My heart is struggling a bit..: Hi all, doing... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

134,112 members159,473 posts

My heart is struggling a bit..

Kingski profile image
9 Replies

Hi all, doing Couch to 5K as training to pass my bleep test-I've passed it before 2 years ago, but seriously unfit now (seriously hoping 'muscle memory' is a real thing!). I'm a 37 year old female with one young child and have mild asthma, bradycardia (resting pulse down to 32 BPM) and sinus arrhythmia with a few ectopic beats although essentially a structurally normal heart. When I run though (at 8.5km/hour while running at 5.5km/hour as my brisk walk), my pulse can shoot up to 190-195BPM (my max should be 183). Today I reached week 1, run 3 and did really feel I was struggling to complete it-my chest often feels like it's tired long before my legs are, and when I've done FARTLEK training previously I have felt like my heart was going to bust out of my chest! Any advice would be gratefully received...am I just pushing too hard too soon?

Written by
Kingski profile image
Kingski
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
9 Replies
Bazza1234 profile image
Bazza1234Graduate

You are going too hard at it!!!!! Re the high HR numbers, the max HR that you have calculated (or perhaps has been told to you by the medicos) is only a statistical average for women of your age - the real max HR for individuals can vary a long way from that - as evidenced by your readings of 190-195.

The secret for you is to slow down your running pace considerably. I suggest that you practice this - warm up with a 5 minute walk and then start to increase the pace of your walk until you feel that you can't physically walk any faster (but not fast enough that you are overstriding which can potentially injure you even when only walking) - assess , can you still talk easily at this brisk walking pace? - if the answer is yes, then move on for this walking gait to a "running" gait, but only running a tiny bit faster than you were walking. This then should allow you to run while still able to talk easily ( slow running like this will probably be difficult in the leg muscles department) . The moment you cannot talk easily is when you are running too hard for your current level of fitness. If you cannot walk at your fastest walking pace without losing your breath control, then you are going to need to continue walking until you get fitter to be able to undetarke a running programme.

Kingski profile image
Kingski in reply toBazza1234

Fab thank you, great advice-it's always difficult knowing how fast to run and I don't want to 'cheat' as such, but it looks like my body can't cope with the pace I've set just yet so thank you!

davelinks profile image
davelinksGraduate in reply toKingski

That's not what c25k is about! don't try and set a pace, go out and run very slowly, just above the walking pace, with what's comfy for you, no more! And no, you're not cheating, slow and steady gets you there!😊

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate

Just slow down, and then slow down more... it is a simple as that.

Kingski profile image
Kingski in reply toOldfloss

Thanks-I get what you're saying but I'm on a deadline to pass my bleep test arghhhhh....

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply toKingski

May I ask..why..you need/want to pass the Bleep Test?

Kingski profile image
Kingski in reply toOldfloss

It's part of my police job application. (I was an officer before but left so have to do it all over again).

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply toKingski

Right😊it makes sense now ..the only issue is..how much time you have..to do this safely...?

Kingski profile image
Kingski in reply toOldfloss

I'm not sure-that's the problem. I've asked the force I'm applying to twice but haven't had a response to that particular question-I'm guessing they don't know as they've had to change their plans re intakes already due to lack of money. I'm estimating I have a minimum of 2-3 months, looking at the next stage of the recruitment process, but I just don't know so I don't want it sprung on me and not be ready. (I previously failed it two years ago and passed it second time around so they do give you another chance if you fail).

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Should I worry about my heart rate?

I've done the programme a couple of times and completed this round before Christmas. I've recently...
Sezza2u profile image
Graduate

Should I be Worried About my Heart Rate?

Sorry for the long question.... I’ve never really bothered with maximum heart rate and heart rate...
Birdlady64 profile image
Graduate

Heart Rate Training

As some of you know I've started heart rate training.  This past weekend I ran a 5k race slow as...

i am struggling

I am determined to finish this program but am finding it very hard now that I have gone onto the...
Realfoodieclub profile image
Graduate

What is a good pace?

I've just finished my 2nd run of week 3, but I'm unsure if I'm running at a good pace! I've slowed...
Elceee profile image

Moderation team

See all
Mummycav profile image
MummycavAdministrator
MissUnderstanding profile image
MissUnderstandingAdministrator
Yesletsgo profile image
YesletsgoAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.