Not getting the distance

[thepinkplasterer]

Hi guys, just found this page as searched up a topic related to this and distance. I have severe scoliosis and had back surgery 5 months ago. I'm on this program and loving it although I'm getting disappointed with myself as I'm now on week 7, 25 mins runs and getting 2.7k. it feels abysmally slow, and even though I know I've had surgery and I shouldn't beat myself up about it, I'm still a bit miffed! Anybody else in a similar boat? Ps: I have to stop the timer half way through the run and stretch my back out as its very painful after a while but I get right back to it after a stretch of around 10 seconds and restart my clock. I'm just really slow 🙄🙄

[sTrongFuse Graduate]

The distance isn't too important, it's complting the time that counts. I'm only a km further than you at the 28min mark. I reckon I need 35 mins for 5k at my best pace.

As for stopping to stretch, if that's what your body needs then do it. We all have to work within our own limitations. I've stopped for longer to tie myvlace on occasion, and I still count it as a successful run...😉

[thepinkplasterer in reply to sTrongFuse]

Ha that's ace, thanks for the response. I guess because I'm not text book I think there is something amiss but then I've never been text book! I just keep seeing people lap me and if I can hear myself breathing at any point it sounds like some rampant dogs in a bush nearby it's that emphatic! 🤣🤣 I will keep going to the end of week 9 and build time on the 30 - we can buy try! 😄😄

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your progress.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

If you look at this poll of graduates on this forum healthunlocked.com/couchto5.... you will see that less than fifteen percent manage a sub 30 minute 5k run during the plan.

It is more to do with the fitness levels that you bring to the plan rather than any magic that C25K conjours up.

I bet you weren't running 2.7k just a few weeks ago.

Enjoy your journey.

[thepinkplasterer in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thanks so much for your reply. I tend to forget that 6 weeks ago I struggled with 90 seconds! Thanks for the reminder and I'll have a read of the link! X

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Welcome. This is all about fitness... and that is delivered at the end of this by running 30 minutes. If you were able to run 5k in 20 minutes you’d need to run longer to get the same cardio workout! So in that respect, slower is certainly better. Slower also gets you through this plan easier. Slower develops the leg muscles better. All faster is is faster.

I’d suggest seeing your doctor or a physio about strengthening exercises on your back and core... we have the strength and flex programme but with your recent surgery their input into what you should be doing would be invaluable.

Be damn proud that you’re running now. Most people out there can’t run 2.7k... most people out there can’t run 1.6k.

[thepinkplasterer in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Thanks for the reply! I'm seeing my physio and a PT on a regular basis and they have both given me the midway stretches which help massively. I am so pleased I reached out as I don't feel an underachiever anymore. Yey! X

[Rosiepug Graduate in reply to thepinkplasterer]

This forum is amazing for support 👍

[Granspeed Graduate]

Don’t worry about distance! And if you need to stretch, stretch! I am a runner of (very) mature years. So I have had to accept that much as I’ve learned to love running, I’m not going to do 5K in any zippy time. And most of the people on here who think they’re slow are rabbits to my tortoise. But I have lots of fun running, get good fresh air, and have made new friends both in person and as virtual running buddies on here. Net gain, right? 😊🎉 So enjoy every step you can do, and I think you’re fab to be getting the time. 👏🏼👏🏼 Hurray for you!

[thepinkplasterer in reply to Granspeed]

Thanks so much for the encouragement and inspiration! It's easy to think life is over as we get older but in finding time to do the things I want now - and one of them is running (or plodding as I call it!) So just getting out there is an achievement in itself in this day and age. Thanks again and you keep at it too! Xxx

[Bookbizlady Graduate]

How far could you run before you started the course???? Running for 25 minutes is no mean feat! Distance will come when you get stronger. The course is about running for 30 minutes, deposited being called couch 2 5k!!

[thepinkplasterer in reply to Bookbizlady]

Hi there - yes it's definitely an anomaly in the trades description Act! Ha ha, you are right of course and I should just be grateful I can put one foot in front of the other which I couldn't before! Thank you and I'll keep plodding!! X

[Bookbizlady Graduate in reply to thepinkplasterer]

Happy plodding!!

[Buddy34 Graduate]

Look at what you've achieved its amazing don't worry about your distance 😊😊

[thepinkplasterer in reply to Buddy34]

Thanks Buddy! Feeling much better about things x

[Rosiepug Graduate]

You’ve had loads of cracking advice here, believe in yourself, keep hydrated and enjoy the plan. There is no race and no hurry. 😁

[John_W Graduate Ambassador]

Unless you see C25K as one-off experiment, a tick-the-box, bucket-list, item - and you intended to stop after the 9 weeks (or until you reach 5k) then this is really only the very start of your running/fitness journey - if you can start to think that you'll be running for many years to come, then it's much easier to think about how you might get faster or progress your distance. Right now, it really isn't important at all - there's no rush, literally!

Good luck

John

[thepinkplasterer in reply to John_W]

Brill, thanks John. I've run before 10 years ago at around the 10k mark 3 times a week but fell out when the scoliosis pain got worse. I guess I've just lost faith in myself a little and needed the pick me up x

[John_W Graduate Ambassador in reply to thepinkplasterer]

I'm sure I'd feel exactly the same in your position. All I can say is to stick at it, be patient and be kind to yourself - if you feel confident that your condition has improved enough (or gone away completely), then with enough time, you can definitely get back to the same level you were. You're only 7 weeks into a comeback program after 10 years out... think about that!

[thepinkplasterer in reply to John_W]

Too true - thank you for your help - much appreciated x