I'm 42 and unfit but recently my blood pressure was deemed normal.
I did my first c25k session and my chest was h... - Couch to 5K
I did my first c25k session and my chest was hurting so I only managed 5 runs. Is that normal?
20 Replies
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runningnearbeirutGraduate
Have you had the ok from a doctor to run?
I think many people have not managed to complete all the runs on the first attempt at W1R1, so in a sense that is "normal".
As for the chest pains, I don't think anyone on this forum would be qualified to say that it's normal or would feel comfortable doing so. If you are concerned then you should get checked out. Hopefully there's nothing to be concerned about and your GP will encourage you in your quest for improved fitness.
Hi thanks for that. Yes, I will do. Also if I only managed 5 runs do I have to do day 1 again?
Yes, 'fraid so. Each podcast has to be repeated successfully 3 times before moving on (well, it gets a bit different around weeks 5-6)
I managed 4 of the runs on my first outing - which was great as that was half way through and 3 and a half more than I expected! My strategy was that when I couldn't complete a run interval I walked all the rest of the podcast. It took me nearly 6 weeks to complete all the week one sessions.
But here's what you want to know... after that I was successful every time! Week one is *hard* for many people... and one of the reasons it is hard is because most of us will go way too fast because that's what we think running is rather than a different means of locomotion.
I hope you can get it clarified what those pains might be about. It is certainly true that there's a whole burning lungs/exploding chest kind of sensation if you are really pushing yourself, but equally, just because your blood pressure is OK doesn't mean it couldn't be something less benign.
in reply to GoogleMe
Thank you. That's really encouraging! 
IannodaTruffeMentor
Pains just about anywhere in the body are not unusual when you start a new exercise regime from being unfit, but chest pain is uncommon. It may be breathing, muscular or of course your heart. To get proper medical advice it would be best to have a check with your GP or practice nurse. Some people start with just brisk walking for a few weeks until their body adapts to exercising before they start the C25k plan. It all depends on how unfit you are. Maybe try that and if the pain persists get checked out.
I hope you can sort it out and get out running soon. Good luck.
nrg_girlGraduate
I agree, a GP consult makes sense. But also be aware that by "running", it really means having two feet off the ground at the same time. I found it really important to go slow. In fact your running pace might be not that different than a walking pace. The goal is to finish all of the intervals, not to do them quickly. It's important to remember this as you continue the program. Hope all checks out well and you're back to conquering week 1 soon. Keep at it, it's well worth it.
Bazza1234Graduate
WAAAY back 5 months ago -- I took a long look at this C25K programme and decided that it would be too much for me -- what? Running for a minute!! Without stopping - and then for 90 seconds the week after .. Get real!!!!
So I started out on this 7 week programme first mayoclinic.org/healthy-livi... -- but even that was after I did a month of brisk walking 3 times per week. It was much easier for a beginner (me) - only running for 15 seconds at first and never running for longer than 30 seconds at any time of the programme.
I have moved on a long way from then -- but I am very pleased with both where I started out from and where I have arrived so far.
Thanks so much everyone! I think I def took it too fast (ish) and it wasn't even flat. Difficult where I live. Will go to GP and fingers crossed I'm good to go. So excited to have found this forum - so motivating! Happy running
PandaRunnerGraduate
Good luck with completing w1/r1 I did the the first week walking and jogging around my living room! Not the biggest of laps I know! But it gave me the confidence to go out and start again outside! It was different but I managed the runs! Before that I did lots of walking which I still do now on non running days. Every little helps! It's all about building it up at your own pace in your own time!
Chest wise it could be just your body being not used to exercise but it would be wise to get it checked out. Yesterday was quite chilly in the UK even that could contribute.
I did that too, but just the once. Maybe if my flat was bigger i would have carried on the week!
I ran around the rug we have! What I must have looked like I don't know! 
Your front room - I love it! I must admit, I'm also very self conscious about running. Think Phoebe from Friends is my style....thats why I took myself off to a very secluded, but not too flat, cemetery where no-one would point and laugh. I now have an appt with the nurse so fingers crossed I can resume tomorrow. Words of encouragement on here so appreciated. Having a dog who can *run* with helps me too
Lol I just wanted to know I could do it before releasing myself on to the wider world! I did a test run outside a couple of days before the real C25K run - I choose the evening of my 47th birthday! I wanted a day I'd remember! I saw loads of people I knew but it was ok! It made celebrating in the pub later with a bottle of wine or 2 even more rewarding! Good luck with tomorrow's appointment
annaseeGraduate
I also did my first "run" on C25k up & down our stairs & round & round the kitchen table & front room, because it was pouring with rain & dark. But following the podcast like that the first time gave me the confidence to go out for next one (secluded street, lots of trees, no pedestrians, late in the evening). Now I don't particularly care where I run, because I realise how little notice i take of anyone else running.Good luck with your efforts!
in reply to annasee
Having my headphones and good music helps to take my mind off what other people think. Will report back after GP report...
in reply to
Don't care what others think. You should be very proud of yourself ~ YOU are, after all, the one running whilst they are not.
ALL of us on here are very proud of you.
I can imagine a lot of us start running in the house (without a treadmill)!
Get the all-clear from the doc, and then start. Better safe than sorry.
I would advise listening to your body. There is nothing wrong with doing runs or weeks over again, but listen to your body. If it says to stop, but Laura says to keep going - listen to your body and stop. You will get there, even if it takes a bit longer.
Keep going, keep us informed and ENJOY it. Honestly, you WILL come to love running.
Please watch 'running for my existence' on Youtube.
in reply to
Ok! Thanks
I wish I could run like Phoebe!!!
In all seriousness though, visit the nurse or GP if you haven't already just to put your mind at rest.
I started week 3 this morning and I very very nearly completed all of the 3 minute runs - 4 weeks ago, I couldn't run for a bus!
Yaaaaaay I did my first Run! 
Well I did it - my very first run!!
My first 20 min run and I did it!
First ever Park Run- why did I wait so long.
I only did it!! Bye bye Week 5!!!
