Running too slow?: Hi Everyone, I am... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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Running too slow?

Soulstar3496 profile image
10 Replies

Hi Everyone,

I am recovering from binge eating I have had a lot of relapses, due to which I am not able to stay consistent with my running.

Before I had this binge eating disorder, I used to run at a speed of 7. Now I am having issues even running at the speed of 5.3. Some days, I feel whats the point and tend to give up as I have just binged.

Can someone please let me know if running at speed of 5.3 even counts as running? I feel so scared as I will be starting week 4 and I don't know if I will even be able to run at a speed of 5.3 for 5 minutes, which what the plan is for week 4.

Thank you

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Soulstar3496 profile image
Soulstar3496
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10 Replies
Cmoi profile image
CmoiGraduate

If it's a running motion it counts, Soulstar3496 , regardless of speed. The C25K FAQ at healthunlocked.com/couchto5... might reassure you.

Annieapple profile image
AnnieappleAdministratorGraduate

🍏 Good morning  Soulstar3496 Welcome both to the forum and to C25K  Cmoi has given you an excellent link to read. Well done for getting through the first 3 weeks👏 As advised our programme is not about speed so relax and enjoy it. We promote slow, easy running which enables you to stay the course and gets your legs and lungs fit. If you check in here & let us know how the next run goes we will help & encourage you! Many of us start this program with problems of one sort or another. Somehow the running works its magic & gives us a new focus. Adding some strength & flex exercises aids your running so have a look at that site too. Bring on week 4! One run at a time! ☺️

healthunlocked.com/strength...

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate

Welcome... great advice given and lots of links too... slow and steady is the way... getting there, injury free and having had fun.

healthunlocked.com/couchto5.......

GoogleMe profile image
GoogleMeGraduate

It sounds as though you may be using a different C25K programme to the NHS one most of us use here as that totally ignores any measurements of pace. It sounds as though you might really benefit from switching to that one - it is much more about overall wellbeing which is what you deserve right now. We never encourage anyone doing C25K for the first time to take the slightest notice of pace or distance (in terms of numbers) - it's all about building the habit of running and the ability to sustain a run for 30 minutes.

The running/walking? They are different movements not different speeds - the other day I was running and some people were walking their dog ahead of me and I never caught them up!

Heti profile image
HetiGraduate

Hi!

Your are trying so hard. Let me tell you about my journey: I’ve reached W8R1 this morning having started the C25K programme on 8th July 2023. I’ve re-run weeks for months just to build up stamina and energy. Along the way, I’ve managed to lose 2 dress sizes and I can now, nearly 8 months on, call myself a runner. Be kind to yourself darling 😘🙏❤️

Soulstar3496 profile image
Soulstar3496 in reply toHeti

That is amazing. Did you change your diet too? If so what did you do?

Heti profile image
HetiGraduate in reply toSoulstar3496

No, diet the same but as I continued with C25K, I was more aware of what I ate. I stuck to my main meals and no snacking or chocolates as I’d worked hard on my treadmill. It will become easier, I promise you! 🙏❤️

grumpyoldgirl profile image
grumpyoldgirlGraduate

That's nothing I can say that @Heti hasn't said better than I could, so I'll just add my voice to the chorus saying that speed really doesn't matter. All that matters is getting out there and doing it when you are able x

woodenchimera profile image
woodenchimera

I've suffered from stress related binge eating on and off for years and the one I've found is that regular exercise and strength training has helped me a lot. No matter how bad things get with my eating habits I always feel a bit better if I can at least maintain my exercise, it makes it feel like I've at least got something under control.As for speed, as long as you're out there putting one foot in front of the other then that's good enough as far as I'm concerned. And just remember, you're making an effort to improve yourself and that's something you should be proud of.

Soulstar3496 profile image
Soulstar3496 in reply towoodenchimera

Thank you so much for replying. Its nice to know someone who recovered from binge eating. How did you do it if you dont mind me asking? Also could you please share what you did for strength training? I am always so lost in the gym.

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