Think I've cracked how to not have a dreadful first 5 minutes every run

[Nevertoolate]

I was going to wait until my next run to blog - it will be the graduate run, unbelievably - but I just had a revelation.

If you're like me the first 5 minutes or so of each run I'm really struggling to get my breathing under control. I think I start off in a state of semi-panic, worrying that I won't be able to do it "this time", half-convinced that I'm never going to be able to breathe easily again. It's been a real bug-bear throughout the 9 weeks.

Today I started off by doing the 5 minute warm up walk and this time I really pushed it to the "briskly" level. I think I've been sauntering along a bit too much so far! I went as far as to try to get a bit breathless and then to do the controlled in-out breathing, even counting to four at times! By the time I got to the end of the walk I was a bit puffed, so I paused Laura for a few seconds (sorry, Laura) but when I set off on the run - miracle - no problem with the breathing!

I don't know if it was a one off thing but I'm going to try and be a bit more serious about the warm up in the future. I hope this helps others because those first 5 minutes running have been pretty grim. Good luck everybody.

[Daisy555]

I've noticed the very same thing! I'm only on week 2, but for me the first run is the most difficult. I feel like I'm slogging through mud and I'm winded. I will try pushing the warm-up up a notch and see if that helps. Thanks!

[Nevertoolate Graduate in reply to Daisy555]

I hope it works. I guess I walked a bit faster but also tried to huff and puff a bit too. Isn't that what we see the "proper" sportspeople do? They sort of huff away a bit before they launch into the activity. You can see I'm not very technical!

[happierswimming Graduate]

I've always tried to make sure my walk was brisk enough just to avoid breaking into a trot so my run doesn't have to be a major step-up., The walks are great for buiding stamina but they do have to be done at a good pace. It's also a good idea to adopt that pace in your daily walking too- stops you talking to your companion though so don't do it with anyone you like or you'll soon lose friends!

[glendam52 Graduate]

I will give that a go on my next run on saturday I always hate the first 5 minutes of running so this may help.

[Hidden]

Gonna check that out, thanks for the tip. Good luck with the graduation run.

[pingle Graduate]

Good idea! I always hate the first 5 minutes of every run but I suspect you are right about getting the breathing sorted before you start running. Will definitely give it a go. Thanks!

[Nevertoolate Graduate]

I'd really like to know if this helps you all. Let me know and I'll blog to say if the miracle happened again for my graduation run - I can't believe it's tomorrow!!

[Nevertoolate Graduate in reply to Nevertoolate]

Yes, it did work - no problem with breathing at all! And I've finished C25K!