Totally unfit, fat and old?

[Cherry437]

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.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

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 in reply to IannodaTruffe]

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

[Cherry437 in reply to IannodaTruffe]

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

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to Cherry437]

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

[Buddy34 Graduate]

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

[Cherry437 in reply to Buddy34]

thank you

[ButtercupKid Graduate]

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 in reply to ButtercupKid]

thank you i'll try slower

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to Cherry437]

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

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

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 in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Thank you for your support this is a great site

[UnfitNoMore Graduate in reply to Cherry437]

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 Graduate]

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

[Cherry437 in reply to Couchpotato2]

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 Graduate in reply to Cherry437]

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

[Aoscup Graduate]

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