First poor run...!: Hey guys & gals! Went out... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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First poor run...!

13 Replies

Hey guys & gals!

Went out for my Week 7 Run 3 last night, supposed to be 25 mins, gave in and felt sick after 18 mins! I had eaten my dinner at 6pm, and only time i could have got out was 6.45pm, so think this contributed massively. Felt stitch coming on after about 7/8 mins, which i could tolerate, but after 15 mins it got worse, and eventually just felt sick!

Bit frustrated as its the only run i am having to re-do through the whole program, and i only have 3 left!

13 Replies
2Fit2Sit profile image
2Fit2SitGraduate

don't let it get to you you are not the first and will not be the last to suffer a set back due to sickness you will beat it next time

what app are you following i followed zenlabs and it was set out over 8 weeks but i have be told here to graduate i need to do an extra week of three 30 min runs

in reply to 2Fit2Sit

Thanks for the response - the app im using is 5K Runner (mainly cos its the only one that fits with my watch!) its 9 weeks long, Week 7 Run 3 is 25 mins, then the next 3 runs are 28, 30 & 35 respectively! So a bit of a jump up in the last few runs!

I will give it another try tomorrow, and im not feeling too disheartened, i didnt expect to get this far, so i know i will complete it soon.

2Fit2Sit profile image
2Fit2SitGraduate in reply to

cheers and good luck (but you wonn't need luck just believe in your self

50NotOut profile image
50NotOutGraduate

From what you are saying, the last phases of the programme you are following are more intensive than the NHS Choices programme (which is what most on here do/did).

Obviously the big problem was eating so soon before your run - at least now you have learnt from that experience, and can try in future to split your meal (if your run time is fixed) into a small snack before and the bulk of it after your run.

Also, consider looking at the latter stages of this NHS programme and adopting those timings. Once you are at that stage, the runs are mostly of a fixed period rather than stop-start, so it is fairly easy to do them just by looking at your watch: you don't need a voice or other reminders about when to walk and when to run.

I found that in the early days I often felt sick around 18-20 minutes (even without having eaten). I don't have that problem any more, so you should be OK.

Keep going, and you'll get there!

in reply to 50NotOut

Thank you - i think i should be able to do the 25 mins ok, but might then stagger the runs up to 30 & 35, i have a route planned that i have been doing, so i know how far 5k is, and how far im getting during the time, so could always just plan to extend my "walking" point towards the end, im reaching 4k within the 20 mins run & walk sections, so it doesnt feel too far away!

50NotOut profile image
50NotOutGraduate in reply to

You are doing really well. Many (possibly even the majority) get to the 30 min runs without covering the full 5k in that period. They (we) build up later....

in reply to 50NotOut

Yes im not too fussed about getting to the hallowed 5k within the time (i think the fact it goes up to 35 minute runs, is supposed to get me closer!) But im taking my time, and enjoying it, and it will come eventually.

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to

As in my reply.. the idea is, three 30 minute runs, and not 5K...Many of the Graduates, even the half marathon and marathon runners amongst us, still do not run 5K in 30 minutes:)

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate

Some programmes are obviously different, and this is the C25K programme forum ...which is why 2Fit2Sit mentions the 'extra' week.

nhs.uk/Livewell/c25k/Pages/...

This programme is very structured and builds up very slowly, especially over the last few weeks) to the last nine week mark of three thirty minute runs. The focus being on the 30 minutes and not 5K! ( Couch to 3 thirty minute runs, does not really roll off the tongue ) :)

You probably felt sick as you did run too soon after eating :( So... now you know, then just head out and do the run again... maybe check how your weeks match up to this programme too, although from what you say in your reply, in one week you do have a massive jump !

In C25K.. Week 7 has three runs of 25 mins, Week 8 has three runs of 28 mins and Week nine is your three 30 minute runs..:)

Let us know how you fare ? :)

in reply to Oldfloss

That last 3 weeks does sound far more appealing....i may be a turncoat!!!

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to

Do the last three weeks of C25K.. be kind to yourself... be a super hero later:)

After Graduation ! :)

AnneDroid profile image
AnneDroidGraduate

We all have days like that. We call them "practice runs". And we know that Practice Makes Perfect. :)

gdcgray profile image
gdcgrayGraduate

I have to wait a minimum of 2 hours after eating to run. 3 is better for me. At 53 years old the digestions is slower. Some can run after an hour. I switch it up too. Often, I run before I eat for the day in a fasted state. (I Still have fat to lose.) I have been able to run and jog 3.25 miles in a fasted state. It took about 49 minutes but that is a miracle for me to even do that. It seems we need to try some things and find out what works for each of us. I think everyone who runs will agree, running too soon after eating is not the best thing to do especially if we are pushing limits. The good thing is, the next run will seem really good after this! :-)

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