World's worst runner / C25K

laurarpa

I think this is one of the most supportive, encouraging and informational posts I've ever read on MFP ;-)

And I agree with someone else - I read once on c25k tips that if you can run slower, you are going too fast. I'm sticking to that. Once I restart. LOL. (See, you aren't nearly as bad as you think you are.....)

fitnessyeoja

Bump.

BoxingAli

I am a C25K graduate as of December 2011. 1 week after that, I ran my first 5k and have another one March 10th. I, too, had a hard time w/week 6. it mainly just 'scared' me that i was going to have to run for that long. But I do think that mind over body is true. Now, I am not a fast runner. On the treadmill, the fastest I go is 5.3. It may be 'slow' but I figure i will be passing the walkers. My first 5k, I finished in 37 minutes. I kept saying to myself "slow and steady wins the race". So maybe slowing down is something you should try. I don't know my speed when running outside but it's around a 12 minute mile. I hope to one day be at a 10 minute mile but right now, i am just happy that I can do it. So just stick w/ it, and you will one day realize that you can run for longer than 25 minutes and you will wonder why you were worried about it...Good Luck---you can totally do it!

nahralynn

You're not the world's worst runner. You should be proud you got that far.

My health was so bad and I've been so sedintary, I'm actually working up to do the C25K. I ran 5 one minute intervals on Monday and it sucked.

You'll get there - push through. Consider going to a specialized shoe store and having your gait analyzed.

I'm doing the same thing. I started at 30 second jog 2 minute walk last week, this week I upped it to 45 sec to 1:45 walk. I may push the walk back to 2 minutes so my legs have more time to recover. I might have to repeat this next week but I never thought I would be jogging in the first place at over 300lb so I'm happy to just be doing it

I realized when I first started out that I was trying to go to fast, I go pretty slow as jogging standards I'm sure but it's faster than walking and gets my HR up (thank goodness for HR monitor!). I think I need to either pay attention to HOW i'm jogging or get new shoes because my shins hurt a lot during the jog.

DawnVanSlim

I couldnt run longer then 10-15 mins at 6.0 speed. I slowed my speed down to 5.3 and I am running up to 50 mins now. SLOW DOWN please it works!

SueInAz

I realized when I first started out that I was trying to go to fast, I go pretty slow as jogging standards I'm sure but it's faster than walking and gets my HR up (thank goodness for HR monitor!). I think I need to either pay attention to HOW i'm jogging or get new shoes because my shins hurt a lot during the jog.

Shin splints are usually either a result of:

1. Doing too much too soon
2. Running on a bad (too hard or uneven) surface. Concrete is too hard.
3. Unsupportive shoes

If you aren't trying to run more often than every other day and are running on asphalt, and not the sidewalk, then it's probably a case of needing new shoes.

jenniferlynn12

I've been through the program twice now... I read on the C25K site, "If you can go any slower, you're going too fast" and that helped me SO much the second time through because I had the same problems as you the first time around-the jump was too fast. I go REALLY slowly (like 4.5 on the treadmill) and that helped me get through it... and for me it was mental--I finally just told myself I was going to run 2 miles without stopping, even if it was slow. Next day I did 2.25, etc... then I was motivated and said, "i'm going to do 3" and did it!-felt so good! It's still slow but I'm progressing more distance and faster each time. And I just registered for a half marathon in September so now I'm motivated to do this! Good luck... keep up the good work!

mrsjimmo

I uses the c25k app for 4 weeks and the. Got to the point where I just couldn't tolerate the runs anymore. I finally got discouraged and stopped using the program.

love22step

This has been a good topic. I start week 5 on Sunday. I guess it's a good thing I can do it outside and don't have to think about my speed. I used to be one of those walkers passing up joggers. I always got a kick out that, but I still want to be a runner again.

sarscott

Ireally needed to read this thread tinight...I feel like I'm stuck in week 6 and will never get out. Mind over matter is my issue...I think. I ave a hard time thinking about aanything but the time I've been in the treadmill...

SueInAz

I uses the c25k app for 4 weeks and the. Got to the point where I just couldn't tolerate the runs anymore. I finally got discouraged and stopped using the program.

You might be a candidate for interval walk/running if you're still interested in the sport. I don't run more than 3-4 minute at a time, except at the end of a race if I still have lots of energy left. 3 minutes running and 1 minute walking are my normal pace and I'm doing just great! One half marathon under my belt, along with several shorter races, and two more planned between now and June.

