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

[Sadiekit Graduate]

Hello. Are you going too fast? I hated the thought of any kind of exercise, never mind running but somehow I did it. My 1st 60 second run was the hardest thing I've done. Then another 7 was a form of torture but something happens and you get there. Honest.

[earl-grey-sian Graduate]

Stubbornness!

I always seem to alternate good runs with difficult runs. I'm around 12 kilos overweight and tonight I felt like I had 6 of those kilos on each foot! But, at 48, overweight, asthmatic and having done no real exercise for many years, I've reached week 6 and am still going.

Like I said, stubbornness is the key!! Good luck

[dottiemay Graduate]

I'd guess you are running too fast - a very common mistake. You might not think you are, but remember this is all new to your body and it takes a while to adjust.

When you do your first run, whatever pace you start out at, consciously slow yourself down. The same for the second run. Hopefully you will then be able to complete the third!

It doesn't matter how slowly you go. It's been named the C25K 'juffle' - a cross between a jog and a shuffle! Completing the runs is what counts and you will probably naturally speed up as you progress through the programme.

You might have persuaded yourself that you can't do the third one because you've never done it - convince yourself that you CAN do it (because you can, honestly!) take it very gently and IF those demons start whispering in your ear, don't listen, but think of what you're going to write when you report back that you did it!

[caj62 Graduate]

My advice is the same - take it slowly! Start slow and then slow down. Once you have completed the third run you will have cleared a mental hurdle. I found that a lot of this running lark is in your head - the more you sweat it, the worse it is! Good luck. YOU CAN DO IT!!

[JHslimmer Graduate]

Hi - yes, agree. Slowly does it .... I was and still am slow. On week 5 now. At the start I was totally out of breath, gasping couldn't speak for a while after a run... one minute seemed a lifetime. But I promise you it does get easier. About an hour before a walk I make sure I have something like porridge if it's morning. Drink plenty of water at all times. I do a little bit of stretching before and after. I can promise you it does get easier. I've never before run in my life. I'm 55, having just lost eight stone. Make sure you have some decent running shoes and just go for it. It's a massive challenge but you will feel so chuffed with yourself. I repeated weeks and do repeat runs. I struggled to run one minute at the start and today I've just run 20 mins in one go!!

[runner45 Graduate]

just going to agree with everyone else but go slower than you think you need to. I started running slower than I walked. Always the aim is to make it possible for you to complete the run and it that means your moving like a tortoise that's absolutely fine. Because as you progress and your legs get stronger you'll find yourself just naturally speeding up.

I know this might sound silly but I found it really helpful to go out at first at times and places where there weren't too many other runners or walkers so I didn't have to worry about looking daft - but that might just be me

good luck, and stick with it.