Struggling to improve: Having moved onto week... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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Struggling to improve

Eddie_grundy profile image
10 Replies

Having moved onto week 2 and kept at it for 3 weeks I’ve decided to go back to week 1.

It sounds pathetic but I struggled with the 60s but moved onto week 2 in the hope I could get better. I did manage a few 60s but I think the 2.5 min walk helped me.

Going back to week 1 today seemed a bit better for me though I still struggle to consistently get 60s. I’m breathing better and my max heart rate is now 130 rather than 145 so that’s an improvement.

Any suggestions?

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Eddie_grundy profile image
Eddie_grundy
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10 Replies
Jess93 profile image
Jess93

I'm wondering if maybe you're trying to go too fast? I remember when I first started the programme, I spent the first few running bits powering ahead, thinking the whole thing was very easy, but then not having enough energy to do more than stagger the last intervals.

Also, this might sound a bit weird, but are you breathing when you run? I used to get breathless doing certain activities because I used to be so focused on trying to control my breathing to not sound out of breath that half the time I'd being doing things completely holding my breath. It took me a little while to notice that that's what I was doing, but concentrating almost entirely on my breathing has helped a lot with that.

ButtercupKid profile image
ButtercupKidGraduate

I’m about to start my fifth repeat of week 1, so I sympathise. Going over it again can be frustrating, especially when others are galloping on ahead, but I’m very unfit and this is helping to build up stamina and pace. There’s no set rules to getting through this programme - just do what works for you. Happy running !

Marcia-H profile image
Marcia-HGraduate

Try to really slow down-as slow as you can possibly go to finish week one and move back to week 2. There isn’t a pace that’s too slow-most people don’t work in their speed until after graduation.

Keep posting about your runs as the forum is a great place for encouragement and positivity. You can definitely do this!!!

SnailRunner71 profile image
SnailRunner71Graduate

Hi I guess there's no harm in repeating sessions. Just wondered, are you trying to go too fast on the run parts? I slow it right down so that in fact I'm going slower than the brisk walk.

ItstheMarchHare profile image
ItstheMarchHareGraduate

You’re doing great, keep at it! I think it takes time to build up to feeling confident doing week one. If you do week one three times a week forever, you are active for 30 minutes three times a week and that is so much better than people who are still sitting on the couch!

Jazzyjeff11 profile image
Jazzyjeff11Graduate

I don't think it sounds pathetic at all! You said yourself that your breathing is better and your heart rate has also improved. I think your body will tell you when it's ready to move on :-). Don't be hard on yourself.

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Firstly did you check this post out. There is a great deal of tried and tested information and advice there.

Then. .. you need to be moving really slowly and steadily... and there is always slower. Try to relax.. and take the run very gently.

You do need to complete each run in each week, as they do build up in a very structured way...moving on before you complete will not help your progress.

So.. well done... just take it gently :)

Purplelamb profile image
Purplelamb

Some great advice already- especially about slowing down. I went out with partner this weekend and found that my walking pace was basically the same as his run which made me slow the run and last a bit longer.

Also don’t forget to focus on your improvements!

Razouski profile image
Razouski

Hi, and welcome Eddie_grundy . I love your screen name. I assume you're another Ambridge addict ;-) . I hope you haven't been listening to Jazza and Alistair training for their race, as they haven't really been following a plan, and it's all rather unrealistic for beginner runners to run so far and so fast at the start.

It does sound as if you are running too fast. Remember, it's meant to be a very gentle jog. Slow, then slower then real slow is the key. When I started C25K my running was not very much faster than walking and it didn't matter.

Good luck and just remember to go slow.

UnfitNoMore profile image
UnfitNoMoreGraduate

What they said... especially the slow bit.

Well done on the commitment front, and the exercise is obviously working looking at your heart rate, so fitness is coming through your hard work. I still fear having to repeat week one so I gotta say I’m a little in awe. Keep working and you will be at the end of week 9 at some point, and it doesn’t matter when that is... this is your journey, and you’re doing an amazing job on it.

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