Check out Jeff Galloway's site if you want more information: http://www.jeffgalloway.com/

To the OP, I keep checking back to see how you're doing. Please post back and let us know!

tabbydog

I started running when I was 40. At first it was really, really hard (I used C25K). I had pain in my calves, shins, etc.... The shoes are the most important thing. Go get fitted at a running store and be sure to replace them when they start to get worn (about 300-400 miles, depending on the shoe and how you run). I had much less pain after I got the right shoes. Running should get easier as your warm up, not harder. I used to think I would never be able to run. Now I run 5-6 miles 3X/week and 1 long run of 10-12 miles. You can do it!

Other things to remember: cold air makes it harder to run, so slow down; it is OKAY to take a walk break if you need it, I STILL do sometimes; how you have been eating the couple of days before impacts how running will feel; make sure you are properly hydrated; running is just sometimes HARD. It is OKAY if it feels difficult sometimes. A lot of running is just a mind game. If you tell yourself you can do it, you can!

pandsmomCheryl

I have "reset" my C25K program to week 5, and started today. I ran at 5MPH vs. the 6 I was going. I was far, FAR less winded. I'm very encouraged and know I'm going to complete the program !

BerryH

I have "reset" my C25K program to week 5, and started today. I ran at 5MPH vs. the 6 I was going. I was far, FAR less winded. I'm very encouraged and know I'm going to complete the program !

Yay!

Now you're going to take my World's Worst Runner crown from me!

SueInAz

I have "reset" my C25K program to week 5, and started today. I ran at 5MPH vs. the 6 I was going. I was far, FAR less winded. I'm very encouraged and know I'm going to complete the program !

Congrats and good luck for the rest of it!

Yay!

Now you're going to take my World's Worst Runner crown from me! wink

Berry, you make me laugh! You are NOT even the worst. :flowerforyou:

xgg2rs

I have "reset" my C25K program to week 5, and started today. I ran at 5MPH vs. the 6 I was going. I was far, FAR less winded. I'm very encouraged and know I'm going to complete the program !

Awsome. I am training now for a full marathon but only a few years ago I was struggling to run 10 minutes straight and used a C25K program.

I think alot of people that have problems get caught up on making sure they run the distance, everyone is at different fitness levels and I would just focus at running at a pace that you feel comfortable. The distance will come with pratice.

I wouldn't beat yourself up as the worlds worst runner either, the worst is the one who doesn't even try.

What I really like about the sport of running is it's all about personal best and you will find there will be people cheering you to the finish line during your first 5k, just like the person who runs the distance in the fastest time.

Good luck

Sherbog

There is no such thing as a bad/worst runner. You have already done better than all those that have not gotten off the couch. Keep at it and it will get easier.

chattychick

I use a Garmin watch. And I LOVE it. It tells me pace per mile, which helps me to know if I need to speed it up or slow down.

eganita

Sorry -- this may have been mentioned.

One thing that helps me GREATLY is running to music -- both to cure my boredom and keep me on pace. I find that I tend to run right along with the beat of the music. I came across this site which lists music according to the pace: http://jog.fm/

I haven't actually tried out that site yet (I already have a bunch of songs that have worked well for me in the past), but I plan to.

Good luck with your next run!

tamazinglee

I started week 7 last night. I'd been doing the run parts of the program at 5mph but I couldn't do that last night. I had to drop down to 4.7mph and still needed to take a few breaks. I'm trying week 7, day 1 again tomorrow....at an even slower pace.

this was a great thread to read. I feel better now.

schmidtka70

Double check your shoes, and (as someone who has completed this program) make sure you aren't running too fast when you run. It's VERY easy to speed up a bit...especially since you're really proud-and rightfully so- of getting this far. Slow down and relax...you've done great, and you're doing great.

^^This. I completed C25K and just finished B210K (running 60 minutes straight). It's an awesome feeling! Make sure you have good shoes, slow the pace...even if it's a "snail's pace" and run every two days instead of every other to give your body more time to recuperate (that's what I did). Don't give up!

Laura_Ivy

I am stuck on the same week as well! Day 3 is so terrifying to me ; I did Day 2 twice! :laugh: My knee hurt really bad after doing the repeat of Day 2 and I am praying to the running Gods because I cannot afford new shoesespecially since they tend to be so expensive! :sad: I am hoping it is just form and not stretching before and after. Keep it up and if you need a new running friend,add me!

gleechick609

I didnt read any of the replies, but I will suggest the following:

1. Were you fitted properly at a Running Store? If not, get fitted. They will tape you running on a treadmill, measure your feet and make you try on several different pairs to match your arch and pronation type. Go to a RUNNING STORE. Not a Famous Footwear!

