New runner totally plateau-ed after 6 weeks - help!

[artifarti]

I started running for the first time ever about 6 weeks ago and the first run was awful - 6 minutes round the block, nearly died! But I persevered and got up to running for 20 minutes quite easily. But I'm stuck there now! I try to run 3 times a week and just can't get past 20 minutes. I know I've made good progress from my first run but I really want to get better. Any tips before I give up and go back to my sofa?!

Why can't you get past 20 minutes?
I get a but bored after about 30 minutes. Try changing your route and/or the running playlist (if you use an iPod).

how are you measuring the runs? by time or by distance? I just kept adding little extra bits to the run I did (one more road etc) and used mapmyrun to make the runs a little longer every time. tbh I'd stick at 20mins for a while though if I were you - your ligaments/muscles have got to toughen up first and if you up the distance/time too quickly you risk an injury.

try slowing down but going a bit further.

I've got stuck several times.The only way I can break the mental block, is to go on an entirely new route, that I haven't measured beforehand, but am pretty sure is longer. I then set off at a fairly slow pace, and am not ashamed to walk any steep hills. Once you get a certain distance away from home, you've got to get back, even if you end up walk/running.

Have to tried Couch to 5k? Google it or Robert Ulrey or Running into Shape. Download the podcast and they do all the timings for you.

It really works. I reckon you could probably start on week 5 of the 9 week programme. Because it is all to music and a certain duration it keeps you motivated to go longer.

Enjoy!

Thanks for the tips. I just find it really hard at 20 minutes. I was extendsing my route bit by bit but I think I have got abit faster too as suddenly routes that were taking 20 mins now take less. Will take a look at the Couch to 5k, I like the sound of that.