Newbie Finding it tough going.

[damienair]

Hello all,

I am a 43 year old man, not been fit for a good few years and am carrying some extra weight, need to loose 1.5 stone. I have attempted the Couch to 5k program a few times over the past few years, but have never completed the program. Usually get to week 6 or 7 and then find it really tough going. Instead of sticking with it I give up.

So a few weeks ago I started the program again, if at first you don't succeed, try, try, try again. This time I got to week 5 and again was finding it really tough, I completed Week 5 run 1 and was really tired afterwards, and did'nt run again for a week and a half. I needed to do something different. So on Friday night I set up an account with Parkrun and completed my first 5k on Saturday morning. I was able to run for the first 1.5k and from there I walked and ran, but surprised myself by running a lot more than I thought I would have.

I finished in 83rd place out of a field of 93 Parkrunners, my aim was to do it in under 40 minutes. I completed the Parkrun 5k in 39:14 and was delighted with myself. I now have a PB time to improve upon, and it has rejuvinated my training. My legs are sore today, but I am looking forward to getting out during the week and getting back into week 5 runs.

If like me you are struggling with the program don't give up and if you have a chance to do a 5k, just do it, don't wait until your running a full 5k after week 10. I found that attempting a 5k has really helped by relighting my interest. I was not the only one running and walking my way around the course.

This is a great forum, my first time joining a running forum as well.

Damien

[Rignold]

Good work chap.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Stick on the forum Damien. I have had lapses in running due to injury and I am sure that the fact that I look in here regularly has kept me going.

It sounds to me like you might be trying to run too fast. If you are completing 5k in 39 minutes with walking, then your pace is not too bad. If you slow your running pace you may find the later weeks less arduous. The challenge is duration not speed......that does come later. I still believe that following the plan is the best way, without the introduction of too many longer runs at this stage.

See you around.

[Hidden]

This is what parkrun is for, now you'll have a weekly goal to either improve your time, reduce the walking or just get out of bed ! I am never going to be a long distance runner but love the challenges of parkrun running and volunteering.

[damienair Graduate]

Thanks guys for your kind comments. This is a really great Forum. Very welcoming.

[ju-ju- Graduate]

Well done and what a great post, keep going and don't forget to take it slowly, you can work on speed afterwards 😎