HELP! Can only walk fast!

[IloveJude1]

I’m new to this forum and hoping someone has been where I am today! I am 67 yrs old and decided to start c25k to improve my fitness as I have COPD (lung disease) and was spending too much time on the couch. I have achieved W1 but had to repeat it for my second week. The problem is I can only walk fast, not run! I do feel more energised tho and look forward to my walks! Has anyone else had to start this way and does the running part come eventually? I am determined to carry on and am finding each session slightly easier - I’m ignoring the aches and stiffness! Well done to all of you who are doing this 😁😁

[Dexy5 Graduate]

Hello Jude, yes people do start the programme by walking it all to begin with if they are carrying too much weight or if they have health issues. So listen to your body; you’ll know if you can do more. Even walking is better than being on the couch 🚶‍♀️👏

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on getting started.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5... and includes a link to the Active 10 programme, which may be of help to you.

Do what you can and don't feel pressured. Building slowly up to being able to manage W1 is a sensible approach. We have had many over the years who post their walking progress prior to starting the plan and it is wonderful to follow somebody's progress as they develop their capabilities.

Enjoy your journey.

[cheekychipmunks Graduate]

Hi and a huge welcome! It’s great that you’ve started the programme. You can do it at whatever pace you like. There’s no such thing as too slow. We all love our inner snails 🐌 and we allow them to zip by and leave us for dust!

You might find you can transition to a tiny slow snail-like run eventually. Actually my running used to be slower than my walking pace! Even at parkrun, I get a slower time than some of the people who’ve walked part of the way - I always run the whole 5k, my choice. 🏃‍♀️

Anyway, you’ll feel a big difference in your general health, fitness and wellbeing.

Good luck and tell us how you get on! 😀🏃‍♀️👍

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Welcome... keep working it with the fast walking and you’ll be ready soon... there’s no race here, it’s your journey and we will be with you all the way.

[IloveJude1]

Oh wow I am encouraged that you actually bothered to reply!! I’m going to let you all know how I’m doing - I’m starting w2r1 tomorrow and am so excited that I have support - thank you all sooo much!! I am determined to get to w9 even if it takes me forever - blood sweat and tears BUT all for the good 👏👏👏

[Jalapenolover101 Graduate in reply to IloveJude1]

Good for you👍 Any exercise is better than keeping the couch company, in my book 😁

Good luck 🍀

[cheekychipmunks Graduate in reply to IloveJude1]

Good luck! And you’ll always get friendly replies on this forum - it’s the best! 👍

[Craftysue66 Graduate]

Well done you. I agree with all the comments here. Something is better than nothing and having the exercise 'habit' and walking briskly regularly will build your stamina and confidence. My running pace is only slightly faster than my brisk walk - it's more a change of rhythm. When you find you can do your brisk walks without getting out of breath you can always try moving into a 'jog' even if it's only for 10 secs to start with just to get your body used to it. I imagine that your lung capacity may improve with a gradual build up but exercise will always be a challenge with COPD. If you have a local gym you may find it worth trying to run on a treadmill, which is what I'm doing at the moment, because you can build up the speed gradually and regulate it better and you don't have anything else to think about (cars, curbs etc) and , if like me, you may have some balance issues there's always something to grab hold of! Most are very welcoming and not the scary places people imagine. You may even be able to get a GP referral to one given your condition to give it a try. Look forward to hearing how you get on. PS I just turned 65 and am just starting week 9 - any minute now! xxx

[IloveJude1]

W2 R1 done!! I was sort of excited to do this today after all your positive comments and now feel I will work up slowly to running and not feel embarassed! I actually did 20 seconds of slow jogging at start of each run so a great improvement 👍👍 it was tiring but exhilarating- thanks to all who replied yesterday 😉😃

[ButtercupKid Graduate]

I’m right with you here ! I started C25k four weeks ago and I’m still repeating week 1. I have so much extra weight that I’m literally carrying an extra person (I call it Ethel) and I can’t go fast. Initially I walked at two different paces, normal and “catch the post office before it shuts”. Last week I was able to jog the first ten seconds or so of each run and this week I’m managing a little more jog and a little less walk. So don’t be afraid. You aren’t the only tortoise here. And look what happened to the hare in the end 😉