On week 3 and going strong!

[Blondebexwants2run]

Hi, my name is becca, I'm 28 from Dorset UK. I'm so happy there's a forum on this app as I've been dying to speak to like minded beginner runners and how they're doing! I need to know if I'm up to speed on my own running as I'm doing it on my own. I'm currently on week 3 just been out for the 2nd time on this week and I'm still finding 3 mins really tough!! Is that normal? Am I the only one who can't wait for the lady to say "ok u can walk now!"
I've never liked running but this app is really helpful to keep me going. I joined a running group last yr for beginners but kept having too many injurys- so I guess by that I was being pushed too soon.
Anyway I'm loving the app it's really helpful, I'm not really seeing any weight loss yet but it's only been 3 weeks! I really need to lose about 2 stone and need to get bikini fit for my travels to Asia in April 2013! I've heard running is the way forward for weight loss- has anyone out there noticed a loss since this 5k app? Does it get easier? Hope to hear from someone! Hehe!!
One thing I'm dreading is the colder weather settling in now I don't like walking in the snow and ice let alone running in it!
I'm having to send my phone away next week for repair so I'm not gonna have the app for a week which I hate the thought of, but I'm just gonna try and do some long walks instead and when I get it back I think I'll just repeat week 3 depending how good my legs feel! Hopefully by the time I've finished this app u will have created one for 5-10k!! (Fingers crossed!)

[Digbycat]

Hi Becca

Well done on getting started, yes it took a long time before I wasn't wishing the you can walk now command came sooner. I remember the first couple of weeks, which I did on a treadmill, jabbing urgently at the slow down button. So much better running outside.

Yes it also definitely gets easier as you learn to pace better. As for next week why don't you set yourself half am hour and just run a bit then walk a bit you might surprise yourself when you get your phone back.

And yes I have lost weight too but make it more about the running than the weightless and it will be less of an issue. What I have noticed with running as I will lose the inches long before the pounds disappear but that's ok

Have a fab time in Asia and of course running x

[Toadie]

Hi Becca,

I just finished week 3 and it was only the final run where I started to feel like it wasn't a horrible ordeal that I just wanted to end! The first and second runs of the week were tough. I'm just about to start week 4 and I'm a bit terrified to be honest! I've never been able to run for 5 minutes straight before.

I've already lost a tiny bit of weight (but weight loss isn't my goal for this programme, so I'm not keeping major tabs on it), and I think if you keep at it and don't eat loads of junk you'll definitely see a difference.

I live in Scotland and I'm scared of running in the cold too!

Lottie x

[Digbycat]

Actually I'm coming to the conclusion that cold is fine I can do cold - wet muddy and slippy not so much

[Blondebexwants2run]

Thanks guys ur replies all made me smile! It's so nice to have this forum i cant say it enough!! i will try the walk run walk thing on my own next week- I was kind of doing that before I found this app but I was timing my minutes by looking at my watch problem was 1 minute feels like 5 when I do that! That's one thing I found great about the woman speaking on the app- it's reassuring to know that any minute her voice is gonna pop up & tell me I'm half way through! I'm not trying to think about the weightloss too much as I bought this app with the intention of making it a lifestyle change for me- I wanna get to the stage where running is a hobby for me and I feel I can safely say that with get running and now this forum I think it will be a doddle!!

[Toadie]

I tried to do a similar programme to this one a few years ago but without an app, just using a watch, and it was SO much harder and I didn't get beyond week 2. Already it's much easier and more fun this time - it's nice being able to relax and know that the app will tell you when you can stop. So hopefully you won't have to do without your app for too long and you'll already have a headstart, too, which will make it easier!

Also totally agree on wanting to make it a lifestyle thing rather than a weight loss thing - my goal is to be able to do the odd race and go running regularly for pleasure. Thankfully I'm already enjoying it a lot

[Blondebexwants2run]

Yeah I do hope so about this next week! It's a good sign I'm sure that I'm sad just simply cos I won't have this app but hey ho I will try my best to keep my running up for 3 times this week!
How did u get on with starting week 4?
I feel a little bit like I'm becoming obsessed with this app!! (And this forum) - its nice though cos I've been looking for a new hobbie for a long time! Think this could be it! (The running I mean!)
Becca x

[Toadie]

Haha I know what you mean, I feel like I've got a bit obsessed with running and I'm boring my friends about it all the time!

The start of week 4 was an amazing feeling - it was really tough and I only finished each five minute run with a LOT of grit and determination, but I felt so good when I'd finished. Being able to run for five minutes straight was a big personal demon for me because I'd NEVER been able to do it before and I was convinced I'd never do it, so achieving it felt huge! Also I found it actually feels quite nice running for longer because I stopped just begging Clare to tell me to stop in my head - because you know you won't stop for a while, so you can just relax and start to learn how it feels to run for a bit longer and, dare I say it, enjoy the run...!