Struggling in week 5

[restless_rache]

Hi all, I’ve just done my first run of week 5 and I really struggled. I felt like I was only jogging a tiny bit faster than I was walking and my ankles are in agony now that I’ve finished (they weren’t really bothering me at the time). Any advice on ways to help the ankles and keep my motivation going?

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your progress.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5... which includes advice on minimising impact and stretching after every run.

Many people only jog slightly faster than they can walk......... some are slower and there is nothing wrong with that.

Speed can be worked on after graduation. Slow running develops stamina.

Enjoy your journey.

[restless_rache in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thanks! Really useful info about the footwear...think I will go and get some new trainers on Saturday at the running place near me!

[Oldgirlruns Graduate]

Can’t help on the ankles but there’s loads of motivation on the forum! A bit of finger walking today (too much time in retirement!) came up with at least 11 of us all at the same point so think of us as a ready made support group! You got this far, you can do the rest! Good luck.. PS my Japanese slow run is definitely slower than my brisk walking speed!

[Ladyvickster Graduate]

My jogging was sometimes slower than my walking at this stage. It doesn’t matter, just try and relax and go at pace that’s right for you. Embrace your Inner 🐌. Pace will come with time. Have you been fair checked for your trainers? Important as you take on longer runs

[restless_rache in reply to Ladyvickster]

I think I’ll go to the running place near me on Saturday to get gait checked and maybe that will help my ankles! I think I’m just comparing my pace on Strava to some friends and mine keeps getting slower while theirs is getting quicker!!