Hi all, I'm 67 and on week 6 run 2. Why oh why... - Couch to 5K
Hi all, I'm 67 and on week 6 run 2. Why oh why are my legs so tired ? I had to downgrade run 2 to four 5 minute runs in place of two 10 mins
You've done well to get to where you are. Are you maybe running too fast? difficult to know, but it may be worth trying to slow down a bit when you run, and repeat week 6 perhaps until you can do the 10 minute runs?
I am also 67 -- but you are way ahead of me - I am still on W3. HOWEVER -- I have come to realise that I have been trying to run too fast. I have read that we are supposed to be able to talk easily when running and I never could. It is only since I started wearing a heart rate monitor (quite inexpensive one) and started to limit my heart rate to less than 120 beats per minute (that's the max aerobic limit for my age - not my maximum achievable HR ) that I am now finding the runs to be much easier. Before commencing this C25K programme, I have been running for a few months now using the Galloway Run/Walk method - with intervals of only 1 minute running /1 minute walking - and doing 5K Parkruns in around 38 minutes. However I looked ahead at the C25K programme and could see that I was not going to be able to run for long periods like 10-20-30 minutes. Now that I have fully realised how to slow down the pace and also understand just how slow it has to be to remain within the aerobic zone, I have no doubts now that I will be able to run these longer times later in the programme. If you have completed up to week 6 and getting muscle pain , I would place a bet that you are running in the ANAEROBIC zone -- ie too fast.
As helcl said, you could be going too fast. Did you do the warm up walk before and ensure you were well hydrated? Some people like to have a little snack before they go out too. It's ok to go back to previous weeks. It may be that it was just that run that was difficult. You are doing well.
helcl, Bazza1234, Tinyrun, thank you, I will collate your advice and put into action.
I too am 67 and nobody was more unfit than I was when I started. I now run 5k easily but quite slowly (38 mins PB) but don't suffer from tired legs. I always think jog instead of run, and maybe that's the secret. As long as you have a moment when both feet are off the ground, then as far as I'm concerned you are running!
Hi george682
It's pretty normal to hit a barrier somewhere on the c25k
I found doing leg strengthening exercise helped me get through it.
I downloaded free leg exercises and cardio workouts from ptprograms.com.au. You can do them at home and include doing things like squats, lunges, Bench jumps, burpees etc
Hope this works for you
Many thanks for all of your views, but I think i've cracked it. I have suddenly started sneezing, feel lethargic, sore head etc., I have developed a cold/virus. I'll lay low for a few days before running/jogging again.
My cold/virus is almost clear, but now, i've just gone and sprained my left ankle, missed the bottom step on the stairs. Drat and double drat.
