Help please

[Spudwood]

Week 8 please help

Hi guys. I’m now doing 25 mins BUT feel awful whilst doing it. Am I doing something wrong. First five awful. Next 15 fine and then counting down to the end. Should I go back a couple of weeks? I’ve never failed one yet.

Awwwww I know what I want to say but even that’s coming out wrong lol.

[Oldgirlruns Graduate]

Sounds good to me - the first 5 minutes can be a challenge as your body catches up (as in, what do you think you’re doing to me!). You’ll have heard people talking about the toxic 10 (10 mins) and that’s what it is. I also counted to the end in the latter stages but I suspect that will ease off as you get more accustomed to the longer runs. Are you remembering to stay well hydrated? And are you keeping it slow? You’ve got this - you’re running for 25 minutes! Good luck!

[Spudwood in reply to Oldgirlruns]

Thanks x

[Buddy34 Graduate]

You're doing great, the more you run the more your body will get used to it. As in the above reply make sure you're well hydrated even in the winter time. Maybe find a new route to run that helped me . Good luck and well done 😊

[RunningMigster Graduate]

I hate the first 5 minutes. I always struggle until I get past those.

Try to slow down. And I mean slow right down. Just a bit faster than a walk. Could be that you're making the same mistake I used to by setting off way too fast.

Start as slow as you can and if you have anything left in the tank at the end, kick it up a bit then

[Speedy60 Graduate]

You're doing fine. I always spend the first five minutes wondering whether I should turn round and go home.

It's easy to say, but if you're finding it hard, try not to slump forward and sink into your hips. This makes it even more difficult to get air into your lungs. Stay up tall; imagine a piece of string attached to the top of your head and pulling you up. Keep space between your shoulders and ears and open your chest so that air can get into your lungs. Keep your bum tucked under, your feet under your body and take very small steps. Don't worry about your speed.

Lastly, make sure you're hydrated so that energy can be transferred effectively to your muscles.

Of course, you're probably doing all of these things already. In which case I'd say, don't be hard on yourself. Good luck 👍

[Spudwood in reply to Speedy60]

Thanks. Took all your advise. Just ran 28 mins and felt better x

[Speedy60 Graduate in reply to Spudwood]

Brilliant. I'm definitely no expert, I just know all the mistakes I made and all the things that helped me. Some runs will always be easier than others, just don't let the bad ones define your experience. Keep us all posted 👍

[Leosmit Graduate in reply to Spudwood]

Well done! You did the next run and managed better. What do you think helped?

[Spudwood in reply to Leosmit]

I went slower and drank more before I went. X

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Are you following the advice on pacing in the guide to the plan? healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

You should be jogging at a pace at which you can speak full ungasping sentences as you run......if you can't, you are going too fast for your current fitness level.

Please read the guide, it is full of tips.

Slowing down makes it easier and more enjoyable.

[Spudwood in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thanks x

[Jacca Graduate]

You’re doing great take it slow and steady 👍 😁

[Spudwood in reply to Jacca]

Thanks x

[ju-ju- Graduate]

In all honesty it does feel hard as every week you are going to new territory that your body hasnt done before. Please hang in there, slow down if that helps too. I found the 9 weeks of C25k the hardest thing I had ever embarked on. However I am now 6 years in and I LOVE LOVE LOVE running, it really is the best thing ever. I am not fast and I dont go long distances, but the joy of going out everyday and running has given me more benefits than I could count on my hands AND feet! So I promise you it is all worth it