Week 6 complete

[Aimeek]

Yesterday I completed the third and final run of week 6. My feelings on week 6 are mixed, I found runs 1 and 2 hard going especially as I experienced stitch pain and an achey, heavy feeling in my lower calves. However I felt I had really progressed when I completed run 2 of the week as this was the last interval run of the programme - even if I did feel slightly scared about the long runs that lay ahead.

I really didn't want to do run 3 this week, whilst I completed the 20 minute run on week 5 it definitely wasn't easy. I still couldn't shake the feeling that I wasn't a proper runner, especially as I sometimes feel my running is so slow, I struggle with my breathing and when stitch pain strikes it leaves me feeling deflated.

Somehow I managed to get myself out of the door for the final run of the week, as it was a nice day I decided to take a more public route and did 2 laps of a field and then moved onto my normal road route. To my surprise this was the best run of the programme so far, I felt like my pace was good and for the first time I set into a good breathing pattern, my legs didn't hurt and I had the most minor of stitch pains. Towards the end of the run I was feeling so good I decided to veer off the road and run up a big hill, I reached the bottom of the hill just in time for laura to tell me it was the last minute of the run and if I was feeling good I could try pushing myself, so I ran faster for the last 60 seconds.

I can't believe I felt so good on a 25 minute run, at the end of the podcast Laura told me I was a runner and for the first time I really felt like one. This run has given me a great confidence boost for the final 3 weeks....I'm hoping it's not just a fluke and that I still feel as good on my next 25 minute run

[Beek Graduate]

WELL DONE YOU! It won't be a fluke. Take advantage of the confidence. Mind over matter and all that! I'm sure you'll feel good on you next run!

[Aimeek in reply to Beek]

Thank you! Definitely going to stay positive for my next run

[Crismatlotta Graduate]

Well done! I am so looking forward to hearing Laura say that I am a runner, must feel brilliant. Also well done you for speeding up in the last minute!

[gdeann Graduate]

Welcome to week 7!!!!! Try drinking more water the day of your run. Sometimes that will help with stitch to be properly hydrated. I remember my legs feeling like concrete as I progressed through C25K. Eventually, as you build strength, it will get better. Keep running, you're doing great! Gayle