Just completed week 5

[2socks]

Never thought I'd do it, but I ran for 20 mins. Do I feel over the moon....no.... I am knackered and my knees are killing me. When do you start to enjoy running?

[suzybenj Graduate]

The holy grail of running will catch up with u-particularly the pride of graduating.

Enjoyment comes from knowing u can do it. Alas my knees and joints still hurt-but I am still so pleased I found this programme and site

[suzybenj Graduate]

Ps-as u do longer runs-rest days become more important-take an extra one if u need to.

Good luck and happy running

[2socks in reply to suzybenj]

Many Thanks, I have been quite motivated up till now. Can't give up as the going gets tough. Hope the next run will be better and that my knees are up for it!

[susan22 Graduate]

I think that run is one of the toughest on the program. I find the longer runs more enjoyable (as long as I go slowly enough that I can breath) as I can get into a better rhythm.

Keep on going as you are doing well.

[annasee Graduate]

C'mon, no-one promised enjoyment! Are you British or what? (I'm not, btw, but trying to cultivate the right spirit anyway.)It's just about keeping going a little bit further each time, and amazing yourself that you actually can do it. I enjoy being at home AFTER I've done the run. The actual running, i just try to distract myself from clockwatching (or rather, trying to guess how long is left) and get through it. There are brief moments of a few seconds at a time now when i forget that I am running, nothing hurts, and I'm not gasping for breath. Sometimes it might be for as long as 5 seconds. Maybe that's what is meant by enjoyment?

[runwiththedog in reply to annasee]

That's the spirit!

[Hidden]

Well done on running 20 mins! Keep going your doing great.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

If you think about it you have asked more of your body each week for the last five weeks of the plan and you have come up with the goods and completed the runs. Think back to what your first five minute run was like, probably demanding and hard, but now you can run for twenty minutes, that five minutes would seem relatively easy to you. In a few weeks time the twenty minute run will seem relatively easy too. All that pushing continues right up to graduation, when for the first time you are on your own and the increase in demands can ease, if you want it to. I now find my 5k runs satisfying and enjoyable but still physically demanding, although the mental challenge is less and I smile to myself on every run thinking I could not have dreamed of doing this three months ago.

Congratulations, 2socks, on getting this far and the enjoyment will come when you ease the pressure on yourself. Maybe try running a bit slower and take pleasure in your own activity.

Good luck.

[Hidden]

Hi,

The fact that you've done 20 minutes is amazing! Consider where you were when you started and also how many other people could do what you can now do?

The downside is that it does hurt, but it will get easier as your body gets stronger over the next 3 or 4 weeks. The secret is not to overdo it and don't run too quickly. Take an extra day or two off if you really need it, but it sound like you're doing fine!

[oldiebutboldie]

I had been running for 18 months and would never, ever, admit to enjoying it. However, I fractured a bone in my foot about seven weeks ago and I can't believe how much I miss the running, and can't wait to get back to it!

[jacq2710 in reply to oldiebutboldie]

Hi OBB, in same boat as you unfortunately , I fractured my talus bone in my foot around 10 days ago having just completed Week 5. Was feeling oh so proud of myself and really starting to feel the benefit of excercise after having avoided it all my school life and beyond (46 now). I'm frightened to ask how long before I can get back to the gym. What advice have you been given?

[oldiebutboldie in reply to jacq2710]

Hi Jacq2710 had been told wean myself off my moon boot gradually (worn for 6 weeks in all), and after 2-weeks I am doing without. Have attended a sports physio, as I got fed up waiting for the NHS to get in touch, and she gave me several exercises to do to strengthen my ankle and advised that I cycle at the gym (this doesn't actually affect the foot area much) for 10 minutes and I am using an easy programme, and to swim - basically concentrate on doing the crawl foot movement while just swimming about holding onto a float. I do this for about 10/15 minutes. I am beginning to see a difference already. However, my physio said she would not recommend me returning to running until I can hop on the injured leg for 30 paces (I don't think I could even do that before my accident). Looking forwards to making more progress and getting back to running. Like you I have always avoided exercise but having got into it in my very late 50's I have no intention of letting it go now! Good luck to you and don't ever give up.

[Hidden]

Enjoyment?...Enjoyment?....What do you think this is ~ a holiday camp?

Seriously, take care of you knees. If needs (no pun intended) be get some knee warmers to help keep them toasty. I would also recommend good old Cod Liver Oil; it may be old fashioned, but it does work for me.

If they hurt, stop and walk for a while. If they still hurt; STOP. It is better to admit defeat and be able to walk or run the next day that to be off your feet for several days or even weeks. Take it from me ~ I KNOW.

If the pain continues, talk to your doctor and get a physio appointment; they are wonderful people.

lastly, WELL DONE AND WELCOME TO THE BIG WORLD OF RUNNERS.

[Diamondwitch Graduate]

I think you enjoy the running when you get back indoors, knowing you've just run for, literally, miles. Yes, a touch of smugness, but a great sense of achievement. Certainly in the early days. After a while, when you've graduated and you pick your own runs, you can enjoy the runs more. Right now, late summer/early autumn, running through the woods and fields is fantastic! I may reserve judgement though on running on frozen mud in the snow. That takes a bit of will power. And rain. But that's for later

As for the knee thing, it's something I suffer from occasionally and have a support bandage ever at the ready. I over did it once and damaged my cruciate ligament, couldn't run for 2 months. Actually couldn't walk for a fortnight. So listen to your body and don't try to be brave -it doesn't work.

Good luck!

[2socks]

Hello Everybody, Many, many thanks for all your responses of encouragement and advice. They are greatly appreciated. I have realised 3 things:

1. Expecting to enjoy exercise may have been a bit ambitious (ha,ha)

2. I have done really well to get this far.

3. I may need to invest in a proper expensive pair of trainers. I had promised myself some as a graduation present but maybe now the running is getting serious they may help with my knee.

I have taken a few days rest, although all the posts about W6R1 being really hard, did make me a little anxious, I have not fallen off the wagon. Next run, here I come.........

Thanks again guys.

[schizo12901 Graduate]

Great to see you managed the 20 minute run in Wk 5. Mine's tomorrow and I am quite nervous

I just found this site and will look around at the advice, before I head out tomorrow afternoon.

Keep up the great work! We are doing better than those who haven't tried yet!!!

[True-Love1406]

I am on the same route as you 2socks - do you run with music? I am not young but enjoying a bit of Basshunter..