Help!!!

[Ericaknight31]

I’ve been stuck on week two for a couple of weeks. Finally plucked up the courage to start week three tonight and I feel absolutely shattered. I feel like I’m back at week one. Please tell me that someone else thought it was a big jump from 1.5 minutes to 3!!!

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

Perhaps you are running a little too fast, slow down a little, drink plenty of water before you run, you can repeat any runs or week's if you wish, good luck.

[Ericaknight31 Graduate in reply to AlMorr]

I’m doing it on a treadmill because I was so unfit, I didn’t want anyone else to see me lol. I’m walking at 2.8 and jogging at 4.1. If I slow it down anymore, I can walk it ☹️ maybe the lack of water is holding me back!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to Ericaknight31]

Have you read the guide to the plan healthunlocked.com/couchto5... which explains the recommended easy conversational pace and also offers advice on hydration, stretching and many other topics that will help.

[Ericaknight31 Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

I have but I think I need to read it again

[nowster Graduate in reply to Ericaknight31]

Which speed units are you using there? mph?

[Ericaknight31 Graduate in reply to nowster]

I think that’s what they are... tbh I’ve no idea lol

[Tarmacnewbie Graduate in reply to Ericaknight31]

I thought about doing it on a treadmill for the very same reason, I felt abit embarrassed about moving my 17st in the public eye. I can assure you after 3 minutes you won’t give two shits about it. Try running outside you may find the change of scenery allot easier to focus on covering the times/distance by looking ahead and pushing yourself to the next “ car” or pushing on to the next corner and so on. I graduated today on c25k. Covered 5.5k in 30 minutes. Would never in a millions years would think it was possible for me. You will hear it allot but have faith in the app. It really does work, when your lungs are burning and you still have 1 minute left or what ever until your next break just push on. Aim for the next Lamp post or corner. You will be amazed what your able to do. I literally would get out of puff running up the stairs and now I’m running at least 5k every other day. You CAN do it. Believe.

Keep on keeping on 💪🏃🤙🏻🤘🏃

[Ericaknight31 Graduate in reply to Tarmacnewbie]

Well done you!!! I think this is exactly what I needed to hear! Just a little encouragement goes a long way sometimes ☺️ thank you!!

[Tarmacnewbie Graduate in reply to Ericaknight31]

When your gremlin is urging you to stop and your legs feel like lead.

Laugh, scream or cry but just keep moving. I does get easier. 🤙🏻🤙🏻 keep us posted

[Ericaknight31 Graduate in reply to Tarmacnewbie]

Thank you!!!! I will definitely keep you posted and I WILL complete the programme ☺️

[Gramp in reply to Ericaknight31]

Hi Erica I too did c25k on treadmill my pace was 4K walk and 6k run I think you may be on MPH I did not venture out until I had graduated I now wish I had the freedom of running outside is amazing give it ago. keep it up you can do it

[Ericaknight31 Graduate in reply to Gramp]

I think I do need to get myself out. At least I don’t look like I’m having some sort of heart attack when I’m doing it now which is a bonus. I need to get the manual out to see what the measurements are ☺️

[Branny in reply to Ericaknight31]

I prefer running outside to running on a treadmill. I find it's worth the extra effort and is more rewarding overall. Don't despair that you're struggling with the early weeks. Repeat them as many times as you need to. You've already taken the toughest step which is going from nothing to doing week 1. You'll have good and bad runs when you're doing it but don't give up. It's worth it in the end.

[Ericaknight31 Graduate in reply to Branny]

Thank you Branny ☺️

[kev9154 Graduate]

Congrats on starting and every step seems a big jump although if you follow this forum some do get mentioned a lot more than others. Trust the programme, once you finish a week then move on but don’t be scared to repeat a run, it’s all miles in the legs and you will do it 👍👍

[Ericaknight31 Graduate in reply to kev9154]

Thank you! I think I was expecting to just be able to get on with it and didn’t expect to struggle as much as I have. I knew I was unfit but not as much as I’m proving lol.

