Please tell me it gets easier!

[MrsB67]

Did my first run yesterday and it nearly killed me! I didn't realise how unfit I am. I can't even run for 8 minutes without feeling like I've run a marathon. Am really sore as well today. Next run is tomorrow but I'm worried I'm not going to be able to do it. Please tell me it gets easier!!

[sallyb123]

When I did Week 1 run 1 it nearly killed me too, don't think I've ever been that short of breath in my life. For the next two days I ached in places I didn't know I had! But it does get easier. Just think about your next run, don't think any further ahead than that. I ran Week 4 run 1 yesterday and the last time I ran for 16 minutes was when I was at school being yelled at by the PE teacher. Honestly it does get easier and the more you do the more you want to do, at least that's how its been for me.

[RhonaL]

Totally normal reaction to Run 1! You have sent a wake up call to your body and it is normal to feel stiff after a run, you are using muscles that you probably didn't know you had. I found I was stiff during the rest day but ok on run day. After each run your body uses the rest day to repair and build muscles. The plan is designed to challenge you just enough each week - I have found that it really helps to just do the runs and not overthink beforehand (things I am totally guilty of). Good luck and keep in touch.

[Hidden]

Sounds about normal to me - and it certainly does get easier to run. None of the runs in the plan is easy but if you keep at it and progress through the programme you will be at the point where 8 minutes non stop is easy and you will wonder what you fussed about :-).

Each day is supposed to be a little hard - but you are getting fitter while you are doing it so just keep at it. Good Luck!

[notlaura Graduate]

There will be days when it may not feel easier but it will feel better if that makes sense. Trust your body and the programme, Laura will get you through it. A few weeks from now you won't be panting for breath after a couple of minutes and you can feel so proud of yourself!

Keep at it, it's totally worth it X

[Hidden]

I did my first run yesterday too - planning to go out again tomorrow eve, I've just bought myself some proper running trainers to hopefully make it easier on my legs (I can feel parts of them today I didn't know existed)!!!

[glendam52 Graduate]

I dont think there are many people on here who would say it was easy I certainly didnt. Thought I was going to die after about 45 seconds but shuffled on to finish each run. Make sure you are not running too fast just do the time.I do the dreaded wk 5 run 3 on Friday so if I can you can.

[Nevertoolate Graduate]

Agreed! If you read through the blogs you'll see that you're completely normal. That first run is so cruel, but you did it and survived. It'll get easier, promise. This programme is so great at improving your stamina and fitness slowly, slowly. I was on the couch for 33 years and after a couple of weeks of this I can actually mention those words - 'stamina' and 'fitness' and not flinch! Go for it and good luck with the next run.

[MrsB67]

Thanks for all your fabulous messages! I am so determined to see this through if it bloody kills me (and it may well do ). Second run in the morning - fingers crossed I don't collapse. Good luck Pixiebell73!!

[keepntabs Graduate in reply to MrsB67]

Whatever you do, don't give up. During Week 1 I was huffing and puffing like the big bad wolf, and sweating like I was in a sauna. I actually did one extra run before moving onto Week 2.

The one thing that I do notice is that my adrenaline kicks in about halfway through the podcast, and I realize the I finished the first half and lived. That is enough to see me through to the end.

I start Week 4 on Friday, and now have the confidence that I know I will be able to complete the whole program. Even if I don't do it in exactly 9 weeks I won't consider myself a failure, because the goal is to be able to run for 30 minutes.

[Mirella Graduate]

W1R1 is a killer. Well done for surviving it and good luck with run two.

It does get easier, week 4 was my favourite