[Karen Edmunds]

Has anyone done a run/walk program when starting running. i am just coming to end of week three and doing one minute run two minutes walk and repeating six times so running seven minutes in total. On week six we have to start running for two minutes, and at the moment I cant imagine being able to run for more than a minute at a time, although I am finding it easier than in the beginning. Is there anyone out there that can give me a bit of encouragement?

 

[twinkle toes]

When I first started running I didn't use a program I would literally run until my legs couldn't take anymore, which looking back I don't think was the best program, but having said that, something must of worked because of the distances I can do now.

You are only just starting out don't be too hard on yourself as it could demoralise you, when it suggests that you start running for 2 mins just try running for say another 30 seconds and then see how you feel, once you have pushed passed a barrier it is easier to carry on.

I hope that helps, you are doing great stick at it.

TT

 

[Dave]

I`ve followed people on the run walk programmes and have seen them work well for them.

Like you,most of them thought that the would never make it to the end,which for them was 5k non stop.

They got there on schedule.

So have a bit more self belief and you will get there.

One more thing.Dont try to run to fast.............

All the best.

 

[havabrew]

Not the best one to give advice, but you could try to cut down the 2 minutes walking instead? Same time, more running

 

[bagpuddycat]

If I can do it, so can you!

I've just finished week 6 of what sounds like the same programme as you are on. It was tough, yes, after all those weeks of just running for 1 minute, but I got to the end and was still on my feet (just!).

I upped the speed on both run and walk on week 5, thinking that it would help me in week 6 when I then dropped back to my original speed (on my treadmill runs, I upped the pace by 0.5kph and tried to do something similar on my weekend outdoor run). I think it did help, though with hindsight it would have helped even more to do it in week 4 too. I also tried to break the psychological "I can only run 1 minute" barrier by running as long as possible in the last run on some of my training sessions in weeks 3-5. That definitely helped, too, and by doing it on just the last run, I wasn't scared to push myself quite hard. I was able to do anything from 1.5 to 2.5 mins on that last run, depending on how I was feeling that day.

I won't try to kid you, week 6 was the toughest week of training (so far!) by some way, and it won't be a doddle. But you WILL be able to do it.

Good luck

Bagpuddycat

 

[Grant]

I used walk/run to train for my first 5km. I found going up to 2mins run harder at first, but give it a week or two and you'll manage it no problem.

Stick with the plan and you'll make it!

 

[Karen Edmunds]

Thanks for the advice, i started on week six on Monday, running for two minutes and never throught I would be able to do it. I was pleased with myself when i finished the session, and it was hard work, I was really tired afterwards, but I done it!!! Cant imagine running for three minutes on week 8, but I am determined to do it :d

 

[richardsimkiss]

Don't forget to make sure you're not going too fast... okay that may not sounds quite how I meant it.

If you start to feel disheartened that you can't keep running for long enough, don't be afraid to bring the speed down. If you can manage a faster speed then fantastic! lol. Normal running pace should mean you're still able to hold conversation

 

[Karen Edmunds]

Thanks for the advice, I dont think I am running too fast, running at quite a steady pace. I had just never run before, and struggled to do the one minute the first week, so I am quite pleased that I am managing the two minutes.:d

 

[bagpuddycat]

Hi Karen

The good news is that week 7 feels a whole lot easier than week 6 :d

I'm not sure I'm looking forward to week 8, though

BPC

 

[Karen Edmunds]

bagpuddycat - glad to hear that week 7 is a bit easier, I am sure you will be okay on week 8, its the thought of running for three minutes!! I never thought I would manage two minutes but finished week 6 and although it was hard, I am sure as you say that week 7 is a bit easier :d

 

[oldschool]

Hi Karen
The more you do it, the easier it gets. Consistency is the key. Keep with it and you will be fine. Good Luck!
Dan

 

[Karen Edmunds]

well I am halfway through week 8 and actually managed to run for three minutes!! It doesnt sound a lot when i read about some of the distances some people do, but I was just amazed that I did it. I did find it hard, and this is the first time since I started that my legs really ached and shaky when I finished, but no pain no gain, so at least I know it is working. Bagpuddycat how are you getting on, I know you are ahead of me on the same program? I am not sure what to do when finish week 10, thinking of just getting out there and trying to run as much as possible and build it up a bit more each week. What does everyone think? Is this the best way to go? :d

 

[Dave]

You`ve done fantastic up to now Karen.

When the 10 weeks are over keep doing as you have been,increase your distance by no more than 10% week and you should be ok.

