Enthusiasm vs Reality

ajones1965

Apologies if you have read this on the c25k group, just after as much input as possible:

I so want to be a runner I have dreams (literally) about running. I read everything I can lay my hands on. I am on week 3 day 2 of zenlabs c25k. My legs are so sore and I am running so slowly, only between 5.5-5.8 kilometres (3.5mph!) an hour. If I slowed down I would be walking slowly! I get all fired up and enthusiastic, but the reality is so different. Ugh..... I looked at calories burned and it was low, I felt a little deflated as my heart rate was over 170 at points, I was drenched in sweat, working so damn hard but feeling like I'm not going to get much further. It's not about the calories burned really, but just that I try so hard and I'm not sure if I can go any slower to make it through the program. I'm after some advice, encouragement and anecdotes of how you managed. I'm 49 next month and I haven't run for 35 years, I am also 260lbs, but down 100lbs already. I think that is part of it, I feel better so I want to do so much. I have walked 5k races before but I want to run. I got so fired up I even registered for a 10k race in September. My mind and heart says 'runner' but my body seems to be saying 'no'. Ugh..... So today I ran in 3 minute stretches, I have run 5 before just to see but I felt very stretched!

maryjay52

keep up the work..do it at the pace you can do it at .. i started the c25k too.. i document each day and how far i went in the 30 minutes . i do it on a treadmill so i can keep better track of how fast i can go and how far i get in that half hour..

so far as your goals ..keep moving forward. it takes time to go faster. youre doing good . i was over 300lbs at one time and couldnt even walk upstairs to get in to my bed.. now i just got of the treadmill of 60 minutes and did 4.21 miles.. no way did i ever think i would ever get that far . when i first started walking it took forever just to go a 1/4 mile..then finally to a half mile and then a mile.. once i hit the mile i tried going faster .. just baby steps hun..youre doing good and going in the right direction ..there is no quick fix to running fast when you were never a runner before .

cwolfman13

getting fit or getting your fitness back is not an overnight proposition...nor does it happen in a matter of weeks...it is a process that you have to just keep plugging away at. I've been at it for almost 2 years now and I can guarantee you that I'm still not where I want to be...my goals are always evolving and ever changing...I always want to go faster, jump further, lift more, etc.

you are in the very early stages of this process...honestly, it may turn out that you're just not a runner. I would keep at it...I most certainly did, but ultimately I discovered cycling while training for a triathlon and determined that I really didn't like running at all and that I was forcing the issue. I love riding and I'm glad I made that discovery...but it was all a part of the overall process on this little journey towards being a healthier, happier, and fitter me.

Unknown

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pyrowill

Don't worry about it, running is absolutely horrible when you first start, especially when heavy and unfit. Just trust the process and you will see that it will get better. Everytime you run you get fitter.

pandabear_

The point of the programme is that you get better over time, practice makes perfect. You can't expect to start running and immediately be an athlete. It's about building it up to that point, hopefully.

Just keep trying, it sounds like you really want to complete it. Use that to motivate you through it and know that in time you get better.

But I'm not sure why you registered to run a 10k in September... That seems like a lot if you haven't ran a 5k yet. Maybe you're pushing yourself too much!

VeryKatie

It's odd, but I recently found out that my legs bugged me more the slower I ran. I picked up my pace a bit and I think I ended up using a more natural gait for me, which in turn reduced my leg pain. I'm not running TOO fast for me though.

I'm restarting a 12 week C to 10 km program right now. Currently doing run 1 minute, walk 2 for 30 minutes.

And I also just signed up for a 10 k at the end of September even though I can't run 5k! You can definitely do it.

ETA: Feel free to repeat a week in your program! Lots of people need to do this. It might be what you need.

ajones1965

I registered for the 10k ,as it is all abilities and allows for walk/run. I can walk 10k without difficulty so I thought I'd add some running. I am not realistically intending to run it all! I am registered for a 5k in August and I will try to slowly run that!

likitisplit

http://www.runnersworld.com/runners-stories/the-very-first-step?page=1

Go slower. You should be running slower than you can walk. Think of it as a form drill. You will get there.

