Beginner running group - always at the back :-(

[SatinHeart]

I'm normally a card-carrying exercise hater, but I recently joined a beginner walk-to-run programme. We're a few weeks in and I can already run further than I can ever remember being able to run before. Everyone is so nice, the trouble is each week I seem to be more and more at the back of the group and further behind everybody else. I can manage the running intervals, its just I can't really keep pace with the others. If I I try I can sort of keep up with the next slowest people but they keep trying to strike up conversation and I can't really chat at all as I'm having to work on regulating my breathing.

It's kind of taken the shine off the social aspect of the group - one of the reasons I wanted to start running was for the MH improving aspects of exercise, but the moment it's just making me sad that I'm on my own at the back every week. But I'm worried that if I stop the group I won't have the motivation to keep up running on my own.

I am sympathise. I am ex army and running was a thing there.

I was always at the back. Despite training everyday doing boxing training.

It's just not something I am fast at and it is what it is.

Your doing amazing by doing this!

Firstly well done you for getting out there and joining a running club. As a PP suggested, the social aspect can come before and after the run, and I'm sure you will make new friends that way. Then concentrate on your breathing when you're running.

I am a slow runner. I have done a lot of 5 and 10km runs very slowly. Honestly, I have found they're all a generally lovely bunch of people. I've never encountered competitiveness, but rather an overall sense of encouragement and support. I've finished almost last out of a few hundred and there were still loads of the runners waiting at the finish line congratulating everyone who finished, up to the very last person. It's not about who is fastest, it's about taking part and improving for yourself, not to beat other people. I bet the only person who notices how slow you are is you!

So please keep going and be really proud of yourself! You're amazing

Have you had advice about breathing?
In through your nose, out through the mouth, in rhythm with your steps. (In 2,3,4,out 2,3,4)

I'm not a beginner but I've returned to running following a baby and C-section so have been out of it for 11 months and started again two weeks ago.

I am the slowest I have ever been. I know that if I was in a running group I would be at the back. I'm running parkrun on Saturday and already preempt being one of the last but I'm getting out there and I'm moving. That's the most important thing