When does it get easier?

[MegK]

I am really struggling! I just started this past Thursday - week 1, day 1. I wasn't even able to complete the 8 runs - I did 7 and felt like collapsing. I had problems catching my breath. Today I did day 2, and it was better. I was actually able to complete the 8 one minute runs and was able to breathe a little bit better. I'm looking ahead to week 2 and week 3 and dread running 3 minutes! Is there a point when it gets easier? The breathing, at least? I think that's what I struggle with the most. I'm pretty out of shape (30-40 lbs over my normal weight after having a baby last July) so I know that is probably hindering me as well. It's so hard to keep going and I just don't see this as an attainable goal. Was there a point for you where you felt like "Yes, I CAN do this?"

Meg

[bex17]

yes! It can be done. Ive just completed week 3 and granted I have redone week 2 as didnt feel ready enough but yes Ive got this far and I was just like you. I struggled just to do 50 secounds to start with.
Im still struggling but Im slowly getting there. If I can do it anyone can do it

[Fatbum]

It will get easier. I completed wk 1 yesterday. I found r1 ok, r2 a killer but noticed an improvement on r3! I am going to repeat wk1, as I want to be able to do it without struggling. Keep going and I'm sure things will get better

[TTGirl1960]

I've just done my second run of week 2 having repeated week 1. It is def getting better as I can do most of it now. Also I found that I was not getting out of breath so much during the week when running for trains etc so something is working! Just keep going. Good luck.

[LindaC]

I remember reading through many of the posts from fellow board members to go slower on any of the runs if I needed to. Even though I feel like I'm already going slow (yes, turtles do actually pass me and wave on the trails!) - if I'm having trouble with a run, I slow down even further. My goal has always been to finish strong and with a smile - and I've made it so far to W8R2. Starting out very overweight, very unfit - I'm just enjoying moving more than I used to. Keep up the good work - and don't feel bad if you need to slow down some to feel good. It does get easier.

[Not a runner-yet!]

Keep going! The best advise I can give is DON'T look ahead to the runs. It's daunting! I just did what Fiona (my name for the voice) asked me to do each day. I didn't think about it I just did it. It was hard, but it does get easier! I'm now on week 5 and I'm making it. I'm 49 years old and about 15 pounds over weight. What I've found us not that I'm dropping weight, but I've increased my stamina and I'm not as hungry throughout the day. You need to be proud of your accomplishments and don't worry! You can do this! Keep reading the forum, there are some really nice people here! Good luck and keep running!

[starknut]

It definitely gets easier, at least the breathing does. It never really becomes "easy," just difficult in a different way. You can do it! Don't worry about the weeks ahead, you'll be ready for them when they come. Just focus on this week, on this run, and you'll manage.

[Courtney24107]

The breathing has gotten better for me because I only breath through my nose now. Sounds weird I know but it works for me and I don't get tired so quickly! the runs have definitely gotten easier! When i was on week 1, the last runs of the set always had me dying. Now I'm on week 6 with no problems! Give it time, and always remind yourself to finish the runs, and that the pain will pass while you're running. When you finish, it's sooo rewarding! Happy running!

[MegK]

Thanks you guys! Today, week 1 run 3 wasn't nearly as bad... until I injured my left knee Hoping I don't have to take time off for this... I was just getting in the swing of things!