Not going quite as well as I hoped!

[Lizzie_NewStart]

After completing the first run of week one, the temperature started to increase. This meant I have to take my little furry friend out for his walk as early as I can. By the time I get back it is warming up. I am not a fan of hot weather either (and I am not always wearing a fur coat) and when I tried running I just felt the energy sapped from me. I have tried running slowly, in fact I probably walk faster, but it just seems to be the running action that drains me. Twice I got to the third one minute run and felt I would collapse if I continued.

Today I thought I would try again running with Oscar at 5AM. Its a 20 minute walk to where I can let him off his lead. The first few minutes he just want to sniff. I tried running but he just looked at me as if to say "Bye!". After a few more minutes he decided to come along with me as I walked. I tried to run again and I thought it was going to work as he started to follow, but then stopped to do his business!! Dog poo bag in hand, it tried a bit of a run and Oscar decided that a swinging bag in my hand must be interesting and started to jump at it. Back to a walk.

After finding a poo bin I tried a run again but Oscar just let me go on my merry way. As he is not actually my dog, I cannot take the risk that he will not follow eventually so went back to a walk. He seems quite happy to walk, sniff and stay with me while I walk, but as soon as I run the little sod wanders off in another direction.

I have decided that the early morning is his time and I may just have to wait until the weather cools before attempting the full 8 one minute runs. The weather is predicted to change on Sunday, so that may be my chance.

[John_W Graduate]

Hi Lizzie,

In these temperatures I think it's even more important for beginners to pay attention to this technique - no matter how 'slow' you consider it to be. Do this and no-one should ever feel like they're going to 'collapse'. Hope it helps.

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

Enjoy!

[Lizzie_NewStart Graduate in reply to John_W]

Thanks. I felt like I was running even slower than that, but I am not sure my style was so fluent. I will try again when the weather is a bit cooler. i think I will need to watch this a few times.

Up until about 8 years ago, I used to go to the gym with friends. We never used the treadmills. We took the attitude that you can run and walk outside (but never did!). We did a warm-up on a bike or cross-trainer, then used the resistance machines. it was probably more a social event than a time to keep fit. Maybe if I had tried the treadmill, it would not have been such a shock to my system now. Thanks again for the video link.

[John_W Graduate in reply to Lizzie_NewStart]

Actually, the treadmill might be a useful option right now if this weather is too much of a factor for you. It will allow you to control your pace (with the speed settings) better than when being outdoors. Lots of folks here, including me, have done the whole of C25K on a treadmill. I'm a big advocate of them - they're incredibly useful for all sorts of reasons.

Something to think about 🙂

Bit hard with a dog though 😂

[backintime Graduate]

I know the feeling!

If it's a 20 min walk to where you can let him off his lead, maybe you could use those 20 mins to do week 1 runs, the cool down walk can be in the park after?

[Lizzie_NewStart Graduate in reply to backintime]

It may be worth a try, however, when I have tried running with him on a lead, he did was not very cooperative. Maybe more training for him and me.

[backintime Graduate in reply to Lizzie_NewStart]

Pooch to 5K

[John_W Graduate]

In addition... "I have tried running slowly, in fact I probably walk faster, but it just seems to be the running action that drains me. Twice I got to the third one minute run and felt I would collapse if I continued."

You are saying things that a lot of beginners say, eg "I could probably walk faster" , so you are not alone. This is very common.

In your opinion, do you think you are trying to 'run' or 'jog'? There is a significant difference.

If you were genuinely jogging (an effort that feels very easy, very comfortable and one at which you can easily chat at) then unless something very dramatic has happened, you should not at any stage feel at the point of collapse.

I hope that helps,

John

[Lizzie_NewStart Graduate in reply to John_W]

I was fine when the weather was cooler doing the first run. Maybe I was a bit dramatic with the word collapse, but I definitely felt a bit light headed with week legs, not something I have experienced walking. I think sticking to running when it is cooler may be a good plan for now.

[John_W Graduate in reply to Lizzie_NewStart]

Fair enough - and that's certainly an option. However, there are precautions you can take that you've already mentioned, eg time of day. Also ... making sure your hydration is ok, maybe wearing a hat/visor.

I'd also keep an eye on your pace - and use your breathing as an indicator of the amount of effort you're putting in. If you're huffing and puffing at the end of any of the 1 min 'runs' (jogs!) then you may want to consider slowing down, even if that means going slower than your fastest walk.

Good luck!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

You are doing really well and working around someone else's dog too!

This warm weather is zapping is so much, whether we are walking, running, or whatever!

Did you check out this post?

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Lots of great ideas and great replies too from some of our runners who have experienced summer running many times before.; their advice is so, so useful!

From what you say it isn't the pace... it is the very much the change in temperature. It is so draining.... but I feel we may be on for some conditions which are a tad cooler. #

Just walk the dog and know that those runs will be waiting! Huge well done you!

[Lizzie_NewStart Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

i think that is probably the best plan. My first run of week one was in cooler weather and felt so much easier.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Lizzie_NewStart]

I know that I am taking it so gently and shortening my runs.. It is cooler here at the coast, so I may try a little poddle tomorrow

[Mimirossi Graduate]

Hi Lizzie_NewStart I know the feeling! I too have to prioritise walking my dogs early in this warm weather. I have had to let running take a back seat at the moment as I am definitely a first thing in the morning runner. Running will still be there when the weather gets cooler!