Should I Feel Ashamed? :(

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Replies

  • michielyn
    michielyn Posts: 47 Member
    Repeat it and don't worry about it. I am only W2D3 and have had to repeat a couple. It happens.
  • MrTolerable
    MrTolerable Posts: 1,593 Member
    So today was day 2 of my C25K program. Day one I couldn't finish all of the runs (only bout 2 or 3...?) but walked briskly throughout the entire 30 minutes when I wasn't running.
    Today I finished I think five of them but by that point I was so tired and so out of breath I turned directions home and had to sit on the stoop for a bit to cool down. I'm dedicated, but my body just felt like it couldn't continue.
    I plan on doing day three on Thursday and repeating week one because obviously I wouldn't stand a chance on week two yet...Just, how abnormal is it to feel so exhausted?

    A little about me:

    I've never been a runner.
    I weigh about 250 lbs
    I'm 21 and have only started walking/running regularly very recently.
    I've been walking 1-2 miles a day for the last week or so.
    :noway:
    ashamed?

    noooo.. your going out being active and getting out of your comfort zone.

    when you go to the breaking point its when you should feel your proudest sense of accomplishment bro!
  • MrTolerable
    MrTolerable Posts: 1,593 Member
    Don't let any negative thoughts impact you.
    Only positive motivations are good for your progress.

    I suggest that you take it slow, make a small improvement every time.
    Most importantly, listen to your body! If your body says "keep going, I think I can do better", then run more on that day.
    If your body is tired and you feel out of breath and cramps, it's definitely the time to stop.

    Again, be patient and cheerful.

    I started running a few months ago. I was never a runner. I started with 3 minutes, then 5 minutes, then 10 then 20. Now I can run 45 minutes. You don't necessarily have to run, try elliptical or climbing stairs for a change? They also have less impact on your knees.

    ^thats solid advice.. you have to condition yourself or your knees and ankles will start giving you grief.
  • LoveMyLife_NYC
    LoveMyLife_NYC Posts: 230 Member
    No worries. Even seasoned runners have trouble sometimes completing runs when they start a new program. It gets easier. Just keep at it, and in a few weeks you'll look back at all the progress you've made and be super proud of yourself for not giving up!
  • horndave
    horndave Posts: 565
    Ashamed? Hell no. We all started somewhere, some better, some worse. Keep at it and be proud that you are doing something for you.
  • Always_Belle
    Always_Belle Posts: 73 Member
    No shame...if it was easy, everyone would be doing it. Those who keep running enjoy it and it gives them a feeling of accomplishment. Keep going!
  • RinnyLush
    RinnyLush Posts: 389 Member
    I should add as well...

    A couple of weeks in, I developed a terrible case of runner's knee. Instead of being stubborn and running through the pain, which would have injured me and possibly stopped me from running altogether, I did some research and took care of myself. I learned some foam rolling techniques and a proper stretching routine, and purchased a knee compression sleeve. I made sure to ice and rest after every run. Over time the pain became less and less and eventually (once my technique improved) I could run like the wind, pain-free.

    If you're body is telling you something serious - LISTEN. It doesn't have to be the end of the world. :smile:
  • Foxywake
    Foxywake Posts: 18 Member
    You have made the decision to turn your life around and so that is something to be so proud of... well done....
    I have literally just started the C25K also and have just finished Week 1, Day 3. A colleague of mine has lost 6 stone (84lbs) by starting from nothing and now runs marathons and competes in triathlons. She gave me the motivation to try and it and on day 1 I thought I am gonna finish this if it kills me.... on Day 2 I thought ... this is gonna kill me!!!, however on Day 3 my shins hurt like crazy for the first 10 mins and then seemed to get a little easier...
    I am nearly 46 years old and weigh 225 pounds and do a Zumba class three times a week, but want to compete in a local Race for Life 5k charity run for Cancer in 8 weeks time, so am determined to keep going and do the best I can.
    Keep motivated and determined and you can achieve anything at all....
  • NoxDineen
    NoxDineen Posts: 497 Member
    You went outside and did your best, what's to be ashamed of?! You should be proud of yourself.

    When I started Couch to 5k I honestly couldn't run for 30 seconds, and now I run half-marathons and 10 mile obstacle races. Your body will amaze you with what it can learn to do, but it takes the mental strength to go even when you're tired or uncomfortable.

