Decided to write a post as I need to know if I’m the only one out there doing this C25K and absolutely hating every stride?!
I decided to do it as I’ve got the final bit of weight to lose having hit a plateau, I’m really not into the gym and I have friends and a brother who run and absolutely love it.
I feel I’ve finally mastered the breathing but God do my thighs hurt! I’m up to W4R3 which is scheduled for tomorrow, and I’ve made the mistake of looking what’s ahead in week 5. I’m totally daunted by the thought of having to run for 20 minutes in a weeks time, and honestly don’t think I can do it as was already dreading the leap from 5 minutes to 8! It seems like a really bit jump!
I’m also running in rubbish cheap trainers as didn’t want to spend out in case I didn’t see it through, so I’m also wondering whether to take the plunge and buy some or just throw in the towel and find another exercise.
Any tips and advice from fellow haters, or those that have grown to love it will be gratefully received! X
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ClaireAnne37
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Hiya, I've always disliked exercise (more accurately, hated PE and was nonathletic and self-conscious)... now I've been running for 8 weeks and I have noticed increased endurance. Loving or hating it? I'm pretty neutral! I have backed out a couple of times when I really didn't feel like it, but I've consistently run about twice week. Towards the end I get into the zone a bit (some runs more than others), and I feel good afterwards.
When I feel demotivated, I think of the couch-5k premise: that 5k is possible for everyone, and that makes me think "well how bad can 5k be?" and that often helps me reach the target. (Nb: I am not following the programme myself, I am self-regulating & listening to music)
I would say: change the schedule if you want to. Repeat a week. It gives that advice on the NHS page, I think. The important thing is to sweat!
Before I started I hated the idea of running as thought it looked painful in every way. Like you I have a brother who loves running, that’s what inspired me to start. I think the shoes thing is quite key. If you buy them you will feel that you need to keep going. I would advice do that and to stick to the programme. In every way. Do you have the app so you can chose your own music ? That would help. Good luck 🏃🏻♀️😊
A lot of what I love about running/very slow jogging lol is how I can only focus on the moment I'm in. It stops me thinking about everything else and so I get to just run and be. Try to just stay in the run you are in and not worry what is coming next. You will be able to do week 5. I did and I was a total non runner. The jump from 8 to 20 minutes for me was more about mindset of just doing it than stamina for me. And the buzz is amazing. I got new trainers week 4 and they made a huge difference and didn't cost loads either. Stick with it. Grab a pair of trainers and go slow and steady. Good luck.
"Hate" is a very strong word. If l hated doing something, l wouldn't do it unless the only way to make a living would be as a snake charmer.
This is incredibly simple. You either want to run or you do not want to run. To hate running and to be running at the same time sounds like a medieval torture.
It isn't to everyone's taste and I've often wondered what the ratio of began/completed is. I sure as heck tried a lot of things but quickly dropped them if it wasn't fun on some level at least.
For me anyway, a lot of my motivation to run is that it gives me peace of mind, I used to get that in the Martial Arts (but age and too many injuries knobbled that) which seems a bizzare contract of activities - but it's not so much about the Sport ad about the individual and what they like, and thus will continue, doing
It doesn't have to be Running ClaireAnn37 - you can achieve your goals in other disciplines Anything that gets the body working will be a candidate
You've come to the right place! Lots of people on here found it very difficult (me included) and will offer you great advice. I would say first that you're doing really well. I suffered through the first six or seven weeks before I actually enjoyed a run, and even then I only felt good after about one run in three. I don't know specifically what causes your sore thighs, but general advice on here is to run slowly. Perhaps (like me) you think running is connected to speed, but you will gradually realise that you are building strength and stamina, even if you can only run at walking pace.
I was lucky that I didn't look ahead and only discovered this board after the dreaded 20 minute run, but in my experience it doesn't matter if you need a few attempts to complete a particular run. Already you are running further and more easily than at the beginning. If you don't believe me try repeating a run from week 1 or 2. You'll be impressed with yourself, I'm sure.
