Exhausted!

[Florentine]

I’ve just finished the first run of week 8. I did 2.12 miles on 28 minutes so, as you can see, I’m very slow. I am 67 and haven’t run since childhood though. Is it ok/normal to feel as if you are really giving it everything, and to be red in the face and breathless?

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Well done.

If you are new to running, then of course it is going to stretch you physically, especially once you get beyond your mid sixties, when our bodies need to be pushed just to stand still.

Can you speak aloud, clear, ungasping sentences as you run?.........if not, you are going too fast.

Stick with it and your body will adapt and develop, but if you need an extra rest day between runs, that is perfectly understandable.

Don't even think about speed, it is irrelevant.

[Florentine Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

By your definition then I’m probably going too fast, as although I can gasp out a short sentence to people I pass - “Doing couch to 5k!” - I couldn’t maintain a conversation. I’m not sure I could go much more slowly as I seem to be crawling, but I will try. And thank you so much for advice and encouragement. It makes a difference.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to Florentine]

If you cannot breathe deeply and fully, then you cannot supply the vital oxygen to your muscles and you will tire quickly as well as being more prone to aches pains and injuries.

This is why the easy conversational pace is the recommended pace for all C25kers and elite athletes building their stamina.

[OldSpeckledHen]

You’re not slow! You’re faster and fitter than the person sat on the couch! You’re awesome! 😉

I did first run of week 8 today too - finished looking like a beetroot, but don’t care as I did it!

[Florentine Graduate in reply to OldSpeckledHen]

Thank you. Just what I needed to hear. We should finish on the same day the. Well done you.

[Florentine Graduate]

Thank you! Me and Usain Bolt! I will keep that in mind. !

[Tasha99 Graduate]

Lots of people run at that pace. But maybe slow down a bit so it’s more enjoyable?! Your pace will increase as you run more.

[Florentine Graduate in reply to Tasha99]

Thank you. Will try!