I find that keeping a record of my runs gives me motivation to improve my times and distance. Maybe it would work for you.

keep it up, and good luck.

Dave.

 

[twinkle toes]

I agree with Dave, you will be running for 4 mins then 5 and so on in no time.

You may think it doesn't sound alot but 3 mins to anyone who has never run before is no easy task, we all had to do the same when us later starters started running, and we all thought we would never get to certain points we wanted to achieve and then the next thing you know you are doing them and surpassing them.

Keep us posted on how you get on.

TT :d

 

[bagpuddycat]

Hi Karen

Yep, I'm on week 9 now, though I naughtily skipped my last week 8 run (couldn't face running in torrential rain!), so I'm one session behind. I found the 3 min runs immensely difficult to start with, but on the advice of forumites I've reduced my speed a little and it's really helped. My next run (tomorrow) is the last of the 3min/2min sessions and I'm actually not dreading dropping the walk to 1 min like I thought I would be.

After the 10 weeks, I'm planning to just up the number of minutes I'm running for a little, on every other run, as long as I feel ready to. I'm just going to play it by ear a bit, though. Really looking forward to the lighter evenings after the clocks go forward as I should be able to do more outside and less on the boring treadmill

 

[crazymumph]

Well done Karen. Keep up the good work!!

Last October I was the same as you and succeded using this method. The major breakthrough for me was running a kilometer without stopping after several weeks of run walk. Once you can do that first 5 to 10 minutes non stop you can then increase gradually.

Stick with it , it is sooo worth it. The first time I ran 10km I was buzzing for days afterwards. Now I like to run purely because I can

All the best

 

[Tortoise]

Hi Karen

I'm very new here (only my second post) and I'm very new to running. I am following a walking/running programme too, it's called from couch to 5km on the cool running website. It consists of three workouts over a 9 week period. I'm a bit worried that it's going to be too much of a jump for me but I am doing it with two other ladies and need to keep up with them as I probably wouldn't do it on my own. Roughly it goes like this...

Week 1 - 5 min brisk walk warm up then alternate 60 secs of jogging and 90 secs of walking for 20 mins.
Week 2 - 5 min warm up, 90 secs jogging, 2 mins walking for 20 mins
Week 3 - 5 min warm up, jog 90 secs, walk 90 secs, jog 3 mins, walk 3 mins x 2 reps

I'm on week 3 and have workout 3 tomorrow

Next week will be week four for me and that's...
5 min warm up, jog 3 mins, walk 90 secs, jog 5 mins, walk 2.5 mins, jog 3 mins, walk 90 secs, jog 5 mins

and week 5, workout 2 starts off with an 8 minute jog. It seems like a huge jump for me as I am very overweight, seriously unfit and not the most enthusiastic, but I'll give it a go.

Look forward to hearing how you're doing in your programme. Could you tell me where I could see a version of what you're doing please?

Thanks and good luck with the training.

 

[Karen Edmunds]

Hi Tortoise, the programme that you are following sounds more intense then the one that i am doing, I got my programme from a book that i brought from Amazon called running made easy, it starts off slowly with week one running for one minute and walking for three, and believe me I found running for one minute very hard at first. Just finished week 8 and that is running for three minutes and walking for two. I cant believe on your programme that you have to run for eight minutes, there is no way that I could do that yet, three minutes is hard enough, but I am doing it and determined to get through the next few weeks, and then gradually increase the running with less walking. Good luck and take it easy dont do too much too soon, and I found the most important thing is to make sure that you have the proper running shoes. I thought i had when i started but when I went to a specialist running shop and has a gait test, found out that I needed shoes with more support, and it has made such a difference having the correct shoes. :d

 

[Tortoise]

I saw a link to the book you mentioned on another post and it does look interesting. Will check out whether the library has a copy first. I'm going to a specialist shop tomorrow to try and get some proper trainers, I'm hoping they'll come with red bull wings and I'll be able to fly round instead

Went for my Week 3 work out 3 today on my own instead of with the other two ladies I usually go with. My goodness it was tough. I managed to do it but mentally I just find it so hard. My two companions keep telling me to get some music so I will have a look around for something cheap tomorrow and see if that makes a difference.

Not looking forward to attempting 5 minutes on Tuesday but I will. I feel okay now but I felt so disheartened when I got home I just felt like giving it all up completely. But thinking positively I did do it, and on my own too, which is something I never thought I would do. Also it was a couple of hours after a biggish meal whereas I usually do it before I've eaten so maybe I didn't do too bad all things considered.

How hard is it to see the flipping stop watch as well??!! I think I need a miners lamp or something.

Keep up the good work Karen.