Advice re week 6 really struggling with longer runs!

[Mumof3Melksham]

Hi early this am i actually managed the 20m run week 5 run 3, that was my 2nd attempt the first time i couldn't do it at all so did week 6 run 1 instead then went back to it today and did it but very slowly! My next run is week 6 run 2 10 m run 3 min walk 10 m run, but i feel i am struggling with the longer runs and get out of breath and short strides, i am 47 years old and have done no exercise really for 10 years after having 3 children age 3,6 and 9. Lockdown life has made me decide I need to do something for myself, any advice would be great.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your progress.

If you struggle with any run, just slow down. Can you speak aloud, clear, ungasping sentences as you run?.........if not, you are going too fast.

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.

Enjoy your journey.

[Hidden]

Let's get you not struggling Mumof3Melksham , have a read through the attached link it may prove helpful 👍.

Those longer runs, when you feel that struggle coming, perhaps (try it) take a 10/20 second walk break at a brisk pace, it may just help!

[Mumof3Melksham in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for your advice ok will try that

[Knightrider_28 Graduate]

Hi, I know how you feel, when I started I couldn't even jog/run for 30sec ,but slowly slowly you become better and remember its not a race , just take your time, and remember any run is better than no run, and you can always redo the runs until your ready, also perhaps 2 day break between runs may help the body to adjust.good luck on you journey

[Mumof3Melksham in reply to Knightrider_28]

Thank you for your help , no I couldn’t run at all and am also about 2 stone overweight so I also need to try and get rid of some fat 🤣 I just walked this morning I also work until 11 Pm so find some 6 am starts a bit of a struggle but I feel better afterwards and livid with myself when I don’t go ,m, good luck with your running

[John_W Graduate Ambassador]

Hi, it sounds like you're going too fast. You should slow down - and take it very easy. Any time you're out of breath is a sign to slow down - not stop and walk, but simply slow down.

Have a watch of this:

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

[Mumof3Melksham in reply to John_W]

Thanks so much I just watched it I will try it thank you