Week 8 Run 2: Hi there. This is the first time... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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Week 8 Run 2

LouiseG1970 profile image
LouiseG1970Graduate
16 Replies

Hi there. This is the first time I’ve been brave enough to post on here but I have been so encouraged reading about everyone’s journeys and experiences. Thanks everyone.

I am a few stone overweight but losing steadily now as I eat better and exercise. I feel so much better. I’m amazed that I can now run for 28 minutes but have to admit that it’s a slog. I’m soooo slow! Today felt like wading through treacle but I did it!! Is it going to become fun sometime soon??! Some runs I really enjoy, especially the very early morning ones, but often it is a ‘mind over matter’ exercise rather than a pleasure. Will that change as I continue to get fitter?

Here’s hoping.....🤞

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LouiseG1970 profile image
LouiseG1970
Graduate
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16 Replies
Fabuat50 profile image
Fabuat50Graduate

Hi, great for hanging in there. You’ll have good days and bad days, I think you get to a pace that is right for you and it feels “easier” and dare I say fun. I guess it’s developing the routine and sticking with it even when you don’t feel like it.

LouiseG1970 profile image
LouiseG1970Graduate in reply toFabuat50

The routine has been really important. I even set the alarm for 5:30 a couple of weeks ago to run before the heat set in!

girlsjustwannarun profile image
girlsjustwannarunGraduate

Hi! I’ve also just done W8R2 this morning, and definitely still mind over matter for me! Once I get to halfway and i’m on the way back I somewhat enjoy it as I know it’s nearly over haha, but the first bit can be a real struggle! So totally normal. I assume at some point it might become more enjoyable haha! 😂

LouiseG1970 profile image
LouiseG1970Graduate in reply togirlsjustwannarun

I totally agree that the second half is easier and weirdly I often find the first 5 minutes really hard.

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

Welcome to the forum and well done on your progress.

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

and includes advice on minimising impact, stretching after every run, hydration and strengthening exercises, all of which will help.

Slow is fine.

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

Slowing down to the recommended easy conversational pace makes it more achievable and for most, more enjoyable.

Enjoy your journey.

LouiseG1970 profile image
LouiseG1970Graduate in reply toIannodaTruffe

Thank you!

nowster profile image
nowsterGraduate

Just keep slogging at it and at some point your fitness will catch up with your hopes. Slow is fine. You'll see people here say that suddenly in one of the later weeks, or a few weeks after graduation, that they started finding it coming more naturally and less of a conscious effort.

At least, that's what I keep telling myself. 🤪

LouiseG1970 profile image
LouiseG1970Graduate in reply tonowster

That’s what I’m hoping for!

f1madman profile image
f1madmanGraduate

I've read people generally felt better running slower, so you finish fresher and not exhausted. Try to speak to yourself while running like Truffe had said. You're not cheating by slowing down and likely will actually improve your running better and more quickly.

I run deeeaaaad slow, and not really tired at the end of it so to me running is not something that is gruelling and of exhausting.

LouiseG1970 profile image
LouiseG1970Graduate in reply tof1madman

👍

Nervousrunner profile image
NervousrunnerGraduate

Welcome..congratulations on being brave enough to post..😊

You're doing great...week 8. Run 2 under your belt...only 4 more runs till graduation😃 ............fantastic achievement..

it's hard going in this heat...well done for persevering and hanging in there👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

Keep going....not far to go now.. each run sets you up for the next.....you can do this..keep hydrated...take it slow and steady ...its not about distance or speed..but time running... great job Louise 👍🏼🏃🏻‍♀️

LouiseG1970 profile image
LouiseG1970Graduate in reply toNervousrunner

Thank you so much for you’re encouragement. I needed that today!

Nervousrunner profile image
NervousrunnerGraduate in reply toLouiseG1970

We all need encouragement at some point.. 😊

You're already officially a Runner...the app has told you🏃🏻‍♀️👍🏼..keep going Louise

BexJogs profile image
BexJogsGraduate

Ah welcome to the forum! I’m at a similar stage (W8R2 tomorrow) and I also have to slog through it most of the time! I think that’s totally normal. The sense of achievement is enough for now and like you I am hoping to get to the “really enjoy it even while it’s happening” stage at some point, probably well past graduation I expect! Keep going (and keep posting!). I did have a great run last time, but even then there were really tough parts. We’re still new to this after all. Not long now til graduation!

LouiseG1970 profile image
LouiseG1970Graduate in reply toBexJogs

Thank you! it didn’t help yesterday that I’m away from home and so found it hard to pace myself against familiar landmarks. Plus, I accidentally paused the CT5K App for 3 minutes. I had MapMyRun running so knew when I’d done 28 minutes but couldn’t face finishing before the CT5K countdown got to 0!! So actually did 31 min 42 s!!

BexJogs profile image
BexJogsGraduate in reply toLouiseG1970

I did exactly the same a few weeks ago! Had to work it out from MapMyRun and guess when to stop at the end 😂. Now I double check the app is running all the time! I just finished W8R2 and made a point of noticing the bits I enjoyed - there were quite a few moments like that once I tried to notice them! Would recommend it!

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