Running, more like shuffling??: I have just... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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Running, more like shuffling??

Ardmhaca profile image
ArdmhacaGraduate
43 Replies

I have just started week 4, run 1, and survived.

But just wanted to ask about speed.

Should I be trying to get faster as it feels like I'm shuffling along and not actually running.

I am following the podcast and Laura says light jogging, but I am not sure exactly what that means. I feel I could actually walk quicker than I am 'running'.

However I am actually managing to keep moving for the whole time, so believe me I am delighted with that.

Thanks for any advice.

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Ardmhaca profile image
Ardmhaca
Graduate
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43 Replies
Davoda profile image
DavodaGraduate

Well done on getting to this point:)

The mantra of the C25K is "slow and steady" Don't worry about speed at all, indeed forget about it. Just keep moving through the programme. Running and walking are actually different movements, so even if you think you can walk faster, it doesn't matter!

The programme will get you running 30 mins non-stop (ie no walking!) it's not about the speed you can do it in. That tends to come post graduation.

Slow, slow, slower still:)

Ardmhaca profile image
ArdmhacaGraduate in reply to Davoda

Thank you Davoda...most reassuring.....will keep 'shuffling'.

Am just truly delighted to be completing each week.

Regards

Davoda profile image
DavodaGraduate in reply to Ardmhaca

I remember that wonderful amazing feeling each week - it's just great isn't it?!

Ardmhaca profile image
ArdmhacaGraduate in reply to Davoda

Believe you me. From being an actual couch potato to shuffling for 5 minutes - in my mind feels like I am completing a marathon. Although how anyone actually runs 26 miles. I am in awe!

giddyaunts profile image
giddyauntsGraduate

I think you are doing fab! Speed isn't important, you are out there doing it and that's all that really matters, you stick with what is comfortable for you and keep on keeping on :-)

Ardmhaca profile image
ArdmhacaGraduate in reply to giddyaunts

Thank you giddy aunt.

I am really pleased to have gotten this far.

And indeed I have been saying to myself exactly that "at least you're doing it".

I will continue to shuffle! LOL

Thank you so much for taking the time to give support.

davelinks profile image
davelinksGraduate

Well done! Your fine as you are, keep it up!😊

Ardmhaca profile image
ArdmhacaGraduate in reply to davelinks

Thank you Dave for the support.

From other replies it appears that shuffling is quite ok.

I shall carry on and ignore the snails overtaking me!!

LOL

Joy57 profile image
Joy57Graduate

Shuffling is fine, many of us have done it!

Ardmhaca profile image
ArdmhacaGraduate in reply to Joy57

Thank you Joy

I have been reassured by you all that shuffling is allowed.

I actually can't believe that I am looking forward to the challenge of C25K each week.

Regards

McFitty profile image
McFittyGraduate

Many of us are still doing it!😉

Ardmhaca profile image
ArdmhacaGraduate

Hello fiftybit

LOL- don't believe that for an instant!!

Shuffling tomorrow, here I come!

Thank you for your support, again.

northernlass1965 profile image
northernlass1965Graduate

Another shuffler here - I am usually overtaken by grannies with walking sticks!

Irish-John profile image
Irish-JohnGraduate

Speed comes later :) What you are doing now is building up stamina/distance. Don't worry though - on your slowest day ever you will still beat the slobs on the sofa ;)

Ardmhaca profile image
ArdmhacaGraduate in reply to Irish-John

Thank you Irish John

I am, indeed, pleased that I have actually managed to get off the sofa and make that start.

And this forum is certainly a great support system for a beginner.

Everyone is so supportive.

Go raibh maith agat

Irish-John profile image
Irish-JohnGraduate in reply to Ardmhaca

Ta failte romhat :)

Ardmhaca profile image
ArdmhacaGraduate

LOL..I know!

It's like I can hear them thinking 'what is that aul doll doing'?

But shuffling is what I'll be doing for the foreseeable future.

Thank you for your reply and support.

Great to know that I am not shuffling on my own.

JoolieB1 profile image
JoolieB1Graduate

We have all asked this question. I thought if I got much slower, I would be running backwards LOL! Don't worry though, running slowly means you can manage the running time. Next week will again be a little longer, so trying to run faster at this time isn't going to be helpful. Trust the programme totally, just focus on the time and find a speed that allows you to keep going a little bit longer. Speed can come later after you graduate - well done for your positive attitude and press on! Keep us posted

Ardmhaca profile image
ArdmhacaGraduate in reply to JoolieB1

Thank you Joolie

I am so happy to know that others have thought they were slow too,and that it's all part of the process.

Will carry on, follow the podcast and Laura's instructions.

Regards

JoolieB1 profile image
JoolieB1Graduate in reply to Ardmhaca

If you are still moving forward, you are fine!!

Ardmhaca profile image
ArdmhacaGraduate in reply to JoolieB1

Thank you Joolie

Time to move forward this morning...first run in the rain.

Here goes.......

Ardmhaca profile image
ArdmhacaGraduate in reply to JoolieB1

Hi joolieb

Just wanted to thank you.

Was on w5r2 this morning and when Laura said run for 8 minutes I immediately thought that I would never be able to do it. I was focusing on the 8 minutes.

But then I remembered your message that said if you're moving forward you're doing fine. So I changed my mindset to just those words, moving forward.

And I did it, two sets of 8 minutes.

So thank you for planting the seed.

