Feeling Discouraged

Autumnfilly2005

I'm in my 5th week of my running program (not c25k, easier than that) and I'm having issues. This week I'm running 1.5 minutes and walking 1.5 minutes, repeated 8 times. I am able to complete it without a problem, but I don't feel good when I'm running. I don't mean I feel out of breath or sick. I'm running so slow in order to finish it that I feel like I'm basically hopping in pace. My running app shows that I am speeding up on my runs and slowing down on my walks, but I don't feel it. The only time I really felt excited on my run was the last interval, when I gave myself permission to stretch out and speed up a bit in the final seconds. Yeah it was harder, but I felt really good after it.

Am I running too slow? Should I try to speed up a little? I know speed is not important to beginning runners, but I feel a weird combination of not pushing myself hard enough, and shock that I've made it this far without collapsing. A month ago I couldn't run a minute without wanting to die, and I certainly couldn't repeat it 8 times within 30 minutes.

I'm tempted to repeat my first week, 30 second runs with 2.5 minute walks, but this time instead of shuffle-run, really stretch out and run like I used to. Maybe I need to find a balance between running too fast, and the shuffle-run that I'm beginning to hate? Does anyone else feel like this when they started to run?

I hope to graduate to the c25k program in a couple more weeks, once I've built up a little more running endurance.

sattwellrn

You have come a long way! For sure you can push yourself harder during the runs. The walk part is to let your body and heart rate regroup. The important thing is to run hard enough so you feel satisfied and not so exhausted that you want to stop. Be patient it is coming!

CarlaMomOf4

When I was trying to run my own program, which started as 1:1 then bumped to 2:1 then 3:1 I struggled for a long time. I was so out of breath while running and I just felt miserable while doing it. I couldn't understand why I couldn't progress. I flet like I was going the pace of a turtle. Turns out I wasn't getting enough recoup time between run spans and I was trying to go to fast. . I know you don't feel like you are ready for the C25K program, but I think you might be completely surprised. Once I threw my own program out the window and joined the C25K bandwagon, my running completely changed. I showed my pace down, but it was no longer a struggle. I feel like I'm just shuffling around at some points, but I can run further and further each time I go out. My runs are getting a little quicker each time I go out also. I keep cutting off a few minutes each time! Your body will thank you if you stay slow for now. Maybe you should try the app and see how t goes. My last bunch of runs have left me feeling so exhilarated! I want you to get to feel that way too. It will turn you into a lover of running I'm sure!!

Autumnfilly2005

Maybe I could start the c25k program now. When I tried it before, I was feeling like the runs were too long and the walks not long enough, so I basically cut the run time in half and doubled the walk time, and repeat it 8 times. When I did that, it was the first time I was actually able to run intervals and complete all of them. Then each week I increased the running intervals by 15 seconds each. I also slowed way down, and that helped too.

I only have a couple weeks on my run program before I "graduate" to the c25k, and I'd really like to finish that first, so that I get a real sense of accomplishment in my running. I think I'll do my shuffle-run for the first couple intervals, and then start to stretch out again and see how it feels. I started at a 1:5 run-walk ratio, and now I'm at a 1:1 ratio. It's more than I ever thought I could do. In two weeks I'll be at a 2:1 ratio, and that's when I plan to start the c25k.

aldousmom

I repeated a lot of the weeks in the C25k program. I preferred to be able to get thru the weeks' workouts confidently before moving on. Running super crazy silly slow is perfectly fine. I get that you'd like to be faster, stronger, etc, but it just takes time. Don't give up!

Btw, I did c25k 4 yrs ago, taking nearly 6mths to go 3 miles without stopping. Now, I'm an ultra-marathoner (and have been for about 18mths). Don't stop!

its sounds like I could have used the "warm up to c25k" like you have!

