Finally did it

[Antstream]

I'm 48 now, and have always struggled with running. At week 1, struggling to run for 90 seconds, I honestly doubted I'd ever make 5k. So for me this is a big deal.

After trying and failing last year due to damaging my Achilles heel, which took 9 months to return to normal, I decided to give it another go as part of my daily Corona escape plan, spurred on by Jo Whiley. Having learned the hard way, this time I would be sure to stretch properly before each run.

Today was week 6 run 3. Honestly, 25 minutes seemed like an impossible feat when I set out this morning. The first 15 minutes for me are always a struggle. It feels like my heart is going to explode out of my chest while my lungs simultaneously implode, thats assuming the shin splints haven't ground me to a halt.

After 15 mins however everything starts to normalise, the shins stop hurting and breathing becomes more regular. At 25 mins I decided to push through and run for a full 30mins. Total distance... exactly 5k.

Quite happy with that!

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

Congratulations on completing run 3 of week 6, you are now OFFICIALLY a RUNNER, onwards and upwards to week 7 which are all 3/25 minute runs.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Well done.

We are all capable of doing way more than our bodies are conditioned to do, but not without increasing our injury risk. Sticking to gently progressive training plans is the safest way to push our limits, whilst gently increasing our resistance to injury.

Training plans are carefully structured as they are for good scientific reasons and doing too much too soon is one of the commonest phrases uttered by physios diagnosing the issues of new runners.

As someone who has had issues that stopped them in the past, I would advise you to err on the side of caution and not exceed the plan.

Take care.

[sTrongFuse Graduate]

Fantastic result achieving 5k in 30 minutes. Most of us don't get to that mark until after graduating and we're well into our consolation phase.

Now, go and stand on the naughty step for breaking the plan, risking injury and think about what you've done...

Seriously though, well done. Your story mirrors mine. I had a 9 month layoff through injury, then started again last year. I completed the plan this time last year (it will be the actual anniversary on Thursday) and, I was 48 when I did it. In the year that's passed since then, I got my 5k time down to just over 28 minutes and on the Saturday just passed, completed my fourth half marathon; so you have all this to look forward to.

Good luck and stay safe.

[MerlotWest]

As a complete beginner (aged 54) it's great to know that, like me, you struggled with running for 90 seconds on Day One... that was me yesterday! So it does get better??!!

[OldSpeckledHen in reply to MerlotWest]

Hey! Yes it does get easier! Just keep going slow and steady, don’t ever think you’re going too slow - you’re moving faster then people sat on the sofa!

This forum is freaking awesome for support, we’ve all been there/are doing it!

I always HATED running/sport at school, but here I am 43 about to complete week 6 tomorrow!

Good Luck! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻😀😀😀