It's not coming easy

[keep_calm_and_run]

Hi, i'm a complete novice to running, can complete exercise classes but want to increase my stamina in order to eventually run, however.....i cannot move on from week one I complete 2 runs just, then have a terrible one, mylegs give out beore my lungs do and i just cannot keep going, hoping you'll have some advice for the newbie.xx

[greenlegs Graduate]

Advice? Yes - don't give up! If you need to walk more than you run, so what? If you've run any at all, you've got something to build on. Week 1 is tough, and quite a few people have quite a few goes at it.

Maybe do brisk walking for most of the session, and just run for the first and last, until you feel comfortable with that. Then add an extra run or two each time, going at the pace that suits you. It really doesn't matter if it takes a bit longer - we vary a lot in our starting points - fitness, age, gender all make a big difference.

If you really want to do it, you can, just do it at the pace that suits you. It really is worth it.

[greenlegs Graduate in reply to greenlegs]

I forgot - go very very slowly, no faster than you walk! Honest, it works.

[123456789 Graduate]

How about walking! But walk faster than the warm up, and then build on it, lamppost by lamppost, or gate by gate? Use anything and everything, I'm sure you will get some really good advice here, just don't give up.

All the best

Dale

[123456789 Graduate]

oh she is so fast with the tippy typing, just like the running.....

Dale

[greenlegs Graduate in reply to 123456789]

Aha, you see I did a typing course many years ago. Bit like c25k for the fingers. (and thanks for the flattery about the speed - ha!)

Looking forward to seeing you with your green badge, Dale!

[AuntieAli Graduate]

Like Greenlegs and 123456789 have said--best advice is to keep at it!! Slowly.

I'm stuck at week 4, can't seem to conquer the blasted run! But I'm going to. Doubtless I'll feel the same at the next stage (I shouldn't have looked what Laura has in store for week 5 - gulp!) But I'll try.

My legs feel like they want to buckle under me and my lungs hurt like they going to explode! But, if I honestly think about it, both have definitely improved since I started this program.

Definitely also found trying not to think about me breathing too much whilst running helps. So does trying to "zone out" whilst running too- thinking of anything but running!

I hope you give this another go and let us know how you get on