Autumnfilly2005

For me, I found that if I couldn't even finish the first day, it was too discouraging to not see any progress. That's why I started my custom run program. This way I improve every week, and I can move onto the next week knowing I was able to complete the last week.

cwrig

You are doing better than I dod when I Started. I couldnt do week 1 of c25k so I just walked for a couple months. Now Im half way through C25K. You are doing well.

pmur

If you are able to complete the runs, I would suggest you continue doing what you are doing. Don't get discouraged by numbers(speed, distance etc are just that now). Concentrate on graduating your program and starting C25k. I took a lot of time to even start C25K. I started zumba and did it for six whole months before I felt like I could do week 1 of C25K. You can start the programme when you feel confident enough. Don't be discouraged though, it took me a while to get to a level to start the programme as well. As long as you are making steady progress be proud of your progress. You'll be here next year talking to people starting the programme telling them how it changed you as a person, I promise you. Keep going.

MeanderingMammal

I don't mean I feel out of breath or sick. I'm running so slow in order to finish it that I feel like I'm basically hopping in pace.

It sounds like you're taking the slow down advice to an extreme. If you're comfortable going faster, go faster. The reason for the slow down advice is that many people do go out too fast and can't finish, but you do need to stretch yourself to make progress.

What you describe is basically week one of a C25K plan, so I'd recommend starting it now, and that'll force you to make progress, in a way that making it up yourself can't.

fwiw I had a really bad burn out last night, ran about 4km and then had to run/ walk back. I was very conscious that even setting myself a run/ walk pattern I was really stretching the interpretations in a way that I wouldn't have done had I programmed the pattern into something to prompt me.

PaytraB

For me, I found that if I couldn't even finish the first day, it was too discouraging to not see any progress. That's why I started my custom run program. This way I improve every week, and I can move onto the next week knowing I was able to complete the last week.

Congrats on getting started and working on a good base. This will help you when you start C25K.

Are you thinking about "going slower" when you're running? Can you speak short sentences during your run periods? If so, try boosting the speed a tiny little bit. Keep trying the talk test. If you start to pant, huff-puff or gasp during speaking, slow it down again. You'll find your tempo. Don't be discouraged at how "slow" it is. It's really not slow. It's where you should be. Speed will happen later and while you're training.
If I remember correctly, my pace increased by 0.3 Km/hr during C25K. That doesn't sound like much but it shows that one does speed up naturally as one gets stronger.

Stay with your program, then graduate to C25K. You are on the right track and doing really well.

laurajo521

It was good to read this because I put c25k on hold myself. My baseline wasn't where I wanted it to be, and I felt like I would never get off Week 1. Right now, I am mostly walking (although when Pharrell, Pink or Ed Sheeran come on my iPod there ends up being running) and focusing on getting stronger. I walked a half marathon several years ago, and I know even if I never become much of a runner that's still freaking hard work.

grubb1019

I walked 2 or 3 miles a day for quite a while before I started C25K. Don't beat yourself up for starting slow, you are moving and that is what is important!

CarlaMomOf4

It was good to read this because I put c25k on hold myself. My baseline wasn't where I wanted it to be, and I felt like I would never get off Week 1. Right now, I am mostly walking (although when Pharrell, Pink or Ed Sheeran come on my iPod there ends up being running) and focusing on getting stronger. I walked a half marathon several years ago, and I know even if I never become much of a runner that's still freaking hard work.

You walked a half marathon?! That's amazing! Those large numbers of km's scare me still, but 5k's are within my reach so it's a great start. Someday though, someday...

likitisplit

For me, I found that if I couldn't even finish the first day, it was too discouraging to not see any progress. That's why I started my custom run program. This way I improve every week, and I can move onto the next week knowing I was able to complete the last week.

That's how it should feel. You are doing fine. Just keep going and don't worry about how fast you are. If you're like all the other distance runners, you'll still feel slow when you're running 7 minute miles.

CarlaMomOf4

Glad this topic popped back up. How has it been going???

Autumnfilly2005

Had a bit of a set back. Twisted my ankle pretty badly, so I had to take a week off the rest. Right now it's still tender to walk on, so I'm taking a couple weeks to walk, and then I'm going to start the c25k. This time I'm confident I can do it aerobics-wise, it's just wondering if my ankle will be up to running by then. I have the most pain when I put weight on the ball of my foot, and since I run striking fore-foot first, it might be interesting to see what happens.

AglaeaC

Test with gentle walking first and stop if stuff hurts. I twisted my ankle really badly last year and it took forever to heal, even when I let it rest properly.