HELP - I still cannot get past Week 2 after 2 months?

[pgh49]

Hi, I have using this app for 3 months now and progressed onto week 2 approx 2 months ago.

I use a treadmill at the gym (5.6mph) and generally go 3 times a week and I still have problems finishing the last run of the the week 2 cycle.

This is due to being generally out of breath or one of my calf's (or maybe achillies running into my lower calf) feeling like its cramping.

The first 2 90 second runs in the cycle are ok, but I get seriously out of breath after those.

I've just turned 50 and would have hoped that my aerobic fitness would have improved more than it has for me to complete the week 2 run.

Any help or suggestions greatly appreciate

[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...........if you are out of breath, you are going too fast.

Slowing down will also reduce the impact and be kinder on your body.

Enjoy your journey.

[Auntiedave Graduate]

Go slower. At this stage I would aim for 4.5-5 mph. You can build speed later. Make sure you are fully hydrated the day before and ensure you are doing appropriate stretches before and after. Have patience and it will come. Good luck.

[Buddy34 Graduate]

If you're out of breath your going to fast you may think your going slow but slow down the pace even more to get you to the end of 😊😊

[John_W Graduate Ambassador]

(1) Out of breath is classic sign that you're going MUCH too fast.

(2) Using the treadmill, you have the PERFECT tool to control your speed... knock that speed right down to a SLOW jog - even if's slower than your brisk walking pace.

(3) Weeks 1 and 2 will not have improved your aerobic fitness significantly for you to notice. You will notice those improvements as your progress through the program .... but the key is to progress! And the key to progressing is ... going at the right speed/pace.

S L O W D O W N !!!

(4) Speed wise... you should aim to finish each session feeling like you could carry on. You're aiming for a 'conversational pace' - one at which you can comfortably talk at.

Good luck!

PS Did I mention to slow down?

[John_W Graduate Ambassador]

and look at this:

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

[sofiaO Graduate]

As others have said you are going to fast, 5.6 mph is pretty fast! I ran C25K at 4.3 mph and completed the programme with no set backs or injuries.

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate]

Yep... slow it down. You're learning endurance at this stage, speed has no place here until much, much later. 👍😉