struggling with my runs

[carerof]

I completed all the runs in week seven no problems now i have twice struggled to complete week 8 runs and today i even struggled with 25mins i am at a loss as to why this is happening any ideas would be helpful.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

You are still asking more of your body each week, so be easy on yourself. You might try slowing your pace as you increase your duration on run 1, then try to gently up the pace for the next two runs at that duration. You might need an extra day between runs every now and then, just to recuperate. There can be a multitude of other things in our lives that can affect our running, which are difficult to pin down, so don't worry about it and relax. You have done brilliantly to get here and some runs are hard, but keep pushing on and I promise it will get easier.

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Are you taking a rest day between each run? You may need to take an extra rest day to help you recover. Perhaps think about doing some swimming, cycling or walking on your rest day to help your body crosstrain/give your running muscles a break.

Also, consider your routes. If you are running on a treadmill or following the same route each time, you may be getting bored. It's easier to mentally cope with being on a treadmill or the same route for the shorter runs. Try different routes (maybe add some hills in?), and different surfaces (eg road, pavement, grass) to help break up the monotony. The additional benefit will be that it will challenge your fitness further.

[misswobble Graduate]

It happens to me a lot! I am 56 so it could be something to do with it. LOL Bad runs for no explicable reason, just the body saying "no way Jose!"

You will do it though. There is no doubt about it so don't think about giving up. You're nearly there. Running varying routes is a good plan as your body can get used to doing the same thing so needs a kick up the bottom by confusing it by switching to a new route. Makes life much more interesting does a change of scene

Happy running. Let us know how it goes

[ju-ju- Graduate]

This is normal, so rest and keep going and you will be amazed at your progress... Little steps... Giant leaps...

[waletta Graduate]

As everyone has already said. Definitely relax. I've found that my run is much harder when I clock watch. Try to distract yourself.

[Anniemurph Graduate]

As the runs got longer I needed an extra day between them to recover (being middle-aged and very over-weight). But you will get there! Try varying the route, distracting yourself, taking it steady as people up above have suggested. Good luck, and let us know how you get on