Not much brisk walking going on between runs but keeping going is this ok?

[Pinkpositive]

I've just completed week 2 run 1 and find that I'm continuing to be short of breath during the walking sections as my breathing doesn't settle between runs so definitely no brisk walks happening but I do keep moving forward! Is this normal? I'm debating repeating this week if it doesn't get any easier but not sure if that's the best plan? My breathing is fine once I've finished and recovered. I was expecting it to be hard as I'm 51 and have never run before but I'm enjoying the challenge and am determined to make it to the end 🙂

[John_W Graduate Ambassador]

It sounds like you're going too fast to be honest. Your breathing is an excellent measure of the amount of effort you're putting in ... and if you're catching your breath and unable to brisk walk in between runs, that's a surefire sign that you're probably 'running' when you should actually be 'jogging'. So... think 'JOG' not... 'run'.

Your aim, re: pace/speed, should be to finish the final running segment feeling like you could carry on. For that to happen, you need to keep your JOG to a nice and SLOW speed, whereby your breathing is quite natural and everything feels effortless. Your aim is for what we call a 'conversation' pace - ie one where you can easily hold a chat

I firmly believe that for the average 'unfit' 'on the couch' person , this is perfectly possible. I know, cos I've seen it with many beginners in our works C25K club - all shapes & sizes & ages. The run leaders control the pace and pretty much everyone can handle it.

Have a look at this:

youtube.com/watch?v=9L2b2kh...(Not working as expected?)

Good luck!

John

[Pinkpositive in reply to John_W]

Thanks so much John that's really helpful I hadn't really considered what I should be aiming for in terms of breathing and pace .

[Summerlov Graduate in reply to John_W]

That video is really good 😁

[Pinkpositive in reply to John_W]

Just had a chance to watch the video its brilliant thanks! 🙂 I'm definitely going to slow down and follow the advice. Feeling much better about it all now!

[Speedy60 Graduate]

If you think you're going slowly, I can guarantee you there's a slower. That's the gear your running needs to be in. Personally, I wouldn't repeat a week or run unless I actually hadn't completed it the first time. However, its entirely up to you - it's your body and your journey. Good luck.

[Pinkpositive in reply to Speedy60]

Thank you and that's good to know!🙂 I'll keep going and slow my pace a bit and see how I go. Thanks for the helpful advice.

[Jell6 Graduate]

Slow down , have some of these🐌🐌🐌

"Only repeat what you don't complete "

You are correct though, it's not easy, but it is doable.

Enjoy it, even if you only enjoy the feeling after the run, that still counts 😊

[Pinkpositive in reply to Jell6]

Hahaha thanks! I really enjoy the first half before my body gives up and afterwards is always good! 😁

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on getting started.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

and includes advice on pacing........slow down.

Enjoy your journey.

[Pinkpositive in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you 🙂 I feel much better prepared for my next run. Hoping the rain and wind will hold off too 🙂

[Phdgranny Graduate]

The important thing is that you are out there doing it! Try slowing down on your run sections and if necessary repeat the week. Try blowing out your tummy as you breathe in my app suggested that on week 4 it helped me.

[Pinkpositive in reply to Phdgranny]

Thanks 🙂 Having watched the slow jogging video I'm definitely going to pace myself more and change how I run. Thank you for the tip about breathing technique I'll try that on my next run. It's my breathing that let's me down so anything that helps will be brilliant. I have had so much helpful advice today I feel much more positive and ready to try again 🙂

[Phdgranny Graduate in reply to Pinkpositive]

That’s great!!