It will be my mantra from now on.

Thank you.

JoolieB1 profile image
JoolieB1Graduate in reply to Ardmhaca

You are so welcome, only a year ago, I was you, battling through week 5! At 53 and having been very inactive most of my life, it is unlikely I will ever win on speed! However, I run every week and have just moved from 3 to 4 times a week. My total weekly distance is 24 kilometres! Couch to 5k turned me into someone who struggled to run to someone who loves running. One reason I enjoy it so much is that I am my only competition, I run at a speed that is comfortable, plan my own week of running and slowing down is one way to make doing more fun and achievable! Speed grows naturally when our fitness and stamina improves, just go with the flow

Ardmhaca profile image
ArdmhacaGraduate in reply to JoolieB1

Indeed, running at your own pace is great. Not having to worry about speed has really helped.

Thank you again.

runswithdogs profile image
runswithdogsGraduate

Just keep doing the fabulous running that you're doing. If you decide you have a need for speed leave that for one of the after program goals. But you never have to be speedy

Ardmhaca profile image
ArdmhacaGraduate in reply to runswithdogs

Hello runs with dogs

I too run with dogs....mind you my 14yr old lab runs faster than me!

I don't actually feel the need for speed. I am happy to shuffle, however I was asking if it was something I should be thinking about and was concerned that I was maybe being too slow.

But I have been reassured by everyone's replies that slow is quite ok.

Thank you for your reply and advice.

It is much appreciated.

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate

No issue with snails!!! I was the original Grey Snail on here :)

Slow, steady, you will hear that loads of times on here and at all running levels :) I feel sure, many, many of us felt we were running slower than folks walking.. :)

But..it builds up, slowly and gently and that is the point... you get stronger and a tad faster each run, often without us realising it.. So, you carry on.. you are doing fine.

If shuffling is the way to go... then go for it! :)

Ardmhaca profile image
ArdmhacaGraduate in reply to Oldfloss

Thank you Oldfloss

It's a great comfort to know that other folk have 'been there, done that'.

And it's great to know that slow slow slow is ok.

This is such a great forum for help, support and advice.

Everyone is so kind to take the time to reply.

Regards

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to Ardmhaca

That's why the forum is so great..all here for each other...🙂

misswobble profile image
misswobbleGraduate

We stress Slow! We do this for good reason

I shuffled for a long time. I shuffled in my first ever race. It matters NOT! Shuffling will take you places 🙂

Leg turnover is hard! It takes time to achieve, and as you get stronger and stronger you will do it. All this takes time of course. Stick at it 😀

Ardmhaca profile image
ArdmhacaGraduate in reply to misswobble

Thank you misswobble

After all the support and advice from everyone here I am content to remain a shuffler for as long as it takes.

Thank you for the support.

misswobble profile image
misswobbleGraduate

Don't worry 🙂 All will be well providing you go slowly. Slow is absolutely the best way to tackle this.

Do more walking! Great exercise! I walk everywhere. When I'm not running that is 🙂

Ardmhaca profile image
ArdmhacaGraduate in reply to misswobble

Indeed I am walking on the non-run days.

Trying to do the 10,000 steps a day.

Walking the dogs helps the motivation.

Thank you.

melly4012 profile image
melly4012Graduate

No, shuffling is good! Slow, slow, slow. Speed will come later.

Well done for starting Week 4. Keep going! :)

Ardmhaca profile image
ArdmhacaGraduate in reply to melly4012

Thank you Melly

Found out today that gale force wind assisted shuffling can make you feel like you are actually running. 😄

Hilarious.

melly4012 profile image
melly4012Graduate in reply to Ardmhaca

Ha, I've found that too! I like to call it turbo shuffling! :D

Ardmhaca profile image
ArdmhacaGraduate in reply to melly4012

I like that - turbo shuffling! 😄

Bluebirdrunner profile image
BluebirdrunnerGraduate

Ha, lovely to have the wind helping you along..well done Ardmhaca 😊you are doing brilliantly.

Slow and steady all the way...

Ardmhaca profile image
ArdmhacaGraduate in reply to Bluebirdrunner

Thank you Jan

Yes indeed, thumbs up for wind assisted!

Contemplated doing one half of the shuffles wind assisted and the second half coming back into the wind.

Half way through my first five minute shuffle met a bloke running who shouted 'hah, wait til you turn round, it's freezin', so I chickened out and did the whole thing wind assisted.

The walked back doing a great impression of 'man walking against the wind'!

Bluebirdrunner profile image
BluebirdrunnerGraduate

That was exactly the right thing to do..😆

Its tough enough this shuffling/running lark without extra buffering.xx

Ardmhaca profile image
ArdmhacaGraduate in reply to Bluebirdrunner

I'll leave the bravery for another few weeks! 👍

annie1970 profile image
annie1970Graduate

You are doing really well! I feel exactly the same as you - even walkers overtake me sometimes lol. But just as everyone else is saying, it's about endurance not speed - we can build on speed later. I do w6r2 tomorrow and still feel I am very slow but I feel I have to be in order to complete each run. Keep going to are fantastic!!

Ardmhaca profile image
ArdmhacaGraduate in reply to annie1970

Thank you Annie

Apologies for not replying sooner.

I hope your w6r2 went well!

I completed my w5r3 today, and after completing 20 mins I actually cried with happiness.

I am just taking it all slowly, just as you all have advised.

So thank you so much for your support.

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