increasing the intensity of workouts

isisbryan

When I was in junior high, I wanted to run track. The first day of track the teacher decided that I should be on the cross country team. Her only instructions for me on the first day was to follow the most experienced cross country runner for a 2 mile run in the woods. I attempted to follow this runner but the attempt was futile. I was extremely tired due to the inability to control my breathing. I ended up returning to the track field without learning the route for 2 mile run and feeling like I was going to die. Now, I start to unconsciously panic when I prepare to run. In addition. I can't tell you how many times I have started the Couch to 5K. I also unconsciously start to panic when I feel like the workout is going to be exceptionally hard. I haven't quite figured out how to move beyond that. Does anybody have any suggestions for increasing the intensity of my workouts without having a panic attack?