Struggling

[Sazll]

I’ve done two runs, w1... newbie to running. I’m struggling to do the 60 second runs and seem quite breathless with burning thighs. I’m a short chunky 16 stoner. Any advice before I give in?

[trogdelight Graduate]

I think the vast majority of us could say we've been there. I remember thinking that i'd never complete week one, let alone graduate. Guess what? I did by following these two pieces of advice:

1) Run slower. Even if you are getting overtaken by walkers, that's fine. As long as you have a running action that's fine. You might not think you are going too fast, but you are.

2) Don't give up. Everyone has bad runs. Nothing beats the feeling of having had a bad run but getting up two days later and smashing it.

[chantelle1211]

Hi well done for starting couch to 5K, please don’t give up! Keep going, I promise it does get better x I’m on W3 R3 and I didn’t think I could get this far! You will amaze yourself! Your body is adjusting every time you do a run 🏃🏻‍♀️

There is lots of people on here to support you x

[Boba78 Graduate]

Hi, it will get easier. The main thing is you’re out there doing it, everyone has struggled at different stages with C25K, no one just does it without struggling - you’re not alone. On your rest days from running try some cross training- swimming, walking, or yoga, whatever you do it will help with your next run. Don’t quit!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Slow down and then slow down more Check out the linked post FAQ... for Newbies too...

You can do this

[SOULY47 Graduate]

Don't give in. Just try your best to move a little bit faster than your walking pace to begin with, I would also practice breathing (daft I know, but we all tend to breathe too shallow) I would also consider repeating week 1 to get used to it. Its a big step forward, well done for taking the first step. It never gets easier, we just get a bit fitter. I have started this programme tonight as I've put on 2 stone in 4 years. I used to run (never fast, never consistant, never with any real enjoyment) I've completed 5ks 10ks and two 1/2 marathons. Dont beat yourself up just remember you are doing something positive. X

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Ok... we are at the start of run one... runs 25, 26 and 27 are 30 minutes... that’s impossible! It is, in that moment 30 minutes is actually impossible.

And so we set off... and it’s the slowest 60 seconds of our lives... we can’t breathe, our heart is beating so hard it’s going to explode, our legs hate us and that hate grows with each and every step. Then, it’s walk time... we still can’t breathe, we have 90 seconds to be ready to do that again even though it’s taken us years to be ready to do it once... it’s just not possible... but it’s run time and we’ve come this far, we can’t quit... and this run is slower and harder than the last, we’re not gonna make it, but we do... and heck we do it another 6 times. We don’t enjoy it... we are vaguely proud that we did it and it’s over... well done us. What do you mean we have to do it again in 2 days? That’s impossible.

Think we’ve all been there.

Only it isn’t impossible... you just did it again. You gritted your teeth, dug deep and got yourself through it. Now you have to do it again, and it’s impossible, but it isn’t... you just did it... twice!

Impossible things are already being beaten by your mind. After the next one it steps up in duration and that’s just plain impossible... but it’s not, you’ll have beaten impossible 3 times by then. Get used to it, it will happen a lot.

Impossible here is something you just have to work at until it’s not impossible, it’s just challenging. You can rise to that challenge and you can beat it... and you do, time after time. Then all of a sudden that really impossible 30 minute run is upon you, but by then you’ve learned that you can.

That’s the journey you are on... you can do it, you can even enjoy it... will you? You will if you dig deep and believe in yourself.

Welcome and don’t give up on yourself because you’re challenged. Beat this challenge, achieve the impossible.

[Realveggie in reply to UnfitNoMore]

What an inspiring post...it feels like you were with me during my last run, apart from not mentioning the bright read face

[UnfitNoMore Graduate in reply to Realveggie]

Ah, I don’t know about the bright red face because I never look 😂. Maybe I should edit and put come colour (sic) in the commentary 😂

[Sazll in reply to UnfitNoMore]

You’ve taken exactly how I feel and wrote it down haha, were you there watching lol. Thank you ☺️

[UnfitNoMore Graduate in reply to Sazll]

No, I was there doing it a couple of weeks ago, and that’s how it felt... for most of us... you’re not alone.

[Realveggie]

Oh don't give in, I'm only in week 2 and it is a challenge but I would say persevere...it does get easier. You've done the hardness bit making that start...read blogs from others who have been in the same situation...I do constantly and it really inspires me to go for it! Good luck and believe in yourself

[Ang33333 Graduate]

Don't give up! This programme works. Slow down. A lot. And then some more. Have something good to listen to in the background. Helps so much! Oh and slow down!! 🐌🐌🐌🐌

[Angel74uk Graduate]

Don’t give up, you can do this. It does get easier. Believe in the program and believe in yourself. Good luck 🤞🏻

[Sazll]

Wow! Thank you so much everyone!! Tomorrow is run 3, I’ll remember to be the tortoise not the hare. I will update you all if that’s okay? Thanks again x

[UnfitNoMore Graduate in reply to Sazll]

You’d better update us! Oh and if you’re going slow enough and you see a tortoise, you can run behind it and get a good slipstream!

[Sazll]

Well, just back from run 3w1..... or should I say walk!!

Only managed 3 of the runs, I’m so disappointed in myself!

Better luck next time maybe

[Fabulous450 Graduate in reply to Sazll]

Do not be disappointed! Every time you go out there you’ve done more and that’s something to be very proud of. You are adjusting Sazll and it will come together. Take a rest day and relax. Allow your body to recovery and you will be ready for W3! You don’t need to repeat earlier runs. You’ve got this! Slow! 😉❤️

[SOULY47 Graduate]

Don't beat yourself up. You went out there and did your best. Some days you win and others you lose. Just underline it and move on. What are your plans now do you feel you want to repeat Week 1 over? My 2nd run is tomorrow night :-|

[Fabulous450 Graduate]

You can certainly do this Sazll! Like others have said you really need to slow your pace down. Your walking segments should ideally be quicker paced than your running bits. Your building stamina here, so believe it or not, it really is a case of the slower the better. Many of us have had to address the same issue and when we have slowed it right down, everything has come together nicely. Take it nice slow and easy! Best wishes! You can do it!! ❤️