Running newbie - couch-to-5k, Haaaaaard!!

I just graduated from the Zen Labs C25K app. In eight weeks I went from BARELY being able to run 60 seconds at a time to being able to run for 30 minutes straight. I can't even tell you how amazed I am that it really worked.

Follow the program, take as much time as you need to complete a week - if you want to repeat the week, do it. Slow down when you are feeling like you can't keep going - there is no shame in going really slowly, especially at first. Keep the faith because you can totally do it.

I hadn't run in about a decade, and I used to really love it. I started running when I was 190+ pounds and seriously wasn't sure that I could really do it. You know what? I *can* do it, I *am* doing it and I am feeling really great about it.

I know you probably think (at least I did) that running means running like your being chased by an axe murdering clown...well it doesnt. Slow it down and run at a pace where you could still talk without dying. I've been running for a year and a half and I still have to force myself to slow down an realize I don't have to be at my all out pace to run.

This actually made me laugh out loud. I agree. Completely.

Slow down and repeat a week if you find it hard...you will eventually build endurance but do it at our pace!

Slow down the run sections to the point that you aren't gasping. I mean slow down a lot, then slow down some more. If it's a shuffle, that's fine. Slow down.

^^^^ This

When I started running I could barely get around the block and very gradually built up time and distances.

Persistence and patience are your friends.

I started the RunDouble couch-to-5k program, and I'm on week 4.

My questions is for any runners out there who did a similar program - does it get easier soon??? God above, i feel like I'm dying doing the run intervals (now up to 3 and 5 mins running (and by running, I mean jogging my gasping *kitten*...), 2x, with walking in between). Maybe its just this humidity recently, but even getting up in the morning before it gets hot....not going so well.

I want to be able to run a _decent_ 5k, but while I've been moving up through the weeks and can force myself to run the longer times, its really freaking hard!!

Are some people just not cut out to be runners?

Any tips people can give me to help out with this endeavor?

btw, 29y/o female.

Thank you!

You will run a decent 5k, but not if you burn yourself out first.

When you run, slow down, then slow down some more, this will keep your heartrate at a reasonable level instead of at maximum which is what it sounds like you are doing at the moment.

I promise you, running will get easier, just slow down for now. There is plenty of time later on to pick up on speed, at the moment you just need to complete the c25k course and then you will be able to pace judge yourself and move onwards and upwards.

When you run, slow down, then slow down some more, it does work :flowerforyou:

I started the RunDouble couch-to-5k program, and I'm on week 4.

My questions is for any runners out there who did a similar program - does it get easier soon??? God above, i feel like I'm dying doing the run intervals (now up to 3 and 5 mins running (and by running, I mean jogging my gasping *kitten*...), 2x, with walking in between). Maybe its just this humidity recently, but even getting up in the morning before it gets hot....not going so well.

I want to be able to run a _decent_ 5k, but while I've been moving up through the weeks and can force myself to run the longer times, its really freaking hard!!

Are some people just not cut out to be runners?

Any tips people can give me to help out with this endeavor?

btw, 29y/o female.

Thank you!

Ooh you made me lol! My gasping *kitten* is also struggling, I can sympathise! I have also thought I am just not cut out for running bu am paying it turns around soon! Good luck with it, keep it up!

TOTALLY AGREE! Unless you're trying to beat Bolt, you should be able to run and carry out a conversation - if you're about to pass out, then you're running too fast - SLOW DOWN - that was the biggest lesson I learned when I joined a running club to prepare for the Dublin Women's Mini Marathon (10K) a few years ago, and it was the best advice ever. You only need to be out of breath when sprinting, and that's not what Couch to 5 K is about

Keep going, just A LOT SLOWER, and you'll find yourself wanting to go out more - the reason why I love the Runkeeper App's 5 K for beginners (same as couch to 5k, except it's free!) is it gives regular updates as you run, telling you of your pace, etc, so it reminds me to slow down because I always start too quick, so I slow down and can keep going to longer.

Keep it up, it was be soooo worth it!

Fiona

Sounds like you've got shinsplints - very painful - I got them when I started running from wearing old runners - they looked fine but I soon found out they weren't!


