Why is this so hard?

[Supernanna1]

I am a 64 year old relapsed runner desperately trying to get my mojo back. I have managed to get to Week 8 but at the end of today's run I felt so sick and dizzy that I had to sit down in the street to recover before I could make my way home. This is the third time I have repeated C25k since giving up running after doing the London Marathon in 2013. I can't remember running being this hard, in fact I am sure I did actually sort of enjoy it once! Please tell me it is going to get better, I would love to look forward to running again.

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Welcome back to running. The latter weeks of this do ramp up the weekly load on the legs pretty significantly, so can be tough. If you’re finishing a run feeling nausea, it’s most likely that you’re running too fast for your current level of fitness... most runs should be done at a conversational pace.

It’s never too late to have a look at the guide to the plan that covers pacing and much more healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Hope this helps... I was a returning runner myself and was trying to go way too fast.

[Supernanna1 Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Thanks for your reply but I already run at snails pace. I think I just need reassuring that I will get my enjoyment of running back again.

[UnfitNoMore Graduate in reply to Supernanna1]

It’ll come. The other thing is the relentless progression of the plan... your pushing that fitness level and endurance up each time you run... you’re close to graduation though, and if you then go for some consolidation weeks as recommended, it should all start to feel better.

[Supernanna1 Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

I hope so. I just want to be able to enjoy my Parkruns when they restart. It has been a long since I ran one without a walk break. Thanks so much for your support x

[Hidden]

This happened to me just the once, I nearly fainted. As UnfitNoMore says, I was pushing myself too hard. I then adopted 🐌 cadence and I went on to successfully complete the programme. Good luck, you can do it!

[Supernanna1 Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for replying. I have never run beyond snails pace, it took 6 hours to do the marathon! I think my main worry is that I will never get my running mojo back 😕

[Hidden in reply to Supernanna1]

Hmm, I would probably add some walking in the middle to see if that helps. OK, it will pause the programme temporarily but if you can get your mojo back that way, you can try pressing on again for 28 mins non-stop.

[Birm]

You can do it.. well done for getting to week 8.. I just completed 1st C25K run.. struggled breathing & sweated like a pig, but hopefully I will get to week 8 and beyond again.. good luck

[Supernanna1 Graduate in reply to Birm]

Thanks and good luck to you too.

[Birm in reply to Supernanna1]

Thank you x

[SmonicaB]

I’m sorry you’re feeling this way. It must be so hard for you if you remember running to be your “thing”, you clearly loved it.

Running has never been my exercise of choice but I’m sticking with it and beginning to enjoy it.

I think you just need to take your time, don’t give up and don’t push yourself too hard too quickly.

I have no doubt you’ll get back to enjoying it again, just make sure you listen to your body.

KEEP GOING!! 😊😉

[Supernanna1 Graduate in reply to SmonicaB]

I won't give up but I am trying not to put too much pressure on myself. I just feel so frustrated! Thanks for your support x

[karen50plus Graduate]

Hello supernanna . Well done on getting to week 8 . I started c25k in January and gave only just finished . I experimented on running st different times in the day and before / after eating . I definitely find more oomph first thing in the morning with a small cup of coffee . Others are better after food . Have a think back to your runs and when they were done / your successes/ your not so happy runs . Just a thought ? I m not a morning person , so getting up and running at 6am is a impossible for me , But going out at 8am \9am is fine 👍. And without stating the obvious , as we get older our bodies react differently so what worked for you previously as a runner may not work best for you now . My inner 🏃‍♀️ is still 34 , my body is 54 🙄.....the two counterparts often disagree over what I d like to do as opposed to what I can actually do 🤔😳🙄🙈😱.....🤣🤣🤣. Good luck kiddo 😁

[Supernanna1 Graduate in reply to karen50plus]

I like to run when I wake up in the morning because it gets it out of the way. Otherwise I spend the day thinking up excuses why I can't! 🤔 I am very stubborn so I know I will persevere and not give up I just want to get to the stage where I enjoy it again and don't have to treat it like the chore it is now! Thanks for your support x

[karen50plus Graduate in reply to Supernanna1]

Ooooh , you re one of THOSE people 😳. Bet you open your eyes in the morning and can have a complete conversation 🙈. Me , not so much 😡........😂😂😂

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

I am afraid that when you get into your sixties the body needs nurturing, not pushing to extremes, says the 64 year old. Don't compare your pace in any way with what you have done in the past, you need to be kind to yourself.

In the guide to the plan you will find the recommendation that you run at a pace at which you can speak clear, ungasping sentences as you run.......your easy conversational pace.

Most people find that enjoyment comes when they realise that they have been running too fast and slow down.