week 7 - novice runner

[RunForFun28]

Hi Everyone, I’m fairly new to running. 28 years old and pretty fit but I’ve never been a natural runner and have always stuck to the gym classes and weights room. 🏋️‍♀️I wanted to mix things up a little and so started couch to 5k back in June and it’s been amazing. It’s definitely been tough, tougher than I expected in all honesty, but I feel like I’ve gained a lot from the programme and my cardiovascular fitness is really improving.🫀🏃‍♀️ I am on week 7 and have one final 25 minute run left. I’ve found these very tough and had to combat a nasty stitch or two, however the end is in sight. 🏁I really hope by the end I can be a fully fledged runner and commit to a weekly park run! Good luck everyone X 😍👍

[nowster Graduate]

The trick is not to go out and try to be fast. Speed will come naturally with your improving fitness. What's most important at the moment is how long you are active.

Even at this late stage you may gain something from having a look at the FAQ: healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

[Kevin41 Graduate]

I find big breaths in purposefully filling my stomach with air (so it sticks out) really help clear a stitch whilst running. That and slowing down at least until it has passed!

Good luck on getting to park run, you’re not that far away at all and it’s not unheard of to walk to start or finish on a Saturday morning. Lots of people choose to do a park run as a graduation run.

Don’t worry if you aren’t at 5k when you graduate, most aren’t and any extra distance can be made up with a stroll as mentioned.

[John_W Graduate Ambassador]

Well done!

As a 28 yr old and someone who's "always stuck to the gym classes and weights room", would I be right in thinking that you have an idea of what 'running' should look and feel like, i.e. something that feels like a good hard workout, leaving you out of breath?

You say "I’ve found these very tough and had to combat a nasty stitch or two" and yes, you're getting through the program ... but really, no-one should find it 'tough' by going at a nice and slow jog, at a pace where you can easily hold conversation - that may seem contradictory to you, but trust me, it works and it's actually a much healthier way to build your aerobic fitness than a possible 'no pain no gain' approach.

Hope that helps!