Week 5 R3

[Belannagh]

Just completed W5R3 and actually managed it fairly easily. Although ok, I am cheating a bit. I've always hated running...the impact, the pain, the sick, breathless feeling. It's always made me not want to run, so I've chosen not to and I've spent much of my life perpetually unfit. The game changer for me? A joint investment with my other half in a Zero Runner. I'm running Couch to 5k on this impact free running machine on its lowest resistance and I'm really feeling my fitness increase. It was almost easy to run 20 minutes today when just a few weeks ago I was getting out of breath running for just a minute. And because it's no impact I can run every day if I want to without fear of injury. I know it's cheating because it's nothing like running on the road, but my goal is to increase my fitness and I feel like this is working. When I graduate, I'll restart the program and run it again at a higher resistance. Anyone else got any tips to cheat your brain into thinking you're a runner now? 😆

[nowster Graduate]

I've never heard of one of those before!

[Belannagh Graduate in reply to nowster]

It's honestly changed my life. We had a treadmill during lockdown because running in Brighton is a pain, but we live in a 2nd floor apartment and we were concerned about noise for the people below. My partner kept getting injured too which was frustrating, so we invested in one of these and while before I used the treadmill for walking, now I feel I can actually run. You look a bit like Forest Gump running in his calipers, but the feeling of weightless ease is amazing 😆

[nowster Graduate in reply to Belannagh]

I'd have thought running in Brighton was easy. You've got a nice long, mostly flat, sea front there all the way out to Hove.

[Belannagh Graduate in reply to nowster]

True...and thousands of people, even through lockdown 😬

[Cmoi Graduate in reply to nowster]

I was thinking the same nowster , though I much prefer my largely deserted hills and forest to a crowded seafront, however flat!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your progress.

You should not be breathless if you jog at the recommended easy conversational pace.

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.

[Belannagh Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thanks and hello! Yes, I get that you shouldn't be breathless, but honestly, I'm not sure I can express how unfit I was when I started this 😆 I'd get out of breath at a relatively moderate walking pace, let alone a jog. But I'm definitely making progress now and I've found my pace. I'll give the guidance a look. Cheers 🤗

[John_W Graduate Ambassador]

Well done and I'm now intrigued.

Without any impact at all (I guess a bit like an elliptical cross-trainer) then I think you might find it a bit difficult if you decide to venture outside at some point. Your legs- the muscles, bones etc will all need to get used to the impact forces.

The fitness you gained will be primarily aerobic/cardiovascular but if you want prepare for going outdoors then getting on the treadmill is a great start. But maybe start back at Week 1 or 2 and nice and slowly of course.

[Belannagh Graduate in reply to John_W]

To be honest, I've never seen the appeal of running outside. I want the fitness and cardio benefits without the injury. But who knows? If I feel I can do it once I get better, I will give it a go...baby steps 🤗

[Belannagh Graduate in reply to John_W]

And sorry, yes. A bit like a kind of cross trainer at first glance, but the difference is the stride is not elliptical. It uses your own running stride so it's more natural. There are a few demos on You Tube if you search Octane Zero (p.s. not on commission! 😆)

[Elliot333]

Well done you not cheating at all! I do some jogging outside but some on treadmill when baby sleeping and toddler wants to watch tv we are all amazing keeping ourselves healthy and fit

[Belannagh Graduate in reply to Elliot333]

Thanks! I agree... whatever we can do is better than nothing 🤗

[Iskm88 Graduate]

Well done, keep going and. Maybe venture out side and give a run a try, I bet you will surprise yourself at how well you do!