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Original poster

I just went for a run and it was HORRIBLE

36 replies

RedPandaFluff · 01/01/2019 15:57

I used to run loads. I ran a MARATHON, for flip's sake. And now 5km along a canal path is a struggle - I thought my lungs were going to burst out of my chest!

I haven't done much by way of exercise in the last year. Please tell me this gets easier! I've just turned 39 so I'm thinking age might be making it a little harder than I remember . . .

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Ostagazuzulum · 11/02/2019 11:58

I'm more c25k again. I used to run loads like you, but had a bit of time off for operation/ laziness due to shift work etc usual excuses. I find mentally it helps me get back in to if, on week 5 now and it's not easy. Yesterday an ambulance with blue lights passed me and I briefly wondered whether someone had called it for me!!! Good luck with it! X

Original poster
RedPandaFluff · 10/02/2019 14:30

@Caucasianchalkcircles I've heard of C25K but figured if I'm already running 5km it would be a step back? I hear what you're saying about technique though - I think I'm doing something wrong posture-wise as I keep giving myself an achey back 😏

@Sammysquiz I HAVE to listen to something; the one time I went running with DH without headphones (thinking we could chat!) was torture! I tried an audiobook today but didn't like it and switched back to music pretty quickly.

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Sammysquiz · 09/02/2019 12:36

RedPanda do you listen to anything while you run? I find I can run much further if I’ve got an interesting podcast/audiobook to listen to. Otherwise I’m constantly checking how far I’ve run and obsessing about how tired/bored I am!!

Caucasianchalkcircles · 09/02/2019 10:11

red panda I considered myself v fit for my age (early 50's). Usually ran a hilly 5-6km 2-3 times a week or an hour's hard spin same frequency. Had a health scare in Sept so no exercise for at least 3 months apart from dog walking.
Finally plucked up the courage to start running again at the beginning of jan.
I've used couch25k and found it brilliant. Wasn't the best runner before but it's really made me slow down and concentrate on my breathing. In some ways I'm a better runner now than I was ! And because it's in steps you don't realize you're gradually increasing your time running it's so gentle.
Give it a go !

Original poster
RedPandaFluff · 08/02/2019 15:05

So . . . it's still horrible 😄

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wasnotwasweregood · 12/01/2019 13:57

@redpandafluff thanks for asking, several days later I finally got my run done! I have a stinking head cold at the moment one of those annoyances that aren't bad enough to keep you off work but make you feel a bit all round ick which didn't help but it is done!
Cold weather doesn't help on the hurty lungs front does it?
I think I'm going to keep to this small distance until I've managed to establish a habit - glad to see you're already seeing some improvement Grin

MargotsFlounceyBlouse · 09/01/2019 18:48

Go back to basics. Run for 5 mins then walk. Repeat. Or reduce distance and eke it up. Don't make yourself miserable or you won't keep it up. Just keep moving x

ContessaIsOnADietDammit · 09/01/2019 18:45

I did a half marathon last year, then didn't run all summer because the heat killed me. I am now training for another half and have been pleasantly surprised at how little time it's taken between 'I hate this and want to die' and 'I'm actually enjoying this'!

I listen to radio 4 comedy or dramas. Neil Gaiman's Norse mythology is on there now and it's very good!

Original poster
RedPandaFluff · 09/01/2019 18:32

@DavetheCat2001 that makes sense to me - even when I was super-fit I still always found the first couple of miles really difficult; but then I'd seem to find my groove and felt better.

I'm definitely improving, even though it's only been 9 days. How did your 3km go, @wasnotwasweregood ?

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DavetheCat2001 · 09/01/2019 17:32

Someone told me that the first 10-15 minutes are the most brutal as your body/lungs/heart etc are warming up.

I have to admit I still find running hard going after 3 years of doing it, and if I have a break for a few weeks I feel as if I am going to die!

Original poster
RedPandaFluff · 06/01/2019 21:31

Oh good luck @wasnotwasweregood - 3k sounds like a sensible distance for your first recent run. Give your calf muscles a good stretch afterwards too - mine seized up the next day and I was hobbling around 😄

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wasnotwasweregood · 06/01/2019 17:49

There's nothing worse than that 'oh gawd I'm going to puke on my shoes' feeling when you're getting back into it! I'm going for my first run in six months tomorrow - I'm planning small around 3K and then if it's really awful at least it's not a long walk home!

Beerflavourednipples · 06/01/2019 16:59

My Dad Wrote A Porno is good running fodder, I find...

I tried running to My Dad Wrote a Porno and couldn't because I was laughing too much!!!

RunningLondon · 06/01/2019 13:48

You can do it @RedPandaFluff!

Just think how good you’ll feel after!

Original poster
RedPandaFluff · 05/01/2019 22:54

The real test will be if I can drag my behind out of bed before work on Monday morning to run . . . 😄

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redyawn · 04/01/2019 19:23

As BikeRunSki says, use a couch2 5k programme. I have also done a marathon and has a year long gap with no running. The couch 2 5k was brilliant. You'll be back to normal very quickly if you follow it.

BrassicaBabe · 04/01/2019 19:19

You definitely deserve a virtual shopping trip to Lululemon then Red. Grin

RunningLondon · 04/01/2019 19:12

I definitely find slowing down helps when you’re hating it! And not running to your old comfy pace. You’re effectively starting again.

Original poster
RedPandaFluff · 04/01/2019 00:28

I did another one today and it wasn't quite as horrible! But I did slow down my pace . . . it does give me the motivation to keep going though. I figure 3-4 runs per week should sort me out.

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lljkk · 03/01/2019 20:04

You need to go regularly for it not to be awful. = 3x/week, and I'm fine with it.

Also... just go slow. Nothing wrong with an easy run.

LastOneDancing · 01/01/2019 23:08

every instinct was telling me to stop

Well yeah, humans are only meant to run if we're in danger or trying to catch something to eat. The rest of the time we're supposed to loll about conserving energy. Running is a totally unnatural thing to do for fun!

Well done on getting out there though - and 5k is an amazing return run. Get a race booked! You'll soon be all over it.

SocksRock · 01/01/2019 23:02

My first run after nearly 5 years off was New Year parkrun exactly 2 years ago.

It was horrendous

I'm training for a marathon right now, first one, in April

Stick with it.

My Dad Wrote A Porno is good running fodder, I find...

JohnMcCainsDeathStare · 01/01/2019 22:56

have you put on weight or doing less everyday cardio (walking, stairs etc) My CV is horrible right now since I cycle rather than run/walk to commute and am 4kg up on what I'm supposed to be.

Original poster
RedPandaFluff · 01/01/2019 22:49

Right, thank you, I will definitely have a look at audiobooks in an attempt to make this less painful!

I think I may have done too much too soon. I've just had a look at my heart rate charts and my average heart rate was 184, with a peak of 192. Both of those are above my recommended maximum heart rate, so I'll calm it down a bit next time in case I keel over 😬

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FATEdestiny · 01/01/2019 20:12

I second getting a good audiobook. I can get lost in the story while running. I use the audiobook app provided by the library service, so don't need to pay for audiobooks.

Going straight to 5km after a significant time not running will be hard. I'd have done C25K to ease me into it.

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