Running is so hard! Will it get easier?

[losenotloose]

I started running again last week after a 9 month break. I'm only running 3km each time hoping to become fit enough to do park run.

I'm starting to think it's not for me! It's just so hard, I can't breathe and am red faced. Will it get easier? I want to love it!

Lots of good advice here. Also worth noting that the weather can make an impact on my breathing. I've been runnibg for years now (after c25k in 2008), but at the moment I'm struggling to breathe on exertion with the pollen and mugginess. In winter I have no problems breathing when running. Keep going. You will reach a point where you notice it feels much easier as you get fitter.

Thanks londonmummy and unlikely runner (love your name!). I used an app today that was to ease me in but it's still too hard so I'm just taking the notion of interspersing running with walking. I walk a lot though so that bit feels a bit lazy, I have also googled the issue with breathing and running and learned a bit. My breathing will tend to go with my pacing - so I might be hyperventilating and not breathing deeply enough. Also it's common for the body to be able to do more than the cardio can manage at the start. I also have learned that my posture wasn't helping. I read a helpful article online from runners world about common posture mistakes so will keep those in mind as I recognised all of them! It's also interesting to think about the weather - I won't know the difference that makes for a little while as the weather's turned fine here. These threads are really inspiring I must say. Although I didn't do a great job today I still feel motivated!

All runs are better than sitting on the sofa eating chocolate.....

went out for first run ever tonight. Did 3kn but was 80% walking!
alternate between running and walking plan next time.
hope it gets more fun though as kinda dull :-)

*you should be able to hold a (slightly breathless) conversation whilst you run at your normal speed

• if you can't then you are running too fast*

great advice.

I want to get in to running too for mental health as much as anything else. I started last week on holiday running on the beach, (Scotland so heat not an issue), but my left calf is really sore . If I do c25k will it give tips on posture? Should I be running toe first? Confused ..