I've had a minute or two, usually near the end, when I've felt yessss, this is that zone thing where you forget you're running and just revel in your body moving and feel high on life (well nearly that feeling, but you know what I mean?). Does that start to happen more often? ( Please say yes).
I was hoping today would feel like that as it was going to be easier wasn't it, what with having done the 20 minuter... But it was such hard work, I couldn't slow down without going backwards, my legs felt heavy and my breathing was all over the place. Perversely I still enjoyed it really, well,after I stopped anyway. But I'm really hoping I start to love it While I'm doing it. Would love to hear how it's been for others. Xx
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Jaqs99
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I found that run hard work too, like you i thought after doing the 20 mins i would feel like the shorter runs were easier..... Don't think i spend much time in the zone yet either, sure we are not alone! But today i changed to a morning run for the last one of the week(as i did on the 20 min run this time last week ) instead of an evening one and it does to me seem that much easier getting out first thing! Conquered the 25 mins and a tiny bit of speeding up in the end! I've been on my feet all day at work and still feeling ok so maybe thats the secret for me, guess everyone is different though. The main thing is we are not giving up and making progress even if it doesn't always feel that way! Sure you will be in the zone more and more as the weeks go by....
Well done on the 25 mins. (And I'm glad not to be alone in finding W6R1 tough.)And a day at work to follow! Respect! I'm retired so can choose when to go out, usually middle of the day, but I might give early morning a try. Yes let's keep hoping the zone makes more frequent appearances
I'm in the same boat - only had a euphoric feeling once after finishing a run on w4 but was hoping I'd be getting into it more by now! Just had my first repeat run for w6r1 as had to have a break during the first attempt it was a toughie!
Hi Pamelamadingdong ( love your name!) Thanks for the reply. Well done for doing the repeat. Sorry it was tough for you too, but also glad it wasn't just me.
So now we need someone to tell us that the elusive EuphoriaFairy will be along shortly and waving her wand over us for 30 mins Anyone?....
Hi Jaqs (oops, sorry!). I found most of week 6 a bit of a struggle, and was again slightly daunted by the prospect of 25 minutes at the end of the week. Having switched to running outside at the beginning of week 7, rather than pounding away on the treadmill, I was able to relax more in week 7, and found the second run of the week fun and relaxed and I guess 'in the zone'. So much so I was overambitious with the sprint at the end of the 25 minutes, knackered my knee and have only just got back to week 7 today after a 3 week layoff.
I think what I'm saying is it will come with time. While your body is still protesting at the cruel and unusual punishment you're inflicting on it you'll notice every ache, twinge and 'oh dear, that didn't sound good!', so it's difficult to relax and just run for the joy of it. It's only once the miles start to rack up that you can really get into it. Slow and steady will definitely win this particular race!
Best wishes for the rest of week 6 and the remaining 11 runs of the programme.
Thanks ETO. (Am used to 'hijacks' hee ) Sorry about your layoff... Sprint!!?? Am putting hands over my ears and going lalalala.
Yeah I see what you mean that the zone thing is more likely to be when you've had chance for your body to get used to what's happening, then I guess your mind can fly off wherever it wants. Can't wait. It is nice to be excited about what it's going to be like.. Thanks again. Best of luck for your runs too, hope the knee doesn't rebel.
I did week 6 run 1 last night and found it hard too. I went after work because it was actually scheduled for this morning (have you seen the weather forecast??!). Morning is my preferred time so maybe that was the reason. As for 'the zone', in my previous running life for me this was mostly likely to happen on longer runs when your feet are almost rhythmic and it feels effortless. Lasts about 2 minutes...
I graduated the programme in September and during that time did have the odd minute of being in the zone. The next few months I consistently ran 3 times a week (with the odd week when it was only twice). I did drop into the zone on occasion but it never lasted long. Since the beginning of January I have been running 3 to 4 times a week and it's happening more and more - but I still feel it's a struggle at times. One of my runs this week being 'in the zone' lasted about 15 minutes then I dropped out of it for a bit but got back in there. Another run the week before was pretty much a bit of a struggle from start to finish.
I wonder if this is partly about speed and how much effort I put in. I am not fast (about 35 minutes for 5k and have been at that speed for months) but to run at that speed has been a fair of an effort for me (maybe my age). I think if I ran at say 38 minutes I would be in the zone more often. So it's taken a fair length of time but seems to be happening now... and it is absolutely great when it happens
And not being in the zone for much of the last 6 months hasn't put me off
Hi Lizziebeth. Thanks for the reply. Good to read how it goes for you. So longer slower runs gives it more chance of happening , but even if not it's still all a good feeling. Great message to get. I'll hang on to that thought
W9R2 was the only zone moment that I had while doing C25k. Since then I have found that most longer runs ie. over 5k, provide those magical, "no effort" sensations. I think that you have to be running well within your capabilities to experience the "zone". While you are still pushing your body and building strength and stamina, I believe you are unlikely to get there, but it is a delight to look forward to.
Thanks Ianoda. That sounds about right. I'm all for getting to a stage where any level of running is comfortable and within my capabilities! I mustn't forget im still pushing myself. Got to believe going to get there. Thanks for the encouragement.
Hi jaqs I run 3 times a week one of them being slightly longer at 45-50 mins On this run I TRY not to think too much about speed ( although it can be hard ) and find cos I am more relaxed i have passages of time when I feel I am floating - so maybe in zone . I think you will find it happens when you least expect it Let us know when you get zoned --not sure there is such a word but you know what I mean
Really interesting to see how many people struggled with W6R1. I really expected it to be easy to drop back to short runs after the long 20 minute one, and was quite disheartened when I found that particular one quite hard going. I arrived at W6R3 pretty convinced that i couldn't do it as I'd found the rest of that week tough - I'm glad that Laura gave me a good talking to at the beginning of the podcast, as she convinced me not to give up, and it turned out I could do it (yes, I even had enough in the tank to up the pace at the end - yay!).
I am really looking forward to getting to that point where I can drift off and enjoy my music and being outside while running rather than concentrating on pusing myself.
I've been "running" (I would only call it jogging, tbh) for over 6 months now. Still takes more than 30 mins to do 5k, but i can carry on for nearly an hour, & get to about 7k in that time. The better feelings definitely come after about 4k. If I'm listening to my language CD's I find I concentrate so hard on those then I forget I'm running, for moments at a time. I think it's hard to get into that zone earlier on, because your body takes so long to get used to it. When I'm doing 6 or 7k I often feel I could carry on for a lot longer by that point. I usually stop just because I'm running out of time & got things to get on with at home. I never would have thought before i started running that you could actually run more easily AFTER several k, so that has been a revelation. Good luck with the programme anyway, I'm sure you'll find it works for you. Just go slowly, pace yourself, and remember it's about stamina not speed
Thanks annasee. That's really good to know. I was beginning to suspect it was only really when you have the stamina for longer jogs. I've been experimenting with listening to audiobooks ( via an app that interrupts with the timing notifications) That seems to work well for a short time, taking my mind off my effort. Thanks for replying.
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