Low stamina

[Slowanddetermined]

I have never run properly before, when I do, my stamina is rubbish and my legs go to jelly so fast… is this normal, will this improve if I go for it with couch to 5k?

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

I think most of us felt like that in the beginning. We all say slow and steady, drink plenty of water every day, hydrated muscles work better.

C25k will take you through to 30 minutes of running, take an extra day between runs if you need it, there is no hurry .

And most of all have fun with the programme

[Slowanddetermined in reply to SueAppleRun]

Thank you so much, I think that’s exactly what I needed to hear.

[Roxdog Graduate]

It sounds like you haven't started thd orogramme yet, but when you do, you'll find it builds gradually, so hopefully not you many incidents of jelly legs! Take it nice and slow- really slow, and you will be fine.

[Slowanddetermined in reply to Roxdog]

Thank you so much, this has been just the encouragement I needed!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Welcome and well done for beginning this...

If you have not done this kind of exercise before, then you may expect to feel, as did many of is that it is really hard! Your whole body, not just your legs are doing something strange.

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Check out this essential reading, with so many tips and advice to get you running comfortably and hopefully injury free.

Some strength and stamina work on some of your rest days is essential and as the runs get longer, ramping that up helps to, There are loads of ideas for you to build up your core strength and stamin on the S and F forum...

You can choose to do anything you enjoy... walking, swimming, specific exercise, Pilates, yoga, climbing, a days gardening, or a housework blitz, all count towards a workout!

Please have a read here too?

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Keep us posted, on your progress please, and yes, if you do follow the plan and you do add in some strength and stamina work, you will as the runs move on feel it is easier... Slow and steady as you go

[Slowanddetermined in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you so much for the encouragement, now I need to find some headphones!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Slowanddetermined]

Runar....are good...but there are others all prices too.

[Huffnpuf Graduate]

I would suggest to just take your time, be slow and determined, you will get there, appreciate your achievements and a little reward at the end of the week 😊 You might repeat a session, so what, it happens, I did, keep going and keep safe 👍🎖

[Slowanddetermined in reply to Huffnpuf]

Thank you so much for your encouraging words, once I find some headphones I will start over the weekend.

[Slowanddetermined in reply to Huffnpuf]

Thank you.

[Huffnpuf Graduate]

You can do this 💪

[Slowanddetermined in reply to Huffnpuf]

Watch this space! Thanks

[Gthants]

Slow and steady. I have just finished week 5 this morning. It builds up and the stamina simply comes with the running. I did not feel confident at the beginning after years of health issues, but the app is brilliantly designed. These people know what they are talking about. Listen to the advice on pacing and taking it easy. Rest days are vital. And don't underestimate the significance of that first run. You will feel awesome. Good luck!

[Slowanddetermined in reply to Gthants]

Thank you for all the encouragement.

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate]

Just another voice saying the same as everyone else-we all go through this when we first start!

One question-are you able to sustain a fast walk for thirty minutes? If not, if might be worth building up to that before starting the programme.

Really good luck to you!

[Slowanddetermined in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Thank you. Yes I am a keen walker… until recently did 5k each morning but walking not running… with my border collie!

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate in reply to Slowanddetermined]

I love collies! I bet they’ve kept you active!!!

[Slowanddetermined in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Definitely! I felt really bad doing day 1 of this and not taking her with me… but felt I needed to focus… but now I know what to expect she can come along! Have you got dogs?

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate in reply to Slowanddetermined]

I haven’t got a dog but I absolutely love other people’s! A border collie would be my absolute dream. I know they’re crazy active and super clever. I just love them! Cmoi has got a beautiful dog she runs with and might have some good run tips for taking a dog with you.

It sounds sensible to get used to running without the added distraction of a canine friend, although I understand the guilt. Luckily my pet guineas aren’t too bothered about any type of exercise except chewing!!!

[Cmoi Graduate in reply to Slowanddetermined]

Me again Slowanddetermined !

As MissUnderstanding says 😁 I sometimes run with our Border Collie Bernese Mountain Dog cross, Jedi.

Mostly I use a canicross belt and lead, sometimes he's off the lead, and occasionally on his usual hand-held lead. Depends very much where we're running. He's fine off the lead on most of the single-track roads where we live in very rural mid-mountain France. If it's busier or somewhere I don't know, he'll always be on the lead.

Running safely with him takes a lot of concentration on my part. At 35kg he's almost two-thirds of my weight, and his favourite pace is zoom-stop-sniff-circle-pee-zoom-stop-sniff-zoom-divert-sniff-circle-sniff-pee-zoom-stop-etc. His trotting speed is roughly my easy pace, but if I speed up he breaks into a full-blown run and I can't keep up.

You're right about the need to focus. I couldn't have run with Jedi during C25K, it would've been too frustrating and risky for both of us. Even now, I only run with him over shorter distances and when I'm not fussed about my run. On longer runs and hilly trails he stays at home, as I'd rather enjoy a forest walk with him instead.

Enjoy C25K, with or without your dog!

[Slowanddetermined in reply to Cmoi]

You 2 (Cmoi and missunderstanding) are so funny! You have really made me chuckle… with your Guinea pig and dog chatter! Seren, our border collie is certainly one of the zoom-stop-sniff-circle-pee-zoom-stop-sniff-zoom-divert-sniff-circle-sniff-pee-zoom-stop- versions! I have chatted to an acquaintance whose dog goes into a different mindset when on her Kanicross leash… maybe I will try it when I am a bit further through the program🥴🤔. Thank you for keeping me entertained!

[Cmoi Graduate]

Hi Slowanddetermined , running "properly" doesn't mean zooming along as fast as you can until you collapse in a exhausted heap! See a reply I posted the other day: healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Give C25K a try, believe in yourself, and have fun!

[Slowanddetermined in reply to Cmoi]

Thank you. If I had any doubts, I will def start now!

[Zev1963 Graduate]

Take it more slowly than you want to I began C25K after having half of my left lung removed. After the op I could not walk for more than 30 mins without resting for a few minutes. I began by walking a little further each day during 3 weeks. On the fourth week I began C25K, and instantly fell in love with the program. I enjoyed every run of C25K and have been running regularly ever since. Don't push yourself too hard, just take it easy, and you will be fine.

[Slowanddetermined in reply to Zev1963]

Thank you.

[Irish-John Graduate]

Yes. Believe me, this programme works. It takes time, less than 10% graduate in nine weeks/with 5k, but of you take it slow and steady you will get to thirty minutes continous running.Read the beginner posts of a few graduates and you will see we all started from scratch 🙂

Wishing you many happy miles in your future - and they are out there for you, just waiting patiently 🙂

[Slowanddetermined in reply to Irish-John]

Thank you! Everyone has been so supportive on here… I don’t really want to tell anyone I’m doing it so it’s great to have this group! I managed day 1 woohoo!! I’ve started!

[Irish-John Graduate in reply to Slowanddetermined]

You are firmly on your way 🙂👍🏻