First slow jog at W7R3

[LegalSec84]

This is my second time through C25K. I completed the whole 9 weeks in 2020 fully intending to keep it going, but unfortunately my knees got the better of me and started playing up (I have osteoarthritis).

A few years later and I realised how unfit I had become, so determined to improve that I decided to try again. I even bought lighter running trainers. It all started well, but as soon as I reached W6R3 the aches began again. I pushed on but after W7R2 I was seriously considering giving up. I then happened upon a comment in here about slow jogging, with the video posted from Japan…a bit more YouTube video watching later and I decided to give slow jogging a go - and I loved it! 😄 I even jogged for 28 minutes instead of 25 and Laura didn’t seem to mind 🤣

Slow jogging doesn’t get my heart rate up very much so only time will tell if I’m achieving anything. I did find the odd “running step” come in, so just had to remind myself to keep it slow and steady, and it will take me longer than 30 minutes to run 5k - but I feel confident that not only can I complete C25K, but that I will be able to continue beyond, and that’s got to be a good thing!

[MissUnderstanding Administrator]

Welcome and you’ve found exactly the right place-we’re all about the slow running here. Your heart rate doesn’t have to rise much to count as a workout-low heart rate training is actually a thing! Many of us really struggle (definitely me!) to keep our heart rates at that lower rate so it sounds like you’re doing absolutely brilliantly. You might like a browse through our programme guide here with hints and tips…

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Knees can be a pain for runners-literally! It’s worth looking at doing some strength and flexibility work to help support them. If you’ve got more muscle, you’ll be more resistant to getting injured and you may find your knees ache less too. If you’re getting any pain, it’s worth seeking advice from your gp or a physio for how best to deal with that. We’ve got a sister forum here with lots of support on getting started with strength and flex…

healthunlocked.com/strength...

Wishing you lots of luck and looking forward to hearing about your progress!

[Annieapple Graduate]

🍏Lovely to have you with us on this forum. Excellent advice given by MissUnderstanding! Adding my welcome! I too am in the snail run🐌 slow heart 💜 brigade! Easier on the body!