Week 8 Run 2

[LouiseG1970]

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.....🤞

[Fabuat50 Graduate]

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 Graduate in reply to Fabuat50]

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 Graduate]

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 Graduate in reply to girlsjustwannarun]

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

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

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 Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you!

[nowster Graduate]

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 Graduate in reply to nowster]

That’s what I’m hoping for!

[f1madman Graduate]

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 Graduate in reply to f1madman]

👍

[Nervousrunner Graduate]

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 Graduate in reply to Nervousrunner]

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

[Nervousrunner Graduate in reply to LouiseG1970]

We all need encouragement at some point.. 😊

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

[BexJogs Graduate]

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 Graduate in reply to BexJogs]

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 Graduate in reply to LouiseG1970]

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!