Epic fail. Well, moderate fail at least!!

[niconeill]

Just done W6R3 - 25 mins running. Except I didn't. At about 15 mins I had to walk for 2 mins, then completed. I'm not beating myself up too much because this is my first fail, but 25 minutes is really hard, and there are no short runs left in the plan. Any tips for making it through the last 3 weeks??

[annasee Graduate]

Slow down! It's the only answer i know, but has worked for me. You'll get there in the end, just make your pace really slow so you don't get breathless. Remember the first 10 mins are the worst. Once you're past that, you've done the worst bit, now you just have to plod on...

[niconeill Graduate in reply to annasee]

Thanks, although I don't think I can go any slower!! I've just been reading through here about people running at 8, 9 and 10 on the treadmill. All I can say to that is wow!!! I'm struggling to do 4! I'm sure, as many people imply, most barriers are mental ones! I actually find the first 10 minutes ok, the last 5 minutes the easiest as I know I'm getting to the end. It's that middle 10 that's the killer! Need to get my head right I think!

[annasee Graduate]

Ah, well I know nothing about treadmills - all my running has been on local streets. I can only say that the diversions of running outside probably help the time to pass! Though for the first time I ran on a few bits of grassy verges last week - don't think I'll do that again as it makes the shock of running on pavement afterwards really bad. If you've only been on a treadmill, could you try running outside for the variety factor? It might get you through the boring part in the middle of the run.

[Anniemurph Graduate]

No, there's no such thing as a fail. You ran - that's a success. Take it slowly, and focus on other things - that's the only thing that works for me! I'm afraid I can't comment about running on the treadmill because I hate the things so my distraction techniques are all for outdoors - 'just to that next lamp-post', 'what have no. 23 done to their garden?', 'ooh, look lively, there's another runner coming towards me!' etc. Do you watch the TV? Might that help? But don't worry, slow is fine - you'll get there. Good luck, and keep posting to let us know how it goes

[Hidden]

Anniemurph is correct, no such thing as a fail, just think back to even 3 weeks ago, could you have imagined yourself running for 15 minutes straight , never mind the fact that out of 25 minutes running you only had to take a 2 minute walk.

Distraction is important try setting yourself small targets as well during the run, but also relax and try to enjoy the experience, I know this can be hard when your legs feel like lead weights but the thought of how much good you are doing to your health, plus the fact that after 25 minutes you get to relax with a nice wind down walk and then treat yourself to a nice warm shower or even relax with a good soak in the bath.

Never forget how far you have come in 6 weeks, it's still not a long time really and you have achieved so much already.

Keep it up and roll on week seven.

[A1nsworth Graduate]

I have just done week 9 run one.Like you I have done it all on the treadmill,and I think the answer is def to slow down.I wonder at what point I will enjoy my runs because as yet I don't.To run 25 is so hard,and you certainly haven't failed.As for going too slow.Its hard to believe that people run at 10 11 12.I run at average speed of 6.7.It doesn't matter what speed you go at,just get there.You will do it.keep posting

[theriddler]

Really don't compare your speed to others - unless you're in competition training, speed doesn't matter at this stage - that's why the podcasts are all about time and not distance (despite their name).

Once you are running 30 mins regularly then you can worry about speed - but until then, everyone is different. People with long strides will naturally go quicker than you.

[arlenet4]

I'm currently at week seven. I can tell you that I don't find easy the 25 minutes run. I did the 25 m w6r3 and was more easy that the 25 of w7r1, you know why? I was reeeeeally scared of the 25 min run, so I desided to change the place I was running. I went to a botanic garden that day...the road was more difficult that my usual rute (it had hills) but I was so distracted with the settings that I almost forgot I was running. Laura at week seven recommend you that, that you change ambient to avoid boredom.

[niconeill Graduate]

Thanks all. I think I was just really disappointed with myself. Every run has been unbelievably hard, but I've managed to do it and this time I didn't. Everyone is right - I know I've come a long way, not because it ever feels any easier but because I never thought I'd be able to run for 20 minutes. Second attempt at 25 minutes in the morning. Hopefully will be buzzing when I let you know I completed it! I run at the gym so I can do other things too. I always do a couple of slow miles on the bike afterwards, almost as a cool down and on the days or evenings when I'm not working I have a swim and sit in the Jacuzzi after. The plan is to graduate on the treadmill cos that's where I started, then learn to run outside. And possibly look at speed in about 3 years - that's definitely last on the list! Thanks again!

[Likkleidiot]

All I can add to the good advice already given is..some days are harder than others but stopping to walk for 2 mins isn't a fail..it's part of a runners tools...most runners will walk at some point..it's all about speed of recovery..it won't be too long when you just slow down to recover..then as if by magic you don't even slow down....You will get there...I was 4 stone over weight when I started the couch to 5k 1 year ago and I hated running before I starated it...now I'm still over weight by 2 stones..but did my longest training run this Sunday 35K/22 Miles..which took me 4hr 15mins...and I can tell you that once your body gets used to the repetition of running then distance will seem like no obsticle..good luck and keep moving

[niconeill Graduate]

Just back from the gym. I did the 25 minutes. It nearly killed me (as it always does) but I did it! I even ran an extra 5 minutes after the cool down walk because I couldn't get straight on the bike as someone else was on it (how rude)! I too am overweight - just by the odd 8 stone or so. (According to the bmi charts, I'm morbidly dead)!! Haven't lost an ounce since I started this, but I'm not doing it for that (which is obviously a good job)! I do look around sometimes and wonder how people would be doing with an extra 4 or 5 stone in a ruck sack on their back whilst they're running away. When I was thin (all those years ago) I never gave much credence to how much harder heavier people have to work to do the same exercise. Anyway onwards and upwards. Feeling great till I think I have to do it all again in two days!!!!

[Natalie01 Graduate]

You are amazing...i hadn't thought about it like that, i should lose 4 stone according to the damn chart but i'll be happy with 2 and think what an extra workout we are doing! Wish i had a jacuzzi for afterwards!

[niconeill Graduate in reply to Natalie01]

I hate everything about the gym except that lovely Jacuzzi!! Just completed W7R2 on the treadmill, 3.5 miles on the bike, a slow, gentle 30 lengths, and 10 mins in the lovely warm bubbles! The second 10 minutes of the run is still the killer, but for me it's definitely psychological, and the thought of relaxing afterwards certainly helps!

[jewel11578]

I'm finding w6r3 hard I can only do 20mins but will keep pushing myself until I can complete this run. I have to keep reminding myself how well I have done so far. So good luck to you with this run.