Wk4 is beyond me .. just gave up again!

[Hun5k]

I just can’t do the last 5 min run. 3 mins seems to be my maximum as can’t breathe and legs give up 🥲 I will have another go. I am still only doing the full session once a week I know I must try harder but I’m just so busy and soo so tired. Full time job and mum with dementia (not local) means I don’t eat well enough and brain always overwhelmed. I know many are in a worse place than me .. just posting another failure so I have it on record !!

[Instructor57 Graduate]

It's not a failure , it's a practice run .Two things stand out from your post !

1. Can't breathe.

And

2. Legs give up .

So number 1, are you running at a conversational pace ?

Can you speak full sentences while running without gasping for breath ?

If not, it's simply too fast .

Running slower will be better for building your aerobic base .

Number 2

Are you sufficiently hydrated ?

Are you drinking around 2.5 litres a day even on non running days ?

This will make a huge difference to how your legs feel .

You also mention not eating well ?

I must admit I'm sometimes guilty of that one .

But think about this , if you put Dodgy fuel in your car, would it run as well ?

Of course not !

We are no different !

To get a good run out we need to put decent fuel in 😁

You say you must try harder , well, unfortunately life often gets in the way so don't punish yourself for being busy , just do what you can when you can but try to work on the points mentioned here !

Good luck with your next run 👍

[Hun5k in reply to Instructor57]

Thank you . Will try again

[supasav64 Graduate in reply to Instructor57]

Great advice

[Harerunner Graduate]

Hey, please don’t give up. Even if you are doing it once a week you are doing more than not going out at all. I fully understand trying to fit it in with life and work. Could you run with someone so it’s a commitment you have to try and keep? Don’t be too hard on yourself, it may take you longer but just think you are still having a go at running for a total of 11 mins. Slow your pace down to get your breath back. I am not an expert at all on this and I know others will be able to give you better advice but be kind to yourself and do what you can, and always think about why you started it, that will boost you on. Keep going your way even if that is once a week. You will get there. 👍

[Hun5k in reply to Harerunner]

Thank you, I want to be fitter and healthier and I know at 51 it shouldn’t be impossible it just feels like it some days 🥲

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

It is not about trying harder. It is about working at the optimal pace for your physical development.

Can you speak aloud, clear, ungasping sentences as you run?.........if not, you are going too fast.

An easy conversational pace is the most effective to build your stamina and endurance........faster is not necessarily better.

I never liked it when a few years ago C25k was rebranded as a "challenge". It makes people think it should be hard, along the lines of "No pain, no gain" when the philosophy of the training plan from, the outset was always "No pain, no pain"

This FAQ Post about run preparation may give you some different perspectives

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Slow down, relax and celebrate what you achieve, knowing that each run is training for the next one. Don't make it a battle.

You can do this.

[Hun5k in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you .. I know my preparation isn’t the best 😂

[Vespina Graduate]

It’s definitely not a failure. You went out, you did the run and, while it may not be exactly what the app said, you got out there.

Others have said much better than me about pace but I just wanted to say how well you’re doing, especially with everything else happening. As someone once said to me, “You’re lapping everyone who is on the couch”.

[Hun5k in reply to Vespina]

Thank you 😊

[Hidden]

I had a bad run the other night so I fully understand but don’t give up and don’t give in to that little voice in your head, you are not a failure you just haven’t done the 5 mins …….YET.Dedicate the next run to you mom and when it gets hard or tough think of her this will take your mind off your legs and your breathing, you will finish the run before you even realise it, and slow way down with your pace.

[Couchpotato2 Graduate]

Hi, well done for making it so far in the programme, you have done the hardest. Instructor57 and Ian give good advice. I just wanted to say, you have a busy and potentially hard life, make running what you enjoy. You do what you can and there is no set time to do c25k so take your time. You can just keep doing this week till you feel confident with it. For the last section, you can first run 2 of the 5 minutes, then 3 etc so as to go progressively. A run is a run and will benefit you so dont be hard on yourself and just enjoy!

[John_W Graduate Ambassador]

Hey Hun5k ... Is there any chance of you getting out for for more than 1 session a week?

[Kirst13 Graduate]

All the previous advice is good. I just wanted to add that I repeated week 1 six times and I think I repeated week 4 four times. Getting out is never a failure, it is building up. I took 5 months to do couch to 5k, but I got there and if you need to stick with achievable weeks for a while, especially while you can only run occasionally, it is still all building your fitness.