I've just finished wk1, but I need to slow my pace - any tips?

[Frida]

[happierswimming Graduate]

if you found week 1 tough and think it's because you were running too fast, you have the option of slowing down your running intervals or speeding up your walking parts so that they become part of the attempt to improve your stamina. Try to walk at a pace just short of breaking into a trot and then your run is just up one gear! (Short, fast steps are better than strides) Use this walking speed in your daily walks too, so your body become used to it and exercise on your "rest" days. Walk, cycle, swim, dance, anything except run. Let us know how you get on

[Frida Graduate in reply to happierswimming]

Thanks for your advice, I'll give it a try. I already walk and cycle and the reason I'm trying to run is because I'm struggling with my swimming. I used to swim front crawl 6-7 times per week for 45 - 60 mins, but over the last two years I've developed some sort of allergy to chlorine, it causes an extreme hayfever like reaction, I get so bunged up it gives me a headache and I feel lousy the next day, so I'm trying not to swim on consecutive days.

The comment from swanscot below, about the belly breathing is interesting because I breath this way when I'm swimming, I'll have to try and transfer it to the running.

Thanks to both of you for replying.

[swanscot Graduate]

I found that by concentrating on trying to improve my breathing (belly breathing*) that slowed me down.

* Do a search on here for belly breathing if this is new to you.

[listhestar]

I also tend to go up hill, sounds crazy but you will slow down as the effort is much more.