#1 - to fix the shinsplints - a super tip that works that I picked up from an oldtimer in Tallaght Athletics Club - soak bandages in vinegar and wrap them tightly (but don't cut of circulation!) round your shins. Put your feet up for an hour and do this for a couple of evenings in a row. Yeah the sitting room will stink, but you'll be amazed how it works. Don't know how, but it does!

#2 - you need to get yourself new runners - they don't have to cost the earth but they do need good support - I love Asic's Kayano but find what works for you and stick to it. These are a big pricey, but as my physio says 'either spend it on the runners or on physio'! If you can afford it, go get yourself gait analysis - 53degrees north and running shops will do this - it's generally free cos you're buying the runners. A little bit more expensive, but then you get your next pair on the internet cheaper! If you can't stretch to this, and lets face it, a lot of us can't (mine were a present!), just get yourself anything on sale that feels comfortable and feels like it has good support.

Good luck, stick with it - it'll be worth it in the end!

Fiona

This is a great forum. I am on week 4 of a 10 week beginner program to train for a 5k and have used several of the tips provided here. Thanks for the motivation!

I started the RunDouble couch-to-5k program, and I'm on week 4.

My questions is for any runners out there who did a similar program - does it get easier soon??? God above, i feel like I'm dying doing the run intervals (now up to 3 and 5 mins running (and by running, I mean jogging my gasping *kitten*...), 2x, with walking in between). Maybe its just this humidity recently, but even getting up in the morning before it gets hot....not going so well.

I want to be able to run a _decent_ 5k, but while I've been moving up through the weeks and can force myself to run the longer times, its really freaking hard!!

Are some people just not cut out to be runners?

Any tips people can give me to help out with this endeavor?

btw, 29y/o female.

Thank you!

I know you posted this over a month ago, but I just had to respond to tell you you're not alone!!!!!!

I'm 30, just decided out of the blue I wanted to run (over weight and all) so I downloaded a C25K program and what you described is me!!!

Jogging, not really running (yet?), gasping, practically dragging my right foot on the last run... I keep thinking "my God am I stroking out? Is this ever going to get easier?"

I'm excited to read everyones response now- but I just had to send a "heeeey" to out to ya!

Your post is making me laugh so hard because when I started C25K over two months ago, I asked my coworker the exact same question. "When does the pain go away?" After week 1, my legs felt like they were going to fall off. I even gave up for a week after week 2 because I didn't think it was worth it. But, after some gentle encouragement from a friend, I got back into it. Each week felt really hard at first but then day 2 felt less hard (I wouldn't call it "easier"). I noticed that after a few weeks, my legs felt fine but breathing was a challenge. Eventually, I was able to get through my run without any pain. I wouldn't say that I "love" running, but I love how I feel after and I love the feeling of accomplishment.

I finished Week 8 last week and today I ran 3 miles in 33 minutes. If I can do it, literally anyone can do it. I still have a hard time calling myself a "runner". I just don't believe it!

Hey Running Friends! OP here with a GREAT UPDATE!

I DID MY 5K!!! :bigsmile: :bigsmile: :bigsmile:

I ran (jogged) the WHOLE thing! I didnt walk once! I finished in 39 minutes!

So freaking proud of myself. My brother in law was such a great support, he's a runner too, but he kept with me the whole time.

Thanks everyone here for your great advice! I'm going to keep running, next 5k I'm doing is in November, maybe next year I'll work up to 10k

Way to go! I did c25k a couple years ago, then got pregnant (read:fat again), and just recently decided to start running again. I'm not doing a program this time, just listening to my body. I ran (slogged) a 5k+ (3.25m) in 42 mins on Friday, then signed up for a 5k on Sunday. Little did I know, the 5k is THIS Sunday! My goal is sub 40 :-)

So glad you made it thru yours! You're an inspiration for people like me!

Hey Running Friends! OP here with a GREAT UPDATE!

I DID MY 5K!!! :bigsmile: :bigsmile: :bigsmile:

I ran (jogged) the WHOLE thing! I didnt walk once! I finished in 39 minutes!

So freaking proud of myself. My brother in law was such a great support, he's a runner too, but he kept with me the whole time.

Thanks everyone here for your great advice! I'm going to keep running, next 5k I'm doing is in November, maybe next year I'll work up to 10k

That is so awesome, and what a great time, congratulations! Thanks for coming back and telling us :flowerforyou: