Just can’t run, need some motivation and learn a technique

[Mazzah]

I try to run and my ankles swell and I always end up injured, I have gone out with people but they are so quick I just end up competing and then give up any advice would be great

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Sounds like you need a training plan like Couch to 5k. Just going out to run does not work........ I know, that's what I did before I discovered C25K.

Read this healthunlocked.com/couchto5... it should give you enough info to get started.

This forum is here primarily for new runners doing the NHS C25K training plan, although we welcome anyone. Most of us have done the programme and swear by it.

It works! Do it!

[Bridget007 Graduate]

I have tried so many times to run before and thought it was impossible then I followed the C25k app and it’s weirdly like magic and although I have had setbacks here and there I am on week 5 run 2 for the second time (just had to repeat a couple of runs due to a cold nothing major) and can run for 8 minutes twice quite easily. Give it a go you will be as surprised as I am. Good luck and Happy New Year 🎉🎉🎉

[hblewett Graduate in reply to Bridget007]

WoW! same as me - and I'm really surprised at myself, I always hated running at school. At least i think I can call myself a jogger and maybe will grow up to be a runner one day!

[Kingfisherk26 Graduate]

Hi I agree with IannodaTruffe

MOTIVATION????? I am 50... overweight but not as much as when I started C25k (Now 16.5 stone but at one point was over 18!!!).... my clothes are loser and I have had to bodge extra holes in my belts!!!

The great thing about C25K is you go at your own pace. I am very slow when I run... jog... what ever you want to call it. I often find I am not catching people walking their dogs...who cares!

I've done 5 park runs to date and am always only a few from the back... this Saturday I got lapped by a couple pushing a pram! I sometimes see other over weight runners like myself being "encouraged" by people running with them to go faster than they seem able. The result is they often end up walking at least part of the way. You've got to go at your own pace.

My targets are two fold when I run, either out side or on the tread mill:

1: dont stop... I usually manage to do this.

2: do 5k in 40 mins... sometimes I do... sometimes I don't.

Yes I want to get quicker but.....

If I was you... download NHS C25k. Try a treadmill where you can go at your own pace. If you have people you want to run with what about laps in the local park? If they are faster than you then they can do 4 laps while you do 2.

But most of all as IannodaTruffe says "It works! Do it!"

My motivation is I feel better and however slow I go I am still a lot faster than all those people sitting on the sofa watching the telly!!!

[ruralfrance Graduate in reply to Kingfisherk26]

I really enjoyed your post, Kingfisher. And completely agree with what you and Iannodatruffe said. Mazzah , download the podcast immediately! It's brilliant. And stay on the forum, it's also brilliant. Good luck and happy running to all.

[Katie204 Graduate in reply to Kingfisherk26]

Hi Kingfisher - I'm the same as you in terms of speed! The first time I went on a parkrun I was third from the back, and overtaken by a pregnant woman, a mum with a baby in a pushchair, and a very old man with a long white beard like a wizard.

I went out today and did 4.5K in a whopping 38 minutes - but then I've re-started my "couch to 10K" programme so I was at the 60-second runs stage.

I agree with you about going at your own pace. I don't enjoy running with groups because I invariably get left behind - but on my own I can enjoy the scenery and listen to my silly disco running tracks to my heart's content.

[Kingfisherk26 Graduate in reply to Katie204]

...and your own silly running tracks help... Goodness knows why but I start off with the theme from a "Bridge Too Far" ( I do not deny being odd!!!) and then I have "Rocky" and "Born to Run" at stages when I start to flag!!!

[Katie204 Graduate in reply to Kingfisherk26]

I suggest singing along to the tracks, out loud, for extra cringe value!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Welcome.. and take the advice of IannodaTruffe !