    You made a decision to take control of your health, and then when you felt bad about yourself you didn't just give up you asked for advice. You're going to kick *kitten*. :)
  • craziedazie
    craziedazie Posts: 185 Member
    I felt the same way when I first tried c25k
    I repeated several weeks.
    No worries!
  • greentree0
    greentree0 Posts: 40 Member
    So today was day 2 of my C25K program. Day one I couldn't finish all of the runs (only bout 2 or 3...?) but walked briskly throughout the entire 30 minutes when I wasn't running.
    Today I finished I think five of them but by that point I was so tired and so out of breath I turned directions home and had to sit on the stoop for a bit to cool down. I'm dedicated, but my body just felt like it couldn't continue.
    I plan on doing day three on Thursday and repeating week one because obviously I wouldn't stand a chance on week two yet...Just, how abnormal is it to feel so exhausted?

    A little about me:

    I've never been a runner.
    I weigh about 250 lbs
    I'm 21 and have only started walking/running regularly very recently.
    I've been walking 1-2 miles a day for the last week or so.

    Today you ran approximately twice as much as last time! The emotion you should have is pride - look how much more running you did! I think repeating until you finish the week is a great plan.

    Two things - do you have decent shoes and a decent bra for running?
    There's a fairly active C25K group - http://www.myfitnesspal.com/forums/show/47-couch-to-5k-running-program-c25k- where people post on how their c25k is going - whether it's week 1 or they've graduated.
  • spicegeek
    spicegeek Posts: 325 Member

    I'm 21 and have only started walking/running regularly very recently.
    I've been walking 1-2 miles a day for the last week or so.

    You do not have a good enough walking base yet - build you walks up to 1 hour brisk walking 3 times a week - THEN try the c25K
  • ybee1991
    ybee1991 Posts: 106 Member
    Never feel ashamed for staring somewhere, good luck :)
  • lujako
    lujako Posts: 87 Member
    Oh my how familiar that sounds! I started with run walk program which was organized by a local running store, basically an organized C25k. The first time the interval meant running up a hill, I really thought the coaches had lost there marbles. We kept going and something amazing happened, I finish an entire 5k "running", not "Bolt" style but MY style of running. I then proceeded to run 10 more 5ks in about 12 weeks :noway: Then 6 months after starting my running journey, I signed up for a half-marathon training program, 2 weeks ago, I completed my second half in two weeks! WOOT half fanatic time!

    BTW when I started running I was about 250 pounds, now with the help of MFP I am down to 214.5! (Yes, .5! SV to be under 215 :bigsmile: ) Oh, my pace for a half was 13:30 and my pr for a 5k is 11:11 min/mile ... so burning it up I am not, but enjoying it I am!

    Basically, my theory is "If this one can complete the C25K, run several 5ks, 1 7k, 1 10k and 2 halfs, YOU CAN as well!" Keep running, when you get to the point you run your first mile, you will feel like you have conquered Mt. Everest! Start climbing and don't look back!
  • Keepcalmanddontblink
    Keepcalmanddontblink Posts: 718 Member
    So today was day 2 of my C25K program. Day one I couldn't finish all of the runs (only bout 2 or 3...?) but walked briskly throughout the entire 30 minutes when I wasn't running.
    Today I finished I think five of them but by that point I was so tired and so out of breath I turned directions home and had to sit on the stoop for a bit to cool down. I'm dedicated, but my body just felt like it couldn't continue.
    I plan on doing day three on Thursday and repeating week one because obviously I wouldn't stand a chance on week two yet...Just, how abnormal is it to feel so exhausted?

    A little about me:

    I've never been a runner.
    I weigh about 250 lbs
    I'm 21 and have only started walking/running regularly very recently.
    I've been walking 1-2 miles a day for the last week or so.
    Way to go with the program! Its something I am trying to get into doing as well. You should be proud that you got started and kept going. Its not something you will be able to do right away, you will have to build up to it. Don't give up! :)
  • Alatariel75
    Alatariel75 Posts: 18,347 Member
    DUDE, the first time I tried C25K I puked. In front of the workmate I was doing it with, and (I found out later) another group of workmates who were eating lunch in the park we were running around :)

    I've now started Zombies, Run! 5k which starts you off with 10 min walk then 15 second run/1 min walk x10, and I find it manageable and even did a few extra runs in the final 10 minute cool down.

