, maybe I can do it after all! And yes you are right, even if i do a walk/run thing at race for life, I've still raised loads for cancer, so all's well!
Cheers guys and you all keep up the good work too - well done xxxx
By Jove I think can do it!
I can do this. (I think) 
Week 5, run 3 - don't think, do.
I don't think I have the bug?
I think this is too hard for me! 
