Progress is slow; slow slow, so very slow but ... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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Progress is slow; slow slow, so very slow but I’m determined

Dowat profile image
DowatGraduate
7 Replies

An update!

Now completed week 2 c25k on my return to running journey. Taken longer than 2 weeks with the extended time between runs for recovery/rest.

It’s been tough, w2r2 went fabulously- felt like the old days, lol! But r3 was horrendous. Didn’t know if I should have given up on the run. Legs were struggling, hurting not quite enough to give up but sufficiently so to cause me to ask the question. Returned home so demoralised and despondent. That was Tuesday So yesterday I questioned if I’d be able to really run again. After much soul searching I realised I needed a change of mindset and objectives. I decided that if I could reach the point where just once per week I could run 3k, then that would satisfy me. And like a weight off my shoulders (well legs actually, shins to be specific!!) my aches and pains have today gone. I’ll not run again til Saturday and then do w3r1. Here’s hoping. I’ve learnt so much from my running. I have determination that I didn’t have. And I understand better how to make a situation positive. Positive for me, not about what other people can do. I am so determined to find a way to get back to some sort of running. A case of look forward to enjoying what I can do, not yearn for what I did.

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Dowat profile image
Dowat
Graduate
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7 Replies
Buddy34 profile image
Buddy34Graduate

Great post Dowat . Getting yourself into a positive mindset and like you say not comparing yourself to anyone else will really help. Good luck 🤗🤗

Dowat profile image
DowatGraduate in reply to Buddy34

Thanks. Gotta find the way forward. 🏃‍♀️

Distance profile image
Distance

Yes, it's important to make it work for you.

I find very often I can't run 3x a week because of the lack of light. I'm in France & it's always dark before work & dark when I come home!

So I just accept those limitations & am exploring home exercise options for the intervening days. That said, I'm writing this note in bed rather than exercising! Must get up soon...

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate

Well done you..keep it slow and keep it steady. Relax into the runs and if you are struggling, then slow down more.

You know what is coming, so just take it gently..no pushing too hard.

Maybe too, get across to Strength and Flex... there are so many new ideas there for building up our strength and our stamina and exercises to ease those aches and pains:)

healthunlocked.com/strength...

Dowat profile image
DowatGraduate in reply to Oldfloss

Thank you Oldfloss. Good advice which I do indeed need to follow. I need to do some strength and flex again. I’ll pop across.

Dowat profile image
DowatGraduate in reply to Oldfloss

Oldfloss just wanted to say I’ve done two more runs since this post. With each of those, your words about relaxing really stuck with me and both of those runs were hugely better. So thank you. Your words really helped a lot. I was running quite tensely without realising as so ‘keyed ‘ up about returning to running. Big thanks, just making conscious effort to relax and really enjoy made such a difference. 🙏🙂

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to Dowat

I am delighted for you...and I am proud to have helped in a small way, thank you x

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