I'm currently at Week 11, run 3 of a 14 week program. (I know they are all slightly different) My last run on Saturday was a major problem. (25m R, 5m W, 15m R).
I found it so tough - I almost gave up a couple of times! I am due to run tonight same as above but a 2 min walk instead of 5 mins. I am starting to over-think it and talking myself out of going.
The gremlins have already started saying that I can't do it - it's too much. When I look at the next weeks worth of runs they just seem impossible.
I'm trying to rationalise in my mind reasons why it was much harder on the last run and telling myself I can do it etc - but it's not working....
Anyone else on the B210K have moments like this? Any advise?
Written by
Sarah-A
Graduate10
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I have reached 10k but an organised run, walk programme did not work for me. I graduated from C25k around 28 weeks ago now and started with 30 mins, then did a 5k, moved to 3 X 5k for several weeks, managed a 5.5k, 6, 7, 8 and then a 10k. I just did 2 X 5k a week and a "long run" once a week. I am stubborn though, I feel if I walk, I have failed the run! Just didn't want to go back to recovery walks! Plus found tempo runs tremendously hard on my legs and preferred to be setting my own programme so I could adjust it up or down depending on how my legs were feeling. Julie
I'm not an expert, and I'm sure the plan you're following has been well and scientifically thought through, but I have my doubts about it.
Putting Galloway run/walk methods to one side, I always find it much harder to start running after a break than carrying on running. When I worked to 10K, I just set out to find the right pace that I could comfortably maintain. Perhaps I was lucky, but I found that pace easily and quickly. I'd set out to see if I could do the 8k run that an Asics 10K training plan called for, having run a maximum of 5.5K before. I had a lovely comfortable rhythm going, and as I approached 8K I was amazed at how good I felt, and decided to carry on. I got to 10K without any distress, and repeated it a week later - and that was it, I could run 10K.
I suspect that the transition from 5 to 10K is more mental than physical, as long as you don't overextend yourself. Trust in your own knowledge of your body and your own judgement.
Is there anyone who you can run with? I think it can be much easier with the encouragement and pacing of someone else.
Me too, I just don't want to walk,mi would rather plod on and on as walking seems to knock my stride. I have a regular pace and starting up after walking just seems harder because when I rest, I want to stop! It is about being flexible too, I don't want a programme to tell me to push harder when my legs are saying "this is too much"! Maybe I am just a rebel, sure programmes work well for many people, just not me! Julie
We all had similar moments on the c25k programm. The advice we received (and now give!) was to take it slowly and just plod on. Or if someone really couldn't face it they can repeat a run or a week. Most of us aren't in this for the competition but for us. It's supposed to be fun.
Some people need the structure of a running program but there's no law saying you have to do it in the allocated time!
just take as long as you want repeat it if you want too. But i think the run/walk thing is the issue as others have said. How do you feel when you are running? do you feel you have to stop when the walking section is suppose to start?
I personally would start again, unless you have any race coming up or such. But start again and build up .5 each week. so this week 5k next week 5.5k then 6k etc! your be running 10k in no time.
Like others, I also find run/ walk does not work for me. I went from 3 x5k runs a week to 2 x 5k runs and 1 longer run. Recommendation is not to increase the long run by more than 10% a week but is just a guide. I think it is all about finding what works for you rather than thinking you can't do it. - of course you can😀. Good luck.
There is no rule that says you have to stick rigidly the plan or Even repeat runs or weeks or go off plan..
The important thing is to find what works for you and what you enjoy ...
Everyone has their own ideas and ways of acheiving the same thing but that is the point we are all different
Half the battle is really getting the mental side right, I know I have been there , worked through it and came out stronger for it
Take a step back if need be or some extra rest days then just go for a run , no program no stats see how it feels then go from there
I am sure this is just a blip , it happens and that you will go on to your 10k
Thanks for the advise. I went last night and completed it although my calves were really tight and painful. I also ended up with numb/pins and needles in my feet. (I think my trainers were perhaps a bit tight).
Lots of people look at B210k programmes but, over the 2 years I've been on this forum, lots of people have reported picking up injuries. Oftentimes they are just too much too soon. Not_so_slow_rob recently got to 10k after injury by increasing the distance run very very gradually, making sure he consolidated regularly so his muscles got used to the extra effort being demanded of them. This, to me, seems like the best way to do it. Perhaps, if we ask nicely, he'll produce his own safe B210k programme.
Having completed C25k you know the importance of all the little victories that you celebrated as you progressed to graduation. Moving on to longer distances can be difficult because there seem to be fewer of these and it is more exhausting. I took one look at a 10k plan and decided that the first run of 6k was beyond me and so I followed the 10% rule, varied my routes and arrived at 10k with the satisfaction of knowing I had done it by myself.
10k is now my favourite distance, because it requires no special preparation or need to carry water or nutrition and it doesn't leave me too exhausted to do other stuff on the same day. You need to keep enjoying your running. Don't turn it into a goal orientated slog. My best runs are always those when I am running in unfamiliar surroundings, with no ideas of target times or distances. Discover this beautiful world and forget about trying to hit 10k and then it will just happen.
Yes, I think those 10 KM plans are more for people preparing for a race rather than those who just want to get to 10 KM (Just my personal opinion) . I'm not keen on walk breaks either, I find it hard to get going again.I abandoned my plan at about the same place as you, it suddenly asked me to make to big a leap, up to 7 KM then 9....the 10 % rule is a good way to go, or just do it at your own pace, a little further each week as you feel comfortable with. You'll get there...
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