I hate running but need to for a bleep test

[Tigger1994]

Hey guys,

I’m new here. I have a bleep test as part of my work and I hate running and everything about it. Any advice?

[Roxdog Graduate]

I spent a lifetime hating running, but doing couch to 5k changed that. The issue for you is that I assume a bleep test requires you to run at a particular speed? Couch to 5k isn't really designed to help you run at speed, but to gradually build up to running for 30 minutes.I'm not sure what your test involves, but if it's taking place soon, then you may only be part way through the programme. It might be worth knowing a bit more about what you need to achieve.

You might find you enjoy running when you start the programme.

Good luck

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Just do it?

If you have to run, you have to run, so, although as Roxdog says, C25K is not abo0ut speed, it may help. We have had a fair few folk begin the plan for the same reason as you and they are still here and still running .

If you are going to do it, then try to begin with a positive attitude? If you go into it feeling down about it, then it will feel even harder.

This is part of your work, so that is good.. if you get to run, you can hopefully reach a point where that bleep test is going to be a doddle...

Take it gently, trust the plan, and keep posting here... loads of support and loads of folk running with you..

Not sure on timings, your level of fitness etc but you do need to be aware that this is a nine week plan and we really, really do advise against pushing too hard or missing essential rest days.

Let is know your thoughts

[Reggit Graduate]

As far as I understand, a bleep test involves running lengths of a gym (or similar) at faster and faster speeds until you can’t make the time. If that’s the case, it implies your job needs a level of physical fitness.

Couch would be great place to start to build your fitness up, but has been said isn’t designed for fast running, that comes later.

I also hated running for the first 51 years of me life, then I found out I didn’t through this program.

[John_W Graduate Ambassador]

When is the bleep test?

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate]

Welcome! Couch to 5k is brilliant for helping people find a way to enjoy running. It’s a slow build of your fitness and strength. It doesn’t necessarily lead to fast running!

When is your bleep test and what do you have to do to pass? Can your work support you in any way? Alongside couch to 5k, I’d try and pick up some strength work which will help with speed. You might need to practise running faster too which isn’t a standard part of couch to 5k. What’s your fitness like at the moment?

It might not be quite the right programme for what you need to pass this test but it’s great fun and you may well find you find running is for you after all!

[Wawacito Graduate]

I hated running all my life. Running at PE classes in school? Pure hell!

Started running two years ago aged 53 as I got curious by a friend of nearly the same age having run 8k. C25K changed my attitude to running 100%. 😀 This program plus this wonderful community here is a true game changer.

[Sax64 Graduate in reply to Wawacito]

Me too. I'm 64, otherwise fit and healthy, cycling is my activity of choice. Have tried and failed many times to run and like you, hated it. I ended up exhausted with too many injuries. This programme has been a complete revelation, I understand where I've gone wrong all these years and I am now a convert to the slow jog. I started week 4 yesterday and was thrilled that I completed it. I'm getting a complete buzz from this running lark now, finally after all these years. Thanks to this community for all it's advice and never failing support🙂

[nowster Graduate]

A bleep test will test your "sprint" fitness and recovery times. Couch to 5K will help, it is not as focused on short, intense bursts of activity.

The assumption with someone starting C25K is that they get completely out of breath doing a short dash for a bus, so need a gentle start into getting into activity. The focus is more on aerobic fitness to start with.

[Cmoi Graduate]

Hi Tigger1994 , welcome!

I'd say that succeeding in the beep test will depend on two factors: 1, being reasonably physically fit, and 2, being suitably well-prepared mentally.

Here are two links about preparing for the UK police beep test: joiningthepolice.co.uk/how-... and college.police.uk/support-f...

That pace is certainly do-able, particularly for someone of your age, assuming you don't have a disability or chronic illness.

Fwiw, I hate running and everything about it was very much how I felt when I started C25K aged 59. Only did it because a friend had and I didn't want to be outdone. I ended up completing a trail marathon - details in profile.

Turned out it wasn't running that I loathed. What I really hated was my previous experience of running, particularly soul-destroying, body-shaming school PE classes.

It's worth giving C25K a go - what have you got to lose?

[Comte Graduate]

Have discovered this link to the bleep test joiningthepolice.co.uk/how-... which presumably is what you mean. C25K is not designed for speed running but for achieving a level of running fitness, but the speed attained would vary for each person. I would not be able to do 9.9km/h which is mentioned in this link but maybe it is not necessary to achieve this speed to pass the test. Anyway, good luck in your efforts.

[Cmoi Graduate in reply to Comte]

Great minds think alike Comte - that's the same link as in my post! 😀

[Comte Graduate in reply to Cmoi]

Sorry, I had not read your post.

[Cmoi Graduate in reply to Comte]

No need to apologise - much better to have two people post the same link than nobody bother replying!