Struggling

[Briefcase]

Hi, I'm a 54yr old, new to running (on week 5) and have just failed miserably to complete the two 8min runs. I just run out of breath. Do I need to go back to a previous week? I certainly feel fitter but can't seem to push myself on. Can anyone help?

[Maybe58 Graduate]

It’s ok, just repeat run 2 and go from there. Look how far you’ve come from Week 1, so congratulations on that!

[Briefcase in reply to Maybe58]

Ok thank you, I'll do that

[Jay66UK Graduate]

Yes. Stop trying to push yourself on. Slow right down instead.

Do the next run as slowly as you can run without it becoming a walk. You will need that slow pace for the longer runs!

I hope it goes better next time.

[HappyNoodle Graduate]

I have been looking through the plan. It says repeat a week if you struggle too much. And don’t forget you are doing brilliantly. Even if you repeat a week you are still halfway to 5k.

[Tasha99 Graduate in reply to HappyNoodle]

Only repeat if you can’t complete a run. Otherwise move on 👍🏽

[Briefcase in reply to HappyNoodle]

I know I'm being hard on myself but just want to return home knowing that I've completed the run well! I'll slow it down a bit

[kathyred333]

Agree agree with all above... Slower, there's no rush and if you go to a jog again then maybe focus on the deep breathing? and I'm in awe you are in week five! Woo Hoop!! X

[Tasha99 Graduate]

Slow down and slow down again! Don’t go backwards if you completed those runs. Just take more time.

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate]

Don't beat yourself up, you're already doing better than you were before W1👍😉

Ease up, you'll get there.

[Briefcase]

Thank you all! Great advice. Must change my username (sounds like I man) and I'm not!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Run at an easy conversational pace, as described in the guide to the plan healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

You can only fail this programme by going permanently back to the couch, so the recommended route is to repeat any run that you do not complete. That said, you are in control, so do exactly as you please.

You can do this.

[wyersmith Graduate]

We all have good and bad runs and it sounds like this might be your first ‘bad’ one. Put it behind you. It was a mere rehearsal. Take a day or two to recover. Go again but slower. Start slow and stay slow until you get to the end. Just repeat this run. Don’t drop back a week unless you feel it will boost your confidence. Good luck! You can do this!

[Briefcase in reply to wyersmith]

Thank you!

[poppypug Graduate]

Awww I think you’re been really hard on yourself . Have a couple of days rest and then give it another go . Keep it slow and steady .

We all have rubbish runs now and again , don’t worry xxx

I’ve felt like throwing all my running gear into a skip and then throwing myself in after !

It’s all peaks and troughs , highs and lows . All part of running , I think .

Keep going , you can do this ! xxx

[Briefcase in reply to poppypug]

Thank you! I'll stick with it but slowly