Struggling to get past week 7

[Theyorkiebar]

Hi I’m 52- did c25k reasonably easily a couple of years ago then let it slip. I’m really struggling now to maintain the longer runs and have started to 🛑 stop which I know is a real no-no. It’s not so much the legs as the breathing. Should I go back to week 6?

[Hidden]

Hi Theyorkiebar

Don't fret! If you've got to week 7 you're doing great, you can do it.

My suggestion would be slow down, you'll hear that on here a lot. If you are struggling to complete the runs when previously you've done them, you're probably going too fast! Just a thought. I still fail at this sometimes, but when I hit that pace just right, and slow down enough, I feel like I could run for... well, at least 5k I've heard various things said about breathing. My personal view is that if you are at the point where you are having to think seriously about controlling your breathing, you are probably being a bit quick. Again, this may be just me, but I find that I can tell if my pace is right or not by how easy my breathing is. I did my first park run a few weeks back, ran far too quickly, and was gasping for breath the whole way.

All the best, please do let us know how you get on

Neil

[Theyorkiebar in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Neil that’s really helpful- I am off out again tomorrow morning at 6am before work and determined not to stop. I know it’s fatal once you do- it then becomes a habit to stop every time it feels a bit difficult. I’m not so fast at all but perhaps I start off too fast as I want to get through the dreaded first 10 mins. The slightest incline then fills me with dread and I start to feel defiant!!! I will keep at it though and appreciate the encouragement.

[Hidden in reply to Theyorkiebar]

I reckon... slow down until you start to enjoy it. Once you hit that stage, there'll be no stopping you, it's like a drug lol

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate]

You need to do what's right for your body. Do you have any breathing issues or is it just down to overall fitness?

It might be that you need to take it a bit easier... but it may also be more mental. It might be those pesky gremlins telling you you need to stop when really you need to just get in the groove and keep on, keeping on.

Only you know what is happening but just remember our bodies can ALWAYS do more than our brains tell us. 👍😉

[Theyorkiebar in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

Thanks no I don’t have any physical issues that I know of😂. I think it’s a combination of a weak mind and poor fitness! Must try harder because I know I feel great afterwards.

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate in reply to Theyorkiebar]

Gremlins then. Only one way past them and that's elbows out and shove the wee buggers out of your way. Runner coming through! No time for excuses! 👍😉

[Jay66UK Graduate]

What 316Neil and GoGo_JoJo said.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

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

Enjoy your journey.