Still embarrassingly hard: That’s week... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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Still embarrassingly hard

9 Replies

That’s week 2 completed and some more to think about. I’m surprised that such a short period of exercise is so hard and tiring. I can walk for miles and I regularly do an hour on the exercise bike which leaves me panting and dripping with sweat. But running is different. It’s even a different kind of tired. It’s as though my walking and cycling don’t count or maybe it’s a simply that the best training for running is…running.

There may be something weird happening to my head too. I’m almost – this can’t be right – looking forward to the runs now. It must be I’m looking forward to getting them out of the way, yeah that must be it.

I like the app a lot and I just do what Laura tells me. (All those years being a husband have not been wasted. Yes dear etc.). I like the way that she acknowledges that it was hard. It’s not easy for an expert to put themselves in the shoes of a novice but she does.

Also very motivational are the posts here. I know it’s going to get harder but I’m resisting the temptation to look ahead to see what’s coming because I don’t want to create any barriers in my head. Laura says to trust the programme, so I will. So it’s still embarrassingly hard but I did it and even these short runs are longer than I’ve run in years which can’t be bad.

9 Replies
UnfitNoMore profile image
UnfitNoMoreGraduate

Running is different to walking and cycling for sure... they do make excellent cross training though. The early weeks are tough, learning to pace especially. That said. You’ve completed 6 runs now and that shows progress and determination... very well done.

in reply to UnfitNoMore

Thanks for that. Love your name btw!

UnfitNoMore profile image
UnfitNoMoreGraduate in reply to

Cheers, keeps me motivated

Fabulous450 profile image
Fabulous450Graduate

Great stuff Poole! That’s exactly how I did it too! No looking ahead, just listened to my coach on each run (for the same reason)! So perhaps not exclusive to husbands! 🤣, but great training all the same! Enjoy!! ❤️

in reply to Fabulous450

Thank you!

IgaT profile image
IgaTGraduate

Good job! Another run bites the dust! Your muscles and breathing need to adjust to the new activity, which is running. But cycling and walking did increased your lung capacity and fitness level, which means probably soon it will start to get a little easier. Although they say it never gets easier, we are just getting better ;)

You completed 2 out of 9 weeks, that's a great hard work! And you stick to it, which is the most challenging part! Congratulations!

in reply to IgaT

Thanks IgaT

Katnap profile image
KatnapGraduate

I know what you mean. I can get really out of breath and weak and wobbly from cycling and rowing but running is definitely different.

Someone might shoot me for this but I think (distance) running is more aerobic. Just slow down a bit if it's a struggle.

And keep smiling 😸 👟👟👟 😸

in reply to Katnap

I think you are right, it's the breathlessness that's hard but I'm expecting that it will improve, along with my stamina. Week three begins tomorrow and more smiles to come!

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