Pace. At w6r2

[Rackyabones]

I know that everyone advises not to worry...but i am literally jogging slowerthan i walk on my "rest" days. Today i passed a landmark as app said 4 mins left. At the end of the run i turned for home and passed the landmark just as my 3 minute walk was over!! That seems impossible but true! I should maybe add i began the app 6 wks post hip replacement. It is like my body forgot how to move quickly...any advice?

[Hidden]

I think you are doing fine. Better to be slow and safe rather than pushing too hard too early. You are a very new runner and your skills/strength and stamina will develop over time. For now just concentrate on doing the programme safely (especially after your op) and speed can come later

[HeleneCorsa Graduate]

Hello! I am no expert at all, but given that you started very soon after your hip replacement and running is a high impact activity, presumably your body is setting the pace it is comfortable with.

After all you have arrived at a very good point in the programme which would suggest that what you are doing is right for you. Intuitively I would be disinclined to rock the boat - continue as you are, and you may find that your speed improves as you strengthen. You are still recovering after a major operation and so it's important for your exercise to continue to help rather than hinder that.

[Rackyabones in reply to HeleneCorsa]

feeling impatient I guess...and surprised at just how slow I am, barely covering more than 1.5 miles in the 30 mins....!

[Hidden]

I think I have probably invented a new definition of 'running' I am so slow sometimes. I have no clue how far I have run, just happy to keep going for the necessary time.

Forget distance covered for now and just focus on finishing each run safely.

Good luck

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Just checking over your other post... I would advise, really not to worry about pace or speed at all...

Do this slowly and gently...(my sister had a hip replacement and her consultant included running, in the never do it list)..so... be kind to yourself.. and your hip ,and travel this as gently as you like.

Maybe, subconsciously, your body is protecting itself and taking it slowly for you.... just go with it.. don't push and enjoy the journey..

Maybe, like I do... start logging and writing about your runs too...it may add an z-extra something to the runs.. I run and I ramble.. which sometimes means, I don't get very far, very fast.. it really does not matter..it is the journey..not the finishing line

[Rackyabones in reply to Oldfloss]

After my first replacement i had the "never run" advice. This time the consultant was more senior and actively involved in research at a primary orthopaedic hospital. He told me no restriction from day 1 and had me demo jogging this time on 2 month check. I think it is easier to play safe as a medic and not push the envelope...i was joyful when told i could run again. For years it has been my stress relief and struggled when i could not do it....now I am finding it slow and hard not how i remembered it! But I'm sure that easy run for joy will return at some point.

[HeleneCorsa Graduate in reply to Rackyabones]

I really hope it does - it must have been very frustrating not to be able to do it. My mum had both hips replaced too, a few years ago (which went very well) but I remember clearly how awful it was for her beforehand. I grew up virtually with the idea that my mum had two wheels rather than legs, as she was never off her bike, and no longer being able to ride was very hard on her. She is doing really well now but has never picked up cycling again, which is a shame.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Run at a pace that you can maintain.

If you can breathe comfortably and still feel good you could try speeding up.........but there is no need.........the duration is your only challenge.

It has to be faced as a fact that if you run the programme at a fast pace you will cover more ground in W9, at graduation, but you have a lifetime of running to build your speed, so go at an easy pace.

Enjoy your journey.