YOU CAN DO IT!

summertime_girl

I think having a goal is always good. Pick an event that you know you can't do now. Be it a 5k, 10k, obstacle race, whatever. Sign up for it so you're committed. Then train!

workout_ninja

I remember doing C25K and being so paranoid about just how slow I was going. I was paranoid for months after I finished it aswell. Eventually, my speed just worked its own way up as i got fitter and did speed training. The important thing is you are doing it, it doesnt matter how slow you go as long as you are running. You are doing so well for getting this far and your determination will keep you going. I remember running at 4mph doin C25K and I now can run 7mph at an easy pace, 7.5 if I push hard, so dont worry, you will get there. Finish the programme first, then look into C25K graduate speed programmes

Dugie86

Don't worry about it, running is absolutely horrible when you first start, especially when heavy and unfit. Just trust the process and you will see that it will get better. Everytime you run you get fitter.

This is so true. I've started running in between my walk. I want to love it but I just don't. I'll keep doing it but I'm hoping it grows on me as I progress. I do at least 3 miles, 3x a week. I'm focusing on time right now but I would love to be able to run the whole 3 miles at some point. I'm just not there yet.

lkniebuehler

Here's my advice, take it or leave it, entirely your call.

I think you need to stop reading articles, monitoring your times, looking at your calories burned, logging into mapmyrun, reading runner's world, all of it.

Put on some shoes and go for a run.

Stop worrying about your speed. It is what it is. It's a hell of a lot better than standing still. You need to get out of your head, and running is really good for that.

So put together a playlist of some music you like and just run. Doesn't matter how fast or how far. Relax, just put one foot in front of the other.

^^^ this ^^^

rwhite08

Hi,

Dont worry about your times at this stage. Just enjoy running again and let your body get used to working out. You will be building muscle and strengthening your tendons and ligaments. always warm up and down this will help you feel better and reduce the risk of injury and the soreness. At some stage someting will click and your running will become easier and you will improve. Dont be scared to mix your excerise up with some strenght work and other cv activities. Remember your doing really well and you want to keep going.

once you have finished your program and you feel like your ready start adding some hill work and intervals into your running.

all the best

Rich

JustSomeEm

I started the C25K program, but never finished. I was getting irritated with having a voice tell me when to walk and when to run. Instead, I plugged in some music and ran. when I felt like I needed a break, I walked. When I felt like I had gotten my wind back, I ran again. I did this for a 2 mile loop. when the loop was over, I stopped. Once I could run the entire 2 miles, I started pushing - I ran further - until I got tired. When I was tired of running (either physically or mentally... sometimes both), I stopped. I now routinely run anywhere from 2 to 6 miles - depending on how I'm feeling that day. I run because I love it. When I started, I was so slow that people walking their dogs passed me on a regular basis. But something happened when I stopped listening to the C25K voice and started listening to mine. Something clicked, and I really began running and listening to my internal voice I was able to pick up the pace. I didn't even realize it at first - I just found that I was running my kilometers in 9 minutes on average, then 8:30, then 8 minutes, and now I'm running them in about 7:30.

C25K is an awesome running program, and it helped me get started and find my love of running. But sometimes a 'run' without that external voice will help you get more in touch with your inner runner. BUT - make sure you don't push yourself too hard too fast. You've got this!

newmom_2012

I'm in week 5 of the same program, and I'm pretty sure that my warm-up walk is faster than my running. In the beginning I really had to force myself to run slowly. I'd rather finish my run slowly, than go too fast and not be able to do the whole thing.

PaytraB

Apologies if you have read this on the c25k group, just after as much input as possible:

I so want to be a runner I have dreams (literally) about running. I read everything I can lay my hands on. I am on week 3 day 2 of zenlabs c25k. My legs are so sore and I am running so slowly, only between 5.5-5.8 kilometres (3.5mph!) an hour. If I slowed down I would be walking slowly! I get all fired up and enthusiastic, but the reality is so different. Ugh..... I looked at calories burned and it was low, I felt a little deflated as my heart rate was over 170 at points, I was drenched in sweat, working so damn hard but feeling like I'm not going to get much further. It's not about the calories burned really, but just that I try so hard and I'm not sure if I can go any slower to make it through the program. I'm after some advice, encouragement and anecdotes of how you managed. I'm 49 next month and I haven't run for 35 years, I am also 260lbs, but down 100lbs already. I think that is part of it, I feel better so I want to do so much. I have walked 5k races before but I want to run. I got so fired up I even registered for a 10k race in September. My mind and heart says 'runner' but my body seems to be saying 'no'. Ugh..... So today I ran in 3 minute stretches, I have run 5 before just to see but I felt very stretched!

