Help!

[Yorkiefever]

hi I’ve joined a running club that basically follow C25K I’m on week 6 this week and really struggled running 20 minutes! Found my breathing worse this time and that really slowed me down. Kept going as it keeps me motivated running with others but didn’t enjoy it at all and dreading my next run if I’m honest but I want to keep going 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[Annieapple Administrator Graduate]

🍏Welcome to our forum. So well done for getting to week 6 with the running club & for getting through the 20 min run albeit a struggle. The usual cause of breathing 😮‍💨 problems when we run is running too fast! It’s far easier for lone runners to control that as we tend to run faster in a group to keep up. The upside of running in the group is that it’s motivational. Try running slower at the back of the pack especially the first part of your run.. leave room in the tank to get to the end. I will give you a link to our FAQ about the program. Running easily so you can breathe normally and hold a conversation will get you comfortably to the end of 20 mins. Let us know how you get on! You have achieved much already so you can be proud of yourself!

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate]

Welcome and congratulations on your progress so far. You’ve got loads to be proud of.

These sorts of groups should accommodate runners with varying paces. Have you told the group leader you struggled last time and you’re a bit worried about the next run? They might be able to put your mind at rest that it’s normal to have doubts about your ability and to find some runs tough. They should reassure you it’s totally fine to take it more steadily next time. Often on group runs, people naturally stretch out into slower and faster sub-groups and there’s absolutely no shame in taking it at your own pace. Trust me, you absolutely won’t be the only person who has felt like this!

Really good luck for your next run.

[drl212 Graduate]

Hello! Oh, that's tough. Its so easy to get swept up in the forward momentum of others and can be difficult to remember what speed is right for you! Keep going and how about some solo runs to fix that speed?

[Icepop]

Do you get hayfever? Mine has been horrendous running near the park/railway line recently if I don’t take an antihistamine and that always affects my breathing.