Running

[10by6]

Hi all, starting C25k tomorrow (again), I think this is my 3rd or 4th attempt at it. I can't seem to get passed week 3, embarrassingly. I keep repeating the weeks then get frustrated and give up; I'm more determined this time round to follow it through.

I just don't know why I'm so rubbish at running. I walk really regularly and easily surpass my 10,000 steps a day target on my Apple Watch. I'm overweight though so think that would be why I find it hard.

I find it really difficult and struggle with breathing when running, but I'm very aware that's must be down to my poor fitness.

Anyway, not sure what the point in this post was. Is anyone else starting it and want to join for accountability purposes?

I’d love to start it but worried about wetting myself, I don’t have the best pelvic floor 😳
Id like someone to run with me, tell me what to do, and when we’re half way.
‘Good on you for going for it again.

I think the trick is just to go very very slowly and, if you’re struggling, go even slower. The important thing is to finish. My jogging pace was barely faster than a walk when I started C25k 4 years ago. I can jog 10km quite easily (if slowly) now. I’ve gradually improved in pace and distance without really trying, just by running 2 or 3 times a week.

I have a timer on my phone to signal walk/run intervals. Easier to go longer if I'm just working towards the next rest/walk period. As I got fitter the runs got longer and the walking intervals got shorter.
Might be worth a try?

Do loads of pelvic floor exercises for a week or two before you start. Wear a Tena pad if you’re really worried, but you’ll probably find running will improve your pelvic floor anyway.

Slow down. If it's too hard at week 3 you're going to fast. You should be running at a pace you can have a conversation at. As you continue to develop your pace will improve but for now, sloooow down.

Bless you. My pelvic floor was ruined after 2 kids but I promise you it’s enormously improved with running.
I actually used to wear a tampon running which helped enormously for reasons I cannot explain- just “held it in” for want of a better term

Yes just break it if a walk into a VERY slow amble/jog on the 'running' parts

Denise Lewis has some breathing tips on the C25k app.

What I found helped is to breathe in through my nose and out through my mouth.

Also to breathe out for one beat longer than the inhale. Breathing in too frequently gives the body less time to clear CO2 (the by product of breathing) and can make you therefore feel lightheaded (hyperventilation).

Get your iron checked. I struggled to do more than ten minutes and discovered I had low iron. Transformed when levels went up.

My low iron was caused by stupidly heavy periods.

I wear a tampon for my exercise class, helps hold it up ! Never thought to do the same to run 😂

I found C25K very very hard when I started but I promise you it does get easier and you will be soooooo proud of yourself every time you do more.
The key is to slow it right down. You're probably going faster than you need to, and I think it's easy to do that when you're determined to finish the run, but just try and enjoy the run (jog) and don't just try to get to the end of it.
Everyone can run, it's a mental block that makes you think you can't, once you stop listening to your head you'll be fine!

I agree with slow it down, even if walking is faster!

If you need more time to grow fitness and get comfortable then repeat weeks if you like. It doesn't have to be done in 9 weeks. It took me 5 months first time round with life in the way, including stepping back weeks after illness.

The thought of wetting myself put me off running for years, and I so wish it hadn't! I started running three years ago assuming it would be awful and that I wouldn't get far, but I did the Great North Run last year and do 6 or 7 miles every Sunday and absolutely love it. Running will absolutely help your pelvic floor, I have no problems with it at all, but I always wear a little liner just in case, and for confidence. Mind you, please don't ask me to do any jumping or skipping. Trampolines are a no-go. But running is fine 😅

I didn't do the C25K so I don't know what the method is, and just did it my own way, increasing the distance every time. My top tip would be this - when you feel like stopping, KEEP GOING. You will absolutely amaze yourself how far you can go. I remember the day I got to 4 miles without stopping and honestly it got so much easier after that. Even now that I've got a bit of experience I don't enjoy the first few miles at all, but then when I get going I feel like I'm flying. I've never felt so free! Do it 😀

Running really hand kind to joints. I’d stick with the walking, focus on speeding up and walking further. Most of the benefits without the joint damage.

I’ve been running for 25 years and my joints are fine thanks.

@MissInterpretation
well done amazing effort. I have also done the GNR but it took me about 6 years to get to that point.

op I’d recommend going along to a local parkrun once you can run for 10 minutes or so. You could do it as part of c25k. There are virtually always walkers so if you can run a bit you’ll do great. And getting that bit faster every week, even if only a handful of seconds, will be extremely motivating.

Go really slowly, that's the key initially. or, honestly, stick to walking as fast as you can. I went from running to walking when I was recovering from illness, and my FitBit showed I was burning nearly as many calories walking very fast, as running. Especially if you can include going uphill.

I'm just about to start C25K again after a foot injury. I thoroughly recommend Jo Whiley as coach...she's so encouraging. Some of the other just sound like they're reciting the script.
I can't recommend the programme enough. I was 16 stone when I first did it...and yes Parkrun is wonderful.

StillWantingADog · Today 11:07

MrsSkylerWhite · Today 11:02

Running really hand kind to joints. I’d stick with the walking, focus on speeding up and walking further. Most of the benefits without the joint damage.

“I’ve been running for 25 years and my joints are fine thanks”

Which is great. Lots of people, particularly older women, do develop problems, though. I found distance walking the answer.

Thanks for all the messages of encouragement and tips. I went this evening, started run 1 week 1, using Jo Wiley as the coach as someone suggested. I can't say I enjoyed it but certainly felt accomplished once I'd finished it.

Onwards and upwards!

Woop well done!

I did week 2 run 3 today and it was hard work. I'm so out of practice.