When will it get easier?

I started C25K in January, I’m 52 but slim, active, fit and well but had never exercised since school. My progress was hampered by an ankle injury then a bad back and I’ve often repeated runs or weeks until I felt I was achieving them more easily and ready to move on. After 3 weeks of repeating W5R3 (11 runs so far) it still feels no easier. I still feel like I am going to die although I complete the run each time. Why do I not feel that I am making progress?

[backintime Graduate]

Would slowing down help maybe?

I have found that it is in progressing that the previous runs get easier. I found week 5r3 hard but if I redid it now, it would be much easier.

Maybe try to move onto week 6 and 7 then retry week 5 r3 and see if it feels easier to you?

Just a suggestion

[LeeU Graduate]

As backintime has said, try slowing down a little, it does help and C25K isn't a race and no one here will comment on how slow you do the runs, in fact, we actively promote slow and steady.

One extra thing that I stands out from your post, when you say you feel like you are going to die, do you mean you are gasping for air, heart going like mad? If so, there are a couple of good videos on YouTube about breathing for runners, here's one:

youtube.com/watch?v=DVGVYNu...(Not working as expected?)

This technique could help you as it will help you manage both your breathing and, more importantly, manage your heart rate as it allows more oxygen rich blood to get to your muscles.

Using this technique my HR is around 160 towards the end of a 28 minute run.

[Oldgirlruns Graduate]

I would have thought you are making progress - after all, you’ve just for 20 minutes 11 times! In my book, that’s definitely progress! As has been said, are you trying to go a bit faster than you need to? Good luck!

[Buddy34 Graduate]

As everyone says you do need to slow down . You may think you're already going slow but slow some more and make sure you're drinking plenty water 7 days a week good luck 😊😊