[Runawaytrainer Graduate in reply to Ericaknight31]

I have bouts of chronic fatigue. My running ability varies a lot, but I started the programme 2 years ago yesterday and finished by Christmas. This morning I ran for 30 minutes. Not sure that anyone else on the forum struggles with this!, I reckon if you balance a little pushing of limits and taking it gently, slowly, you'll get there. It's so nice to feel that your body can run, if you want it to!

[Ericaknight31 Graduate in reply to Runawaytrainer]

Congratulations!!! Well done you ☺️ I’m looking forward to getting back on it!

[TopCat22 in reply to Ericaknight31]

You’re not alone! I’m struggling too! I’m going to preserve though. I’ll do it eventually!

[Reluctantrunner500 Graduate]

I first was self-conscious when I went running outdoors. I tend to go at seven in the morning as there aren’t that many people around, but now I’m not bothered.

I wonder if you tried running outside? I used to use a treadmill years ago and the experience is very different.

I run outside on the roads near my house and though it is hard, the music and the fresh air helps. Good luck!

[Ericaknight31 Graduate in reply to Reluctantrunner500]

The first time that I tried it, I did it outside and felt like everyone was looking at me but I think that was because I didn’t feel very confident. I’m going to try outside again, I think ☺️

[hamit Graduate]

Two bits of advice which worked for me.

1. Get out there, who gives a monkies what other people are thinking, they are wannabes you are doing it!

2. Look up Japanese Slow Running on YouTube.

Yes Snails will overtake you but it gets you past the first few weeks.

Good luck, never give up never surrender.

[Ericaknight31 Graduate in reply to hamit]

Thank you!! I’ve definitely got the inclination to get back out there!! I need to just suck it up!!

[John_W Graduate]

Hi Ericaknight31

Running on a treadmill is fine - I did the whole program on one , so don't listen to those who are trying to get you to do something you're not comfortable with.

A bit about running times and the numbers involved. You say it's a big jump from 1.5 to 3 minutes ...

Have a look at the TOTAL amount time you're jogging for in each session:

Week 1 - 8x 1 minute jogs = that's 8 minutes

Week 2- 6x 1.5 minute jogs = that's 9 minutes

Week 3 - 3x 3 minutes = that's 9 minutes

And in fact, with the walks included, Week 3 total is the shortest workout in the whole program.

What is it that leaves you shattered? Is it 1 run of 1.5 minutes OR all 6 (SIX!) of them ?

I'll tell you... it's the latter. It's the TOTAL amount of time you're on your feet for, jogging, that counts, NOT the length of any one particular segment ("3 minutes!").

But why are you shattered? Are you out of breath when you start the cool-down walk at the end?

John

[Ericaknight31 Graduate in reply to John_W]

It was the second 3 minute run that exhausted me. I felt like I hadn’t stopped running in between. I think my problem is that I’m watching the countdown and when it got to 1.5, I felt like I should be slowing and not carrying on for another 1.5. I’m going to give it another shot tomorrow and turn the screen off so I can only respond by the voice, rather than watching the minutes ☺️

[John_W Graduate in reply to Ericaknight31]

Sounds like a touch of anxiety as you watch the countdown and maybe forgetting about your breathing. You really should breath you know

And.... SLOW DOWN!

Honestly, jog like they do in this video and you'll be able to jog for hours at a time. I'm serious:

youtube.com/watch?v=9L2b2kh...(Not working as expected?)

[Ericaknight31 Graduate in reply to John_W]

I do suffer with anxiety so you could be right. I’ll watch the video - thank you!

[nowster Graduate in reply to Ericaknight31]

Maybe don't clock watch? I know it's a temptation, but resist it.

[Ericaknight31 Graduate in reply to nowster]

That’s what I’m going to try tomorrow ☺️