Week 1 complete!

[Irishgirlrunning23]

I've successfully completed week 1! So happy to have finally finished it. It took me three attempts to get this far, and I really appreciate all the kind words ,comments and helpful advice on my first post.

Of course, it helped that it was a beautiful day out there today for my final run, as you can see from the photo. My first two runs were in the dark and were rainy, cold and not very appealing!

The changes I made to enable me to complete week 1 were:

- I slowed my pace down for the walks and runs

- I set up a better routine of one every other day (Monday, Wednesday, Friday) which suits me better

- I followed up with the doctor about some health issues that were impacting my ability to keep up a running routine, such as fatigue, dry eyes etc. I've been having health issues for a while, and was on the waiting list to see two different specialists, but now I'm going to see a rheumatologist as well

Being kinder to myself and listening more to my body has also been helpful. I find this forum is a boost as you're all so lovely and supportive! Even reading other posts and hearing about other runners' experiences with the same plan I'm on is encouraging.

I am so hopeful I can complete week 2.

[Annieapple Administrator Graduate]

🍏🥰🙌🤗 So excited for you!!! Very well done at persisting both with the run and your health issues. Yeah 👍 Week 1 ✔️ Slow and steady will get you through week 2! Your routine is the same as mine 🤩

[Irishgirlrunning23 in reply to Annieapple]

Thank you so much! Hey routine buddy that's great, I find if I don't have the runs closer together like that, my brain gets a bit out of sync or bored or something and I don't stick to it!

[LeeTimesThree Graduate]

Well done on making it work for you and ticking off that tricky first week.

[Irishgirlrunning23 in reply to LeeTimesThree]

Thanks so much! Fingers crossed all is well for week 2!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Very well done to you.. on the way and hopefully getting things sorted out with your health.

My routine is Sunday, Wednesday and Friday... it is good to have a routine, but remember not to worry too much if things get in the way sometimes! The runs always wait patiently!

On you go, slow and steady !

[Irishgirlrunning23 in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you so much! Yes, on the way there in both regards.

Nice routine I will try to stick with it as much as is possible, for my brain's sake! But yes, stuff happens sometimes.

Will take it nice, slow and steady this week. Thank you!

[grumpyoldgirl Graduate]

What a brilliant post, well done on figuring out what works for you. It can take a while to figure these things out, but giving yourself permission to slow down is the most important thing.

Good luck for week 2!

[Irishgirlrunning23 in reply to grumpyoldgirl]

Thank you so much! It can definitely take a little while, and learning to be patient is also hard.

Thanks again

[Thejogger Graduate]

I have just last Sunday completed the nine weeks. I remember same kind of thoughts in first week the secret is two things firstly go slow do not think about pace it’s all about completing the time. As the weeks progress you will get better more used to it, I’m sure if you go steady slow and purposefully you can get there. The second point is you are so much further than you was before you started so all Is good. Just go slow take your time enjoy it I believe you can complete this well done so far and keep focused just keep going you’re going great .

[Irishgirlrunning23 in reply to Thejogger]

Congrats for completing the nine weeks! Appreciate the helpful advice as well. I will take it nice and slowly and aim to enjoy it. I had bad leg pain Saturday after my run on Friday, all down my calf muscle. I have proper trainers etc, it just felt like real fatigue in my muscle. So am going to take it very easy on today's week 2, run 1. Congrats again and thank you!

[Thejogger Graduate in reply to Irishgirlrunning23]

are you doing the pre run stretching before leaving for the run also take some fluids I found that this helped

[Teaching]

I am happy for you! Congratulations

[Irishgirlrunning23 in reply to Teaching]

Thank you so much