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Original poster

Did my first couch to 5k run - it was REALLY hard

24 replies

LaurieFairyCake · 15/07/2018 08:18

Wtf ! Did anyone else find it tough? It took me 45 minutes to complete it (instead of 30) Blush

Really hoping there’s someone out there who thought it was hard. The only good news is I’ve no pain the next day as my legs are stronger from doing yoga for the past 3 months.

OP posts:
BIWI · 15/07/2018 08:19

It is hard! But you'll be amazed at how much easier the next one is. Honestly. It was a revelation to me. And if your legs are strong from yoga, then that's fantastic.

Don't worry about how long it's taking you. Just be proud of the fact that you've done it!

BIWI · 15/07/2018 08:20

Oh, and I should say - I train with a PT twice a week, but when I went back to running I still found it hard.

emsyj37 · 15/07/2018 08:21

Yes it is hard when you first start, but you will be astonished at how quickly it gets easier. I was always one of those people who couldn't run at all, but I can do 7k comfortably now. If you are finding it very very tough then try slowing your pace.

ColdShoulder · 15/07/2018 08:21

I really struggled too and had to redo a couple of weeks as wasn't quite ready to move on to the next level. It does get easier though! One day you'll realise you just ran further than you've ever managed before without any pain. I started about 2 years ago and ran my second half marathon last weekend! Stick with it, it will get easier!

Itis6oclocksomewhere · 15/07/2018 08:22

Well done on completing it!
I keep meaning to do this, but keep putting it off. I need to do it though as a fair bit overweight and need to lose it.

I'll give it a go this week and let you know how I get on.

Original poster
LaurieFairyCake · 15/07/2018 08:23

Oh thank god, BIWI - great to hear someone else found it hard!

I’ve never run, well not for 34 years Shock since school

Will attempt to be proud that I did it. I took dh and the dog with me - he carried my water and the dog ran along with me. Dh is a proper runner and can walk as fast as I can run almost Grin

OP posts:
Original poster
LaurieFairyCake · 15/07/2018 08:26

I’m not moving on from week 1 until I can do it in the time allocated to it.

Not sure I could go any slower Grin though for the second 60 second run I sprinted past a group of people so I wasn’t running as fast as they were walking. Dh said that messed up runs 3+4 as I knackered myself.

OP posts:
JeezYouLoon · 15/07/2018 08:29

Keep going!

I started running last year, I'm over 40 and never ever ran before. It was bloody hard and I nearly killed myself, I could hardly sit to go to the loo my legs hurt so much Blush

I persevered and tracked my 'progress' on a running app, I absolutely love it now and have just got in from my longest run of 8k and felt I could have gone further. I also do the ParkRun on a Saturday, honestly just keep going and at the very least you're better than the people sat on their sofas Wink

Original poster
LaurieFairyCake · 15/07/2018 08:36

There’s a park run near me. I’m not sure I could cope with being so far behind everyone else.

OP posts:
BIWI · 15/07/2018 08:52

Don't worry about the park run for now - just focus on doing what you're doing, for you and for your own progress.

emsyj37 · 15/07/2018 08:57

What programme are you using? I started off with the NHS podcasts and you can't do the first few weeks in 30 mins as they do warm ups etc too. You might struggle to cover the distance in 30 mins until you get faster and do more running sections. I would just move on once you've completed the first week. The programme is designed for new runners and you don't need to repeat or keep going til you do that week faster. Just move on.

PostNotInHaste · 15/07/2018 09:33

Well done !! Like you I hadn’t run since school 32 years ago. I found the first few sessions of C25K really hard and felt sick after the first one . I think your DH is right, the quicker run 2 made you struggle on the next couple. I read somewhere you wa t to be go8 g at a speed you can have a conversation at so tried to do that.

I was so slow at the start that the dog walkers over took me for weeks. But it was fine and gradually you do build up and start to realise you can do it. After a bit you find it’s your head that’s the biggest obstacle. It took a long time to get to the stage where I was actually running rather than a slow jog but it has finally happened .

Park run will be there for when you feel ready. I waited until I could comfortably do it but see others who use it to do a C25K session. Keep at it, any run which doesn’t go quite to plan is just a practice run ! Definitely be really pleased with yourself.

Cataline · 15/07/2018 09:48

I don't understand when you say you can't do it in the time allocated?
Are you not listening to a podcast that tells you to 'walk for 5 minutes' 'run for 60 seconds' etc?
So all you have to do is what it tells you at the time it tells you?

Sorry if I'm missing something- I'm doing c25k now and that's how mine works.

Cataline · 15/07/2018 09:49

Like this?

Did my first couch to 5k run - it was REALLY hard
Cataline · 15/07/2018 09:54

And I meant to say- well done for getting out there! It IS hard to begin with but you'll be amazed at how quickly you'll improve!
I've just moved onto week 6 and I'm astounded that I've managed - but I have!

AdventuresRUs · 15/07/2018 09:55

I dont get that either - when i started it it said run for 50secs/walk for x minutes so it was self contained. You couldnt take longer really?

I only got to wk 4 and hurt my ankle! ...and then put on a ton of weight. Am hopping yo start again when Ivw lost mumble mumble stone.

BIWI · 15/07/2018 11:01

Well @LaurieFairyCake you motivated me to get off my arse and go for a run this morning! I'd got to week 4 a few weeks ago, when work/illness/lack of motivation interrupted me.

I went back a week to week 3, so 1.5 minute run/walk, 3 minute run/walk (and repeat). It was hard, but manageable, which I was pleased about.

So thank you! Flowers

Original poster
LaurieFairyCake · 15/07/2018 12:03

I couldn’t do it in the time allocated as I needed WAY longer than the 90 seconds between runs Grin

Well done BIWI! Flowers

OP posts:
Cataline · 15/07/2018 12:20

Next time could you try slowing down your pace. I mean, REALLY slowing down so it's really just walking pace except you're moving a little bit more?
I've had to do that and it felt a bit silly for the first couple of runs but it's really helped when I'm trying to pace myself.

Furx · 15/07/2018 12:38

Yep. You are running too fast.

Do the run bits at pretty much walking pace but jog instead.

squiggletea · 15/07/2018 13:08

Well done!! You have lapped everyone still on the couch.

I had assumed you had been extra diligent with running the full time slots and not stopping until you had finished. It sounds like you have done a really good work out.

I would back every one else’s thoughts to run more slowly. It’s a good idea to be able to talk (being able to doesn’t mean you have to if you’re by yourself Wink)

It’s also worth remembering that lots of us (who are more cautious) walked for half an hour first.

Good luck with your next run.

Steala · 15/07/2018 13:11

If it were easy, you wouldn't feel
The same sense of accomplishment when you complete it!

I agree with others that you need to slow down. I did my first one on my own and nearly died. The second, I did with a friend who had previously been able to run 5 k but was out of practice. It felt weirdly slow but still tiring by the end and gave me a base to build from. C25k is work in progress: don't force things too soon. Best of luck!

diedyediedye · 15/07/2018 13:24

I'm the exact same! I'm embarrassed to go out in public and try it properly, I've been running laps in my garden lol.

BIWI · 15/07/2018 13:25

But you're still running! That's fantastic.

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