2. If you are having aches in your hips, legs or feet, it could be a spinal issue.See your chiropractor or doctor. I was having serious pains in my left leg. I thought it was tight hamstrings. It's a pinch in my L4 and L5. Seeing a chiropractor to adjust it. Shin splints will heal anywhere from a month to a year (depending on how bad yours are). Rice, Ice and Elevate your shins after your runs. Make sure to massage them as well. I had shin splints. They hurt like a b*tch but they went away after 4 months. Drink plenty of water to repair muscle tears!

3. Don't focus on speed right now. That will come with time and experience. Just focus on your breathing, posture and a pace that you are able to hold a conversation.

howeclectic

Going to add something i havent heard other people say... this is in addition to other people's advice. If you are trying to lose weight... it can make your recoveries harder. You might notice that if you take a day or two off that you will feel stronger in your running indicating you are just not recovering as fast as you need. One idea that might help... pick up another cardio other then running and cross train. I really like cross training because it lets me really build up by cardio abilities while keeping mental and physical fatigue to a minimum. So.. add in a swim or a bike. Vary your effort as well... (1 hard day, a couple medium days, and a couple slow long distance days).

mdayton4946

Great job and keep it up. It may be shoes and form, but I would also make sure that your nutrition is right. Make sure your eating healthy calories. Food types do matter when you exercise. Get some calories in about 45 min before your run, at that point your body will be using those calories for energy.

trysha1231

Oh no! This is what I have to look forward to? Yikes. I just did week 4 Day 1 this morning and was surprised they already bumped up to 5 minute intervals. I did it, but I was actually surprised I could.
I think my plan is to repeat a week if I feel that I am not physically ready to move on to the next stage. Listen to your body first and foremost.

Cowenlaw1

I started C25K last summer. At the time, I was 336 lbs and couldn't run a mile.

Since then, I've lost over 60 pounds and have run a half-marathon.

The big thing is to learn to slow down on the longer runs. There is a pace you can keep.

You also have to learn that there is usually a bit of discomfort at the beginning of a run, which goes away if you keep going.

Good shoes are essential. I had knee pain until I went to a real running store, got a gait analysis, and bought the correct shoes for my gait.

That being said, I had to deal with pain and blisters at first. Ice, elevation, and Advil were my good friends. But I now I have no pain after 6-10 mile runs!

It gets better. Just stick with it, and slow down the pace.

comeback58

you are doing great. just committing to and sticking to a program is 2/3 of the battle. stay with it!! make a few adjustments and you will get to your goals. a couple hopefully helpful comments:

1 - yes on getting your shoes checked out. brand and type is very individual. your local running store will help. this is crucial if you want to stay injury free.
2 - 6 mph is a pretty respectable time, even for a seasoned runner. you might be starting too fast. try starting at 5 then go up a little every 2 minutes if you feel OK. if you start too slow, you can always go faster if you feel good, and it is positive feedback. if you start too fast and have to slow down, negative feedback.... though, as one of the earlier posters said, you will have good and bad days.
3 - hydration, make sure you are hydrating before and after. water is fine for this level of workout
4 - make sure your nutrition is good and you are not running on empty

when i first started running, the older fellow i ran with (we dubbed him "YODA") said that powering through the bad days and finishing is what really makes you stronger. the good days are just the reward. and finally, get the heck outside if you can for at least one of your runs. i live know it is winter in new england, but i live in chicago, so i promise, it can be done!

samiam321123

I feel your pain. The jump to 20 min straight of running was the hardest for me and I had to jog SO slow. But I made it and was so happy for myself.

Just like the others I recommend slowing down. As long as you make it that's what's important. I still can't run fast but you can always build up speed later.

Also, someone else mentioned The Stick, this is a good tool to help with tight muscles.

Finally attitude was a huge motivator for me. As long as I told myself this is what you are going to do and you are not allowed to quit, I was able to make it through.

grumpy2day

First of all be proud of what you've accomplished so far. Most people haven't even walked a block. I started week 1 last week and I'm doing it over lol. I did my first day on the hard pack at the beach and barely did 6 intervals. Did day 2 on blacktop and did all eight, but I hurt in the butt and shins when I got done. I did day 3 back on the beach but hurt too much from day 2 to get past 5 intervals. Today I started over on the beach and did day 1 of week 1 and got all 8 intervals! It seems to be gentler my legs, but harder to get all 8 on sand. Me, I'll repeat my weeks until I get it right even if it is frustrating. Good luck, and never give up!