Slow progress - but progress none the less

[Lead_Legs_Hustler]

Hi. I am only managing to get through each ‘week’ in about nine days (rather than seven) due to other commitments. My next run is only W3 R3 but I am concerned that I am starting to struggle because I can’t consolidate my runs more frequently. I haven’t managed a fully successful W3 run, yet (I always have to ‘stop the clock’ for about 20 seconds on the second three minute run to stretch and catch my breath - then start the clock again). Is this normal? Also, I am about three stone overweight - this is years of lack of exercise rather than unhealthy eating. Can you still manage to graduate and be so overweight? Scared I’m going to lose my enthusiasm. X

[davelinks Graduate]

Just keep chipping away at it, remember, slow, slow & slow is key to success, when the going gets so tough then slow more even if it's only just above running on the spot, it all counts.. Although it does help to lose excess weight, you will still manage to graduate.

[Lead_Legs_Hustler in reply to davelinks]

Thanks davelinks - I really could not have gone any slower - haha! It’s good to hear that being porky won’t be a reason to not graduate. Thanks for the support.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

You are here and you are doing it..as have many before you. Well done!

Follow the plan when you can with your lifestyle...pop in some non impact work in between runs if you can..stretches flex...anything that keeps your body awake

Take each run really slowly and gently...link the plan with a healthy eating regime.

Maybe take a peek at our sister site Weight Loss NHS...many folk on here are there too. The sites really compliment each other.

Keep posting here...the support will help keep you going!

[Lead_Legs_Hustler in reply to Oldfloss]

Hi Oldfloss . Good advice on the in-between runs exercise - I can always fit in some stretches. I’ve not seen any sister sites so I’ll have a gander - thanks.

And you’re right - support on this forum helps so much. X

[Hidden]

Howdy, I wouldn't say stopping the clock is normal. You ought not to do this, instead just really slow your pace down, even if it means just tip-tapping your way forward inches at a time. As the coaches say, don't stop, keep going no matter how bad it feels.

As for extra baggage, if I go by the NHS guidelines, I'm about 6 stone overweight (BMI 35) and I'm just about managing to keep up with the programme. So it can be done if you keep those mind gremlins under control. Think positive thoughts, you can do it! I'm cheering you on from afar.

[Lead_Legs_Hustler in reply to Hidden]

Many thanks Hidden . I’m really glad to hear that there are others succeeding despite carrying a little extra around with them. That is heartening.

As for the clock-stopping, I’ve done it twice; the first time I did it without my mind registering it - I just realised I’d stopped. Very bizarre! The second time was a definite conscious choice; the mind gremlins must have been out in force.

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

You’re doing great... it’s not easy of course, I struggled for about 5 weeks of this plan. All that matters is that you are progressing. As for the weight, I do remember not long ago someone graduated after starting at 22 stones recently, and they’re most probably not the biggest person to do this.

You can do this... and you have us right here to help you through any doubts and issues. Not fully completing a run isn’t a negative... the run you do will always make you a better runner for the next one. There’s no limit to how many runs this plan has to take... no extra kudos for doing it in 27... we all end up the same, fitter, healthier runners.

[Lead_Legs_Hustler in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Such a lovely note UnfitNoMore - thank you. It’s easy to beat yourself up when it doesn’t go ‘right’. I will probably have to repeat W3 a couple of extra times before moving on to W4 (five whole minutes‽). It’s difficult to believe that as a kid I was asked to run for my county...how things change - haha! Thanks again. X

[UnfitNoMore Graduate in reply to Lead_Legs_Hustler]

I was fast over 3k as a kid, within 30s of the records at the time, and it came kinda easy... W1R1 is the hardest thing I’ve ever done.

Progress is all that matters... we will cheer you on if you graduate next month or next August... you’re going to get there, and you’ll only ever look back and then smile.

[Lead_Legs_Hustler in reply to UnfitNoMore]

3000m was my run, too! This group never fails to surprise me with the support. Massive thanks. X

[ButtercupKid Graduate]

I’m carrying an extra person in fat - I call it Ethel - and I got through this. It did take me a lot of repeats though, especially at first. This is because everyone is different. You have to allow your body time to adjust. So try not to get frustrated, and never move on till you conquer all the requirements of each run. When you go out, look forward to seeing what you can do. If that’s not the whole run, note what you manage and walk the rest. Then aim to beat that the next time out, and repeat until you conquer it. You will get there, I promise ! It took me nine weeks of repeats to beat week 1 and 5 months to graduate, but I did and so will you - and life being what it is, I rarely managed 3 runs in a week either. Always remember the First Rule of C25k: The only run you fail is the run you don’t go for ! We’re all here cheering you on x

[Lead_Legs_Hustler]

ButtercupKid thank you so much for sharing all that information. Honestly, that is so useful and well done yourself - that’s inspiring. x