    But do NOT feel ashamed! Never ever be ashamed for getting off the couch and out the door.
  • hellomanen
    hellomanen Posts: 96 Member
    naaah you're fine! it doesn't get easier, you just get better ;) give some time to time and don't stress over results, they are slow and won't show until one day you look and - WOAH DID I JUST RAN THE ENTIRE THING ALTOGETHER? GEEZ! I'M AWESOME!
    Word.
  • JessicaWhosit
    JessicaWhosit Posts: 38
    If anyone wants an update :)

    Today I did my unofficial Day 4 of week 1. Each day throughout the first 3 I got a little better and today I was able to do the entire 30 minutes through with no stops :D I'm so flipping proud of myself. I'm going to do two more days of the week one regimen just to acclimate my body to it and then I'll be on to week two. Thank you so much for being supportive of me :D
  • Nedra19455
    Nedra19455 Posts: 241 Member
    I wasn't overwhelmed by the first week, but I decided to repeat each workout twice anyway. I am in no hurry to run a 5k (the one I want to do isn't until September) and I want to be good to myself and enjoy it.

    For what it's worth, when you get to week 2, it's harder in some ways (longer jog times) but easier in other ways (longer walk times), so it's actually not as bad as I had feared.
  • Commander_Keen
    Commander_Keen Posts: 1,179 Member
    So??? why should you feel ashamed?
  • mblair1968
    mblair1968 Posts: 323 Member
    If feeling ashamed, helps motivate you, then by all means feel that way. Otherwise, who cares? Try to follow whatever guidelines you decide to try. If you don't reach them, at least do more than you did the day before.
  • paulawatkins1974
    paulawatkins1974 Posts: 720 Member
    Ashamed? NO WAY!! Good for you for trying! I think that's awesome! It'll get easier the more you try. So what if you have to do week one a few times. I've been trying to motivate myself to start this but afraid I'll puke lol
  • JessicaWhosit
    JessicaWhosit Posts: 38
    So??? why should you feel ashamed?

    I was just posting an update to anyone who had commented before, sorry!
  • _Josee_
    _Josee_ Posts: 625 Member
    I'll say what a lot of people said: slow down. You will be able to finish all the running parts if you slow down.

    I did the same mistake when I started C25K one year ago. The moment I understood that I didn't have to run all out like a zombie was chasing me, it all became easier :)
  • UnicornAmanda
    UnicornAmanda Posts: 294 Member
    No, don't feel ashamed! I downloaded that app too and I only did one workout so far. It was tough!! I will definitely be repeating week one's workouts lol, and I will probably have to repeat all of the weeks workouts because even when I used to be skinny, I STILLLL could not run lol. Add or message me anytime!
  • hippiefemme
    hippiefemme Posts: 35 Member
    Secondly, slow down - however slow you are running, run slower! You should be able to speak whilst you run, if you can't then you're running too quickly.

    I heartily agree with this! When I started, I pushed myself way too hard on week one day one. I tried to run at a pace that I thought should be "running"; I quickly learned that I needed to slow my pace. I found that a good pace in the beginning of my program was about 2.5mph walking and 4mph running. If you can, up your speed just a hair on days two and three each week if you do okay with day one at a slower speed.

    In my opinion, it's much better to exercise comfortably at those speeds and complete the half hour (or so) than to push yourself to go 6mph at a run and have to quit moving after ten minutes because you're so exhausted. You'll build up stamina quicker than you think!
  • newmom_2012
    newmom_2012 Posts: 96 Member
    I second some of the others, slow down. I was so sore after my first run, and I was advised to slow down. I basically run at a brisk walk pace now. I haven't been as sore since.

    Don't feel ashamed about repeating a week. I just finished week 3 and I can just barely get through it, so I'm repeating it.
  • Samstan101
    Samstan101 Posts: 699 Member
    Well done on your progress so far (and thanks for the update, its always nice to get an update :)). You're doing the right thing taking your time and repeating a session if necessary. But don't be afraid to push yourself and move to the next level once you can complete a session. You don't need to be completing it easily to move on, just finishing it and you're ready. The first few weeks are tough but you'll improve very quickly. It took me to about week 5-6 (which took me around 12 weeks to get to BTW) before I actually started enjoying it. Now I love running, I'm still not quick but getting slowly faster as my stamina improves, so I know the programme works. You're doing brilliantly, keep going :flowerforyou:
  • jenschroll
    jenschroll Posts: 162 Member
    You have absolutely NOTHING to be ashamed of. Just over a year ago, my journey to health and fitness was at a very similar place to yours. I started at 264, walked about 3 - 5 miles a day, and had never been a runner at age 37.

    I started running using the Ease Into 5K app. I tried C25K, but didn't feel it was right for me. Just two weeks ago, I ran a 20-minute interval for the first time ever! It was so exciting to me and such wonderful validation for sticking it out, even when I didn't want to.

    Feel free to add me if you like!

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