On Week 2, finding it hard :(

[Rew333]

So I am not overweight at all. 5' 5'' and 120 pounds. I am 31F, gave up smoking completely 12 weeks ago. I have always had a healthy diet yet I lead a VERY sedentary life - I am self employed and work from home in my ceramics studio. I have no commute.

I have started couch to 5k and really want to get fit. I was always terrible at sports...I was always the creative type, never the sporty type...! However, I was still active as a kid, climbing, skipping, skateboarding. Running was always my weakness.

However, I REALLY enjoyed Week 1! Now I am on Week 2, will do Day 2 today. I barely completed Day 1, I struggled. Breathless, and my legs felt like they had cement blocks on them by the end. I read a few blogs and felt very discouraged as many people who claimed to be 'terrible' at running said they did this without breaking a sweat, but found it got difficult in coming weeks. If I find Week 2 difficult, how on earth can I ever do the rest?!

I am great at walking, I can walk for miles all day. Every year to huge cities like Paris, Shanghai, New York, Jakarta and walk all day sightseeing, getting public transport etc. But I CANNOT run! I also find it quite hard to stand for periods of time. Maybe I need to do strength training? My legs must be very weak from all the sitting - long hours in my studio.

Anyway, I am going to keep on repeating week 2. I actually do enjoy it so it is a shame to feel discouraged. Silver lining is, I KNOW that when I started I wouldnt've been able to do Week 2 at ALL! So very slow progress.

Anyone else feel anything similar? Did you improve? Thanks!

[Tasha99 Graduate]

If you completed the run, you don’t need to repeat it. Move on. Everyone has bad runs. Totally normal. They make the good ones sweeter. Oh, I could never run. Now I’m marathon training 18 months after starting c25k 🤣

[Rew333 in reply to Tasha99]

Thank you! I run outside also which I know is harder, and it is hilly where I live! I won't be able to make the jump to 3 mins running on Week 3, so will I just repeat until I can? Thanks!

[Tasha99 Graduate in reply to Rew333]

Why won’t you? The previous runs will have prepared you. You’ll be surprised at how quickly your fitness will improve. Just keep going slower and slow down again! Try and plan to not hit the run sections with hills 🤣 Although hills are brilliant for fitness - maybe best saved for post graduation 🎓 Oh and breathing sorts itself out once you get through 5-8 minute runs 👍🏽

[Icandoit2019 Graduate]

Hi the weather doesn’t help as it’s so hot!

Keep at it you’re only at week 2 you’re finding your natural rhythm. I found watching YouTube videos helpful in the beginning just as simple as breathing and how the feet land etc.

It’s worth it at the end good luck.

[Tartancat Graduate]

Don't be disheartened - you can run, human beings are designed to run. Its just a big shock to our bodies when we first start - especially for us couch potatoes!

This hot weather doesn't help. Make sure you drink plenty all day every day, and run really slowly - I mean REALLY slowly.

And as Tasha says, there is no need to repeat runs that you have completed- just move on. The programme is clever, every run prepares you for the next, even if you think you're not ready. Don't be scared to move on. You never know what you can do till you try - you'll be amazed at what you can achieve !!

As regards strength training, it's definitely worth working on your core. Loads of exercises on You-tube (the dreaded planks spring to mind!) And running can be hard on the knees, so knee strengthening exercises are good too.

Good luck!!

[Elfe5 Graduate]

Hi and welcome Rew333, very well done for making such a happy start. 😀

Try slowing right down-it is absolutely fine to run at brisk walking pace but doing the running movement. ( speed comes later if you want it!) have you read the pinned post for new beginners? It explains about running at a pace where you can hold a conversation – in other words really slow and steady. Make sure you are really well hydrated, not just on the days you run but on the days in between as well - dehydration can make us struggle. 😄

[Granspeed Graduate]

Hi, and welcome to the forum. 😄 You sound perfectly normal for a new C25K runner to me! It’s a shock to the system, but once your body realises you’re serious, it will adapt. Do read the pinned post for new runners called FAQs, as it’s full of useful & important info to help you on your way.

Instead of repeating runs you’ve done, you could move on to the next one with the idea of “trying it out.” Then if you don’t finish it, it becomes a practice run and after a rest day, you repeat that one to see if you can get nearer to the end. There’s no fail here except not going out the door, so you won’t fail - but you will get extra practice at the right level for you. 👍

Also, do run slowly (especially in this heat). Many people start off too fast - it’s really better to start slowly & then have a little burst of speed at the end if you feel you can. As long as there’s a moment when both feet are off the ground, it’s running not walking! Think tortoise not hare, and have fun. 🐢👍🎉