Cheating??

[Anren]

So I'm up to week 9, from a non runner ever at age 42 I'm really proud of my progress as for the first week I felt like I was going to puke after 60 seconds.

It's going ok, but I run an out door rout with hills.

I really struggle to run the steepest bit of the hills - breath more than legs or tiredness ( I do have asthma and use a ventoiln before each run) So I'm finding myself walking up the steepest hill parts then adding on extra running time to compensate.

Is this cheating? When I'm told to keep running right threw I feel like I'm messing up..... but I am running for 30mins now but with a bit of walking now and then on the steep hill bits.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Well done on your progress.

If you just slowed right down, then maybe you could keep going up the hills. The hills will make you stronger, but you are not doing continuous running if you are walking, so in the terms of the programme, you have not completed each workout as demanded.

If you cannot run all the way up a hill, go as far as possible, then turn round and head down again. That way you can avoid the walking.

[ButtercupKid Graduate]

Does it feel like cheating to you ? Personally I’d say that if you’re running 30 minutes in total, taking the asthma into account, that would be good enough for me. IannodaTruffe is right though: technically speaking it should be a continuous run. I suggest you find somewhere reasonably level for your graduation run: then the problem shouldn’t arise and if it does, you’ll know you’re not quite there yet. All the best with it either way !

[cheekychipmunks Graduate]

I wouldn’t call it cheating, Anren, just not technically correct if you’re following the plan to the letter. It’s really up to you - it’s your plan and your body. I personally did follow it to the letter, but that’s just me and significantly I don’t have asthma.

Are you able to reduce your speed? Would that help do you think?

Good luck! 😀

[Oldjigger]

Hi from a fellow asthmatic. I live on a pretty steep hill, but thankfully there is plenty of flattish ground nearby. So I managed to do the whole C25K course on the flat, putting the hill into my warm-up and warm-down walks. I've done 4 Parkruns and a few more 5K runs since graduating, but still wouldn't attempt that hill! So I heartily suggest you find some flat ground to test yourself on for 30 minutes, if only so you can clearly judge your progress. Drive out to somewhere to run if you absolutely have to!

[Anren Graduate in reply to Oldjigger]

Thanks, I don't drive so run from home. I'm just checking route's now and there are allot of hills I've timed my warm up walk to get me up the first one.... then there's a long low incline of 1km followed by a steep hill, I'm running about 1/2 way up the steep bit now.

I think what I might do next weekend when I have the time is walk for 30mins first till I'm at the top of the hill's then run round up there

[AngryFlower Graduate]

Let’s face it hills are hard! Is there anywhere flatter you could run and then you will know whether you can run continuously. I imagine you’ll be fine and have proved to yourself you can do it.

[Gordon173]

Hills are a killer, but ace to go down 😂😂. I try and keep the route as flat as possible to build up the legs and breathing. Also running into the wind has the same effect as hills!! It’s tough (especially in Scotland!!) but surprisingly having great fun W4R3 tonight 👌