Breathing- when I find my breathing in trouble (shaky or shallow) I make a circle shape with my lips and do a loud, forceful exhale, getting rid of all the CO2 that is taking up space in my lungs, not allowing fresh oxygen in. It really helps

Distance – these couch to 5km, or learn to run 10km programs (that IS next you know, right? are set up to avoid injury as much as possible, and set up so that when you are done the workout you feel like you could do more. But DON’T do more! Follow the program! It’s carefully planned to gradually increase the amount of stress on your joints, etc. Feeling like you could do more at the end of each workout is an important component!

Edema: after your runs, after stretching, lie on the floor with one leg up the wall, the other leg straight out on the ground. So one leg is 90degrees up the wall. Stay like this for at least 5 mins, then switch legs. This will help stretch out the straight leg hip, and reduce swelling in the leg up the wall:) It takes time, and I used to have kids laying with me on the floor, but it was an important part of success…

Can’t wait till my knee ACL is stable again and I can join! With a little luck I’ll be able to do week 1 of learn to run 10km by the time Life is Good rolls around

Keep it up Heather, I am super proud of you guys! I love seeing the enthusiasm of new runners!

Shonna