Still going one foot after another : So yes, how... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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Still going one foot after another

IgaT profile image
IgaTGraduate
11 Replies

So yes, how to say it. I am tomato-beetroot red-faced with sweat pouring from me like I am damn Niagara Waterfall (and yes, I have amazing T-shirt that you can't see it). I have "completed" week 6 run 3. I have managed to ran for 22 min and covering a whooping distance of 2.7km. So it is a huge progress, but I had to stop earlier, as my body refused to go further (lovely light-headed sensation and I couldn't see where I am going, so definitely clear red flags to stop 🛑). The last 4 runs were really difficult, starting from week 5 run 3. I was struggling after even about 5 minutes in, regardless how slow I was going, and I struggled with lifting my legs above the ground. I did an additional rest days, so had a run then 2 rest days and then run again, as I was thinking that maybe I am over-training for my current situation. But it wasn't it. So I will be doing some steps back and possibly repeating week 5 run 2 and onwards. I will definitely step back and repeat some runs, but haven't decided yet which ones. Today I really struggled since minute 10. So maybe just repeating week 5 run 3 onwards.

It appears that my legs are quite all right with strength, but my stamina cannot catch up. I still need to figure out what's going on with this feeling of heavy like lead legs, while I want to just switch the metal to steal ;)

No shame in repeating the runs, sometimes you just need to adjust to your body and work with it and not against it, while still pushing forward and not going the easy way.

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IgaT profile image
IgaT
Graduate
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11 Replies
misswobble profile image
misswobbleGraduate

Great job! Week 6 run 3 is the hardest. Now it’s onward to the finish.

No rush at all. Stay nice and slow, channelling that inner snail.

Lifting the legs is hard! It comes later on down the line but for now just putting one foot in front of the other is fine. Whatever gets you to the end of the run 🙂

Cmoi profile image
CmoiGraduate

Hi IgaT , well done on your progress this time around!

You're right about those red flags - you definitely shouldn't be feeling dizzy or experiencing blurred vision; it's an indication that you've pushed it too much. Given that it's apparently been hot in the UK recently (I'm in France) the weather's probably not helping how you're feeling.

Also, heavy legs are often a sign of insufficient hydration, particularly if you're losing a lot of fluid through sweating. See here for more info: healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

As you've done the programme before I'm assuming you've already read the How to run C25K guide, but if you'd like to refesh your memory, it's here: healthunlocked.com/couchto5....

Happy running!

IgaT profile image
IgaTGraduate in reply toCmoi

Thank you 🤗 Yes, it's quite hot and muggy 🥵 I might have had not enough water, although I tend to drink 0.3-0.5L in the morning (before my run) and usually drink quite a lot, although not pure water.My heart rate was quite constant throughout the run - a little over 160bpm, and quite steady pace :)

My heart rate
Mummycav profile image
MummycavAdministratorGraduate

I’m with you here IgaT …my legs are willing but my stamina is not keeping up…it’s doing my head in…what can the answer be? I’ve been jeffing but I really strive for continuous running…I’m trying slower than slow so I just have to keep doing that…you’ll get there I know it x

Naturesweapon profile image
NaturesweaponGraduate

Hello IgaT, sometimes we are a bit tired or for whatever reason our bodies say this is a bit too much. Before doing this challenge I did an easier one which was a beguiners aerobics video three times a week. I did this for approximately three months. It was 45 seconds aerobics, 15 seconds marching, another 45 seconds of aerobics and another 15 seconds marching and so on. It lasted 15 min but could be repeated making around 30 mins in total. This felt more achievable than C25K and it really helped me to get the confidence to finally attempt C25K. I hope you can find ways of increasing your stamina. Well done for not giving up after a few tough runs 🏆

IgaT profile image
IgaTGraduate in reply toNaturesweapon

Hi, thank you very much for sharing. Was it something on YouTube? I would love to do it, as I was told by my osteopath to pause the running and see if my knee improves.

Naturesweapon profile image
NaturesweaponGraduate in reply toIgaT

Hello IgaT so sorry you are unable to run for now! Don't worry, there is a low of low impact cardio on the Internet. I did the videos from this chanel youtube.com/@SienteteBien specifically this one youtu.be/kpVFan1Mxo4 was the one I settled for and I did it countless times for three months before starting C25K. Only problem, they are in Spanish as this is my first language but if you don't mind that, the lady does all the exercises all the time so you can look and copy her. In this channel there are also many videos which are low impact cardio to protect our knees and ankles. Good luck! All the best! 💐

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate

Hard running right now with these muggy conditions... listening to your body is the thing... acknowledge, accept and adapt!

Well done you... slow and steady and on you go !

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate

It's been so hot an muggy, that will contribute to a lot of how hard it feels, just as others say, listen to your body, stop and rest if you need, autumn will come with cooling breezes. I didn't find my happy pace until some time after graduation and used to count the seconds off of each run.Just take it gently and if you need to repeat runs or weeks that's sensible

Teax2 profile image
Teax2

hi, I have repeated week one twice and week 2 twice just tried running week 3 run and running for 3 mins is a shock for me so definitely repeating week 3 as many times as it needs. So you are doing really well keep going and as far as I am concerned you are an example for me to keep going and keep trying. Thank you

lusmo profile image
lusmoGraduate

Congratulations on a great performance. You are incredibly brave! I'm in a bind.. tomorrow W6R1, I'm already depressed. My cervical spine hurts and I will be running in the mountains. I hope I survive. But I'm not giving up (so far tonight :-D)

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