Couch to 5k

Ben Hewer

I have recently returned to running after about 6 years off of all sport due to serious back issues.

I recently started the Couch to 5k programme, thinking it would be a gentle route back. For the first 4 weeks I ran very slowly with my wife (a complete novice runner), and I was running just above walking pace, to help her along. She then had to drop out due to a significant health scare, so I continued on my own. But I started running at my own pace (substantially faster than with with my wife, but still very slow!)

Problem is, I’m now in the penultimate week of the programme, running 28 minutes, and I have nothing in my legs at all. I can barely endure the time, and I’m running really slowly. My legs feel REALLY heavy.

What’s happened? I feel like my body is being haunted by somebody who can’t run anymore!

I’m 55 years old, and have been running most of my life since school, as well as playing lots of football and other sports.

Any help or suggestions would be most welcome!