Totally unfit, fat and old? : That's what I kept... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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Totally unfit, fat and old?

Cherry437 profile image
16 Replies

That's what I kept telling myself... i'm too fat to run, too old, too unfit. My better self said nonsense! So I've tried to get back into fitness after recovering from ME/CFS after five years. Well the good news... I managed to do all the minute runs, but when I should be briskly walking i was too bent over gasping for breath... Is this normal? Please someone tell me it will improve. I've done Run 1, 2 and 3 for week 1 but i still can't do the walking parts.

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Cherry437 profile image
Cherry437
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16 Replies
IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

Welcome to the forum and well done on getting started.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5... and explains the recommended easy conversational pace.......... you were going too fast........ everyone does.

Slow down and you will be fine.

Enjoy your journey.

Cherry437 profile image
Cherry437 in reply toIannodaTruffe

Thanks for the encouragement. I'm determined to do this :-)

Cherry437 profile image
Cherry437 in reply toIannodaTruffe

Having just read the article I'm not actually going too fast, I cannot possibly go any slower when I run.

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor in reply toCherry437

If you cannot breathe, you are going too fast......... and yes, you can go slower

Buddy34 profile image
Buddy34Graduate

Maybe try and slow down and then see if it helps good luck 😊

Cherry437 profile image
Cherry437 in reply toBuddy34

thank you

ButtercupKid profile image
ButtercupKidGraduate

It’s perfectly normal to run slower than you walk at first - that sounds crazy, but you’re learning style and building stamina at first. Pace comes later. Take your time and enjoy the journey x

Cherry437 profile image
Cherry437 in reply toButtercupKid

thank you i'll try slower

ButtercupKid profile image
ButtercupKidGraduate in reply toCherry437

It’ll work, I promise ! All the best with it x

UnfitNoMore profile image
UnfitNoMoreGraduate

Welcome. What you describe in the week one runs was me on day one and then I slowed down a little and it got easier. Test your pace by speaking out loud in full sentences... tell yourself how awesome you are, shut that voice out that says you can’t do it. Enjoy the journey

Cherry437 profile image
Cherry437 in reply toUnfitNoMore

Thank you for your support this is a great site

UnfitNoMore profile image
UnfitNoMoreGraduate in reply toCherry437

No worries. You’ll be amazed how quickly the fitness rises. Just keep coming to the start lines and you’ll do this whole plan. Then one day you can do run one again and check just how awesome you are and the progress you made.

Couchpotato2 profile image
Couchpotato2Graduate

As above and slow down the brisk walking too! Keep it brisk for the warm up though. You can do it!!

Cherry437 profile image
Cherry437 in reply toCouchpotato2

I literally can't walk on the walking parts but I shall try slowing down if i can i really am running very slow but hey, i'm getting there :-)

Couchpotato2 profile image
Couchpotato2Graduate in reply toCherry437

Yes, it takes time to build up but you’ll get there!

Aoscup profile image
AoscupGraduate

I found the breathing side really difficult too. An experienced runner friend explained that I was going to fast and to slow down. Like you I really though I couldn’t go slower- turns out I could! I rally concentrated On this whilst I built up the length of times running and it definitely helped. Also my posture, I was hunched over trying to make myself invisible to anyone who might see me. Once I straightened up and allows lungs space that also helped me. Good luck

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