I think you're doing great. I started the C25K program at 54 years of age, have never been a runner (and could never imagine myself as one) and was terribly out of shape. You can do this.

The key is to run slower. You say you can't run slower without walking. You can. You'll feel like you're hardly moving and you'll want to speed up. Keep going slow. Don't speed up. My speed, when I started, was the same as the speed you're running now and there were many times I had to slow it down. By the end of the program, you'll be running at about your speed in a much more comfortable way (but you'll still need to slow it down on some days....that never goes away....it still happens to me occasionally). A spot test to see if you're running too quickly is to speak a short sentence or two. You should be able to speak it without huffing & puffing: "it's a nice day today" rather than "it's ....huff, huff .....a nice.....gasp.....day to- ....huff, puff....day". If the latter, slow down.

Speed doesn't come as quickly for us any more because of our age but we do get quicker. After running a year and a half now, I'm running a pretty steady 7:30-7:45 minute kilometer (about 8km/hr) and this seems like a pretty easy pace now. It's a loping pace now. So, you see, it can be done. And believe me, if I can do that, you can, too.

Running isn't about the calories burned but as you get stronger and your distance increases, you'll see the calories add up. As an example, I burn just over 300 calories on a 5K run, which is about 38-40 minutes at the moment. That's not a bad burn for 3/4 of an hour. You'll get there.

Keep up the good work. Keep training. It'll happen. You are a runner. Slow down for now; speed will come on its own.

ajones1965

Thanks so much everyone. Some very encouraging and helpful replies. Decided to have a couple of non running days and do some cycling and rowing (on the machine) and I will join the local Park Run on Saturday and just run and walk without the c25k programme. There is a massive hill so I will be walking that bit for sure! I usually run indoors on a treadmill so it will be nice to run outside in a safe and welcoming environment. The other occasion I ran outdoors I found it easier in some ways as I wasn't trying to keep in pace with the treadmill belt! I have been doing strength training for about 3 years as I used to weight train rather than do cardio. I just use the leg machines at the moment as I have a shoulder injury, but the leg work is the work I need!

sunflowerhippi

Here's my advice, take it or leave it, entirely your call.

I think you need to stop reading articles, monitoring your times, looking at your calories burned, logging into mapmyrun, reading runner's world, all of it.

Put on some shoes and go for a run.

Stop worrying about your speed. It is what it is. It's a hell of a lot better than standing still. You need to get out of your head, and running is really good for that.

So put together a playlist of some music you like and just run. Doesn't matter how fast or how far. Relax, just put one foot in front of the other.

THIS!

Also I tried to do c25k and failed. A year later after lifting only and no running at all I got bored and went for a run on the trail. Ran the whole thing in 38 minutes. Yes that is a slow 5k but I did it. Now do I do it all the time, nope because I am not a runner. A few more months go by and I ran 7 miles straight the other day when I got bored and needed time to think. Now for a lot of people I sound nuts, but I found my cardio increased even without doing anything specifically for it. I have lost weight, and I lift that is it.

Not everyone will be a runner, it is the truth. But do what makes you happy that will help keep you healthy.

PRMinx

Here's my advice, take it or leave it, entirely your call.

I think you need to stop reading articles, monitoring your times, looking at your calories burned, logging into mapmyrun, reading runner's world, all of it.

Put on some shoes and go for a run.

Stop worrying about your speed. It is what it is. It's a hell of a lot better than standing still. You need to get out of your head, and running is really good for that.

So put together a playlist of some music you like and just run. Doesn't matter how fast or how far. Relax, just put one foot in front of the other.

^This. The best runs I've ever had were when I didn't care about the specifics.