Enjoy running? I don’t get it!: I’m back. Two... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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Enjoy running? I don’t get it!

Jcksam profile image
9 Replies

I’m back. Two weeks ago my shins were pretty painful so I stopped, that was W4R1 I decided to go for a gait analysis and get some proper shoes, I went to Let’s Run in Stokesley. I received great service from the friendly staff, nothing was too much trouble and good advice too from fellow runners (not really sure I can call myself a runner but go with me).

Last week I decided to start again gently and redo W3 runs which all went well so yesterday I felt ready to attempt W4R1 again and you know what? It went well, really well in fact, I was able to concentrate on my steps (120/min - is that fast/slow, feels slow to me) and breathing but I’ve got to this, I don’t really enjoy it, when I finish I’m like “ Thank Goodness I’m Finished” rather than “Yippee I Feel Good!” It won’t stop me though I will finish this then I’ll join a local group/club cos maybe I need someone with me other than Laura.

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Jcksam profile image
Jcksam
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9 Replies
nowster profile image
nowsterGraduate

120 steps per minute is on the slower side. However, slow is good. There's no such thing as "too slow" in C25K.

Check that you're not overstriding and landing only on your heel, though, as that can cause injury. If that's the case, you want to instead take shorter strides and land on the whole foot, with the foot landing directly underneath you.

Blondefox profile image
BlondefoxGraduate

I'm not sure 'enjoy' is a word that I would apply to running either, although good music certainly helps. But I love the physical buzz it gives me and the sense of achievement I get when I complete a week.

Jcksam profile image
Jcksam in reply to Blondefox

Yes good music does help though I tend to stream a random selection so sometimes it’s not as good as I’d like so I concentrate more on my stride, speed and breathing more at those times. At the end if a weeks running I feel elated at getting 2 days off!

I’ll feel proud of myself I suppose if, no ‘when’ I complete C25K.

Blondefox profile image
BlondefoxGraduate in reply to Jcksam

Do you think you will continue running when you finish?

Jcksam profile image
Jcksam in reply to Blondefox

Yes I will continue shuffling around, I’ve decided I’ll join a local group/club but I want to finish this first. I’m thinking that I’ll probably try to run a couple of times a week and do some upper body exercises another day.

What about you, are you going to continue running when you’re able to run 5k?

Blondefox profile image
BlondefoxGraduate in reply to Jcksam

I think so. My husband has been a runner for about 10years (a few half marathons) but goes out once a week at the moment. I dont think I'll run with him though, too much pressure! I might consider park runs when they start up again. Then again I may not survive winter morning running! I love running in the early morning in the sunshine. We'll see.

UnfitNoMore profile image
UnfitNoMoreGraduate

Running was no different from meeting my wife... I fancied both immediately, I got nervous on dates/runs, and I was happy to relax after both 🤣. It took time for the love to grow... the only real difference I see is it will be cheaper to stop running, and no solicitor would be required.

You’re doing great... keep loving the fact that you just ran, the love in the run will come eventually, and then you’ll be climbing the walls on rest days!

Jcksam profile image
Jcksam in reply to UnfitNoMore

Hmm, unfortunate analogy you’ve made, it’s not your fault of course not knowing me.

I fell in love with my wife almost immediately, I wasn’t nervous with her just felt comfortable and right where I wanted to be, I still do. So it’s a shame that she doesn’t feel the same and we separated earlier this year hence me starting to run and change my life but to have her back just to be a different person, maybe that’s why running is a chore and will be till I’m happier in my own skin.

Sorry that was a bit deep! Good to know that some people are still happy together, give hope for the future to the rest of us.

UnfitNoMore profile image
UnfitNoMoreGraduate in reply to Jcksam

Sadly, while running has helped me mentally and physically, and continues to do so every run, it hasn’t removed my ability to put my foot in it. Running is completely different to my misplaced analogy too... it will always love you back, and it’ll give you all the benefits while removing all the stresses.

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