Good luck and keep going.
Love Lizz
P.S. I'm a graduate but still haven't managed 5km so please don't be intimidated by the badge!
I went through a period of time hating the actual run but loving the fact that I ran at all other times. I was consumed by the love of running, but not actually during it! If you feel any way like that at all, I would encourage you to hang on in there because it absolutely does get better.
If you aren't feeling the love in any way, shape or form, don't torture yourself.
But before you make any decisions, try slowing right down on your next run. It really does make everything that bit more manageable and - dare I say it - even enjoyable!
Good luck.
The pain you are having could be the shoes. It’s worth investing in proper gait analysis (free) and getting the right shoes (not cheap) if you think you will continue running. Obviously if you are going to give up next week, then dont waste your money 😉
Are you running on the treadmill or outside? I only use the treadmill if it’s icy and dangerous out. I am addicted to running, love feeling the wind on my face and seeing all the sights unfold around me, I love the high I get. I didnt love it to begin with when I was struggling to complete a minute and was red faced and gasping, but I remembered running in my youth, just for the joy of it, and wanted that feeling again.
And that is key. If you run just to lose weight or improve fitness, then it can become a task. If you run because you want the high, the feelgood factor, then it becomes something you want to do. I cant remember at what point in the program the joy took over - though I think I got some of the high even at the beginning. A few people never get that high, and it could be you are one of them, but I would say give yourself a bit more of a chance as it’s early days. You may find properly fitted running shoes solve the thigh pain and take away the negative side of running for you.
Dont worry about the runs in week five. Week four was a watershed week for me. I had a really tough second run. But I sailed through the twenty minute run at the end of week five. It was one of the most effortless runs Ive had before or since.
Another thing to consider is how fit you were before beginning c25k. I was walking a lot and swimming three or four times a week, so fitter than a lot of people, and still found it tough to begin with. If you are really unfit, it might have been a factor in your hating the program.
But, hey, you know what, youve done four weeks. It might be worth pegging on for a bit longer before throwing in the towel. You are almost at the stage where the runs get longer and - believe it or not - easier, so it might be worth hanging in there. Good luck with it whatever you decide to do, and remember we are here to support you with any bumps in the road ahead.
I wonder about your commitment. If you need new trainers, buy them. Maybe ask yourself why you can’t throw yourself into this process (I am wondering about bad PE experiences??)
Next question is why are you doing this? Is exercise just about getting fit or about enjoying the journey.
Why not get outdoors and get in touch with your body and your world. Enjoy 🏃🏾♀️
If you maybe go back and do W1R1 just for kicks right now you will perhaps realise how far you have come in such a short time! Doing a W4 run for kicks at the end of the c25k prog would probably feel quite easy, even though you might not believe that right now. Slow down, stick with it, and things will happen. Repeat a week if you feel things are going too quickly. I can't say I got a high from running straight away but at some point it started to happen and I began looking forward to run days!
For ages I didn't like running itself, but I loved being a runner. I hated getting hot and sweaty and out of breath. The running wasn't easy. I loved that I was actually doing it, that I was sticking to something, that it was making a difference and that I did lace up and get out there even though I knew I wasn't going to enjoy the first 10 minutes or so.
What is it that you don't enjoy? You say your thighs are hurting: that's quite unusual, I think. Shins, knees, sure, and that's often to do with the shoes, but thighs, that's different, so are you trying to go too fast? Can you hold a conversation when you run? Even if your run is slower than your walk, that's fine. The running action is different from the walking action and it's all progress. Are you running on a treadmill or outside? If one, try the other (although personally I find treadmill running interminable and would rather have some scenery to take my mind off the time).
I hope you can work out what the problem is, and I do hope you can carry on. Week 5 will be fine. Good luck in whatever you decide.
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