In response to Donna 914 and The Devoted Runner regarding Heat Rate

This is week 8 for me , but I am still struggling with a 2 min run folllowed by a 2 min walk. I manage to do 5 kms in this fashion, but have made very little progress compared to many others doing c25k!

I am 59 years of age, and the recommnded MAX HR is 160 beats per minute.

When Iirst started I could bearly run for 30 seconds , and my HR would skyrocket to 160 .

Now when I do 2 mins of running my HR goes to 167 Beats per minute. But I can run for 2 mins non stop!!!!

I run 5 days a week excluding the weekends.

Is this okay? Will I be able to run longer and really complete my 5 K program ? Will by HR drop down or wll I have to continue running at HR in the 160 Plus range ?

Any advise will be appreciated.

Ranji

Hi there, Ranji,

I am not a doctor, so the first thing I would tell you is to consult yours as soon as possible. As far as your concern, I think you may be running too often. Even though you take walking breaks, you shouldn't be running every day of the week. Beginners need to have time off between their runs so their bodies can recover. Your muscles cannot repair the damage caused by running unless you give them a rest. Try reading some more about the importance of rest and follow the c25k program's schedule. You should be running three days a week, not back to back. During two of your non-running days you could be swimming, biking, or doing anything else you enjoy that will not be high impact.

Good luck!