Moving forward...

seasicksquid

I've finished week 1, but feel super exhausted after the end of each 60 second run. By the 7th interval I'm basically yelling at the voice in my headphone "F#*$ YOU! I'M GONNA DO IT YOU B!%^H, BUT I DON'T WANNA!"

My "running" speed is about the same as my fastest walk speed....my jogging pace is usually 14:30-17:30, decreasing sharply with each interval.

So I finished all 3 days just like this, hobbling home afterwards. Should I move on to week 2, or just stay on week 1 for a while?

Im_NotPerfect

I would say if you don't feel comfortable running for even longer intervals, repeat this week. Make sure you're comfortable. It won't be fun and you may not stick with it if you aren't comfortable and hate it!

classictoaster

Personally, I'd say attempt W2. If it doesn't work out, you can always go back, you know? But you won't know what your body can do until you try. (:

Also, maybe a word of advice - you say that your jogging pace goes down sharply with each interval. I'd try starting out slower, maybe? I know I had an issue with this in W3, where I was out of breath halfway through. I slowed down - a lot, it's almost comical I think, because I feel like I'm more or less just doing the jogging motion w/o the speed haha - and that helped me finish the intervals a little bit more easily. I just finished W4 last night and actually jogged an additional 2ish minutes after my last 5min interval. It gets easier, I promise! I could barely make it through the 3 min runs when those came along, and I'm supposed to run 20 min next tuesday... (:

seasicksquid

Just an update - I did another day of Week 1 today...and I think I may just be confident enough to move to Week 2! I felt like I rocked it! My paces were better (12-15 mile paces), my energy levels were better, I wasn't screaming at the disembodied voice coming from my phone. I just ran when I needed to and walked when I needed to.

It was AWESOME! I think I'm ready!

FloridaAimee

I always repeat if I am in pain, or can't breathe, or just don't feel confident about it. No need to hurt yourself or stress yourself out!

I actually redid W2D1 today and it was AWFUL!!!! I had a horrible side stitch that would not quit, and for some reason my knees were hurting...So I had to walk a lot. I will repeat W2D1 again on Friday.

seasicksquid

I know you're not supposed to do 2 days in a row, but I had a huge amount of energy today and this weekend is going to be touch and go with family in town, so I went ahead and attempted W2D1...

AND I SUCCEEDED!!!!

I was almost skipping after I realized I made it through all 6 intervals. I'm ecstatic. I had a minor stitch in my side, which had started earlier from some mild stomach cramps from drinking coffee this morning, but I powered through. My pace running was a steady 15:30, which I'm very proud of. I can sometimes comfortably do an 11:30 pace for a whole interval, but I get pretty winded, so going to wait for my oxygen to catch up with my muscles.

I'm very happy. Very happy.

keithgi

Congratulations to you and keep up the good work! It's amazing how quickly the body adapts.