Well that's week 1 over...

[Prince_of_Cats]

Today was the hardest. I wasn't feeling too great anyway, thanks to lack of sleep and a gut-ache in the morning, but running makes me feel better, so I ran.

Glad I did, but oh, that was not easy. I got a stitch half-way and it took another five minutes to fade, so two more 60-second jogs in pain. I think I needed to drink more during the day (I had a lie-in, which meant I missed out on drinking in the morning and then ran earlier in the day than normal) and so it should be an isolated 'bad run' rather than a sign of things to come.

I remember the jump from week 1 to week 2 being noticeable, but not insurmountable last time, so I'll keep optimistic. Two days off and then... back to running...

[sfb350 Graduate]

Well done - it's sometimes surprising how much better running makes you feel. I had horrible gut-ache when I went to running club yesterday and nearly stayed at home but the exercise seemed to make to go away.

When you get a stitch, slow down a little and concentrate on deep belly breathing - push your belly out when you inhale and pull it in to squeeze the breath out as you exhale. Laura describes the technique later on in the program (I seem to remember week 3 or 4, but not too sure) and I find it really effective.

Enjoy week 2

[Prince_of_Cats Graduate]

I was trained as a Shakespearian actor, so I think I know the technique you're talking about.

[sfb350 Graduate in reply to Prince_of_Cats]

You're at an advantage then - I really do have to concentrate to get it right