I got to week 7, did it twice but now I seem to be going backwards. Third run of week 7 I could only manage 20 minutes, tried it again but only 16 minutes. I decided to go back to week 6 but I couldn't even run for the last 5 minutes.......
Has anyone else had this and what did you do to get past this......I really dont want to go back to week 1!
If you are suddenly finding you can't go on then you are probably pushing too hard. Slow down. Just remember, you got to week 7 and ran 25 minutes twice, so you know you can do it. Those last few weeks of C25k are a real mental challenge and you will have to dig deep. Why not give yourself a longer rest period between runs, make sure that you are well fuelled and hydrated and also relaxed and have another go at Week 6. You can do it, so don't make it into anything too big in your mind. Then you can tick it off and move on. Good luck.
Oh -- You have the "I've done it once , so I know that I can do it - but I didn't enjoy it much so I don't really want to do it again" Gremlin sitting on your left shoulder.
Have a bit of a rest for a few days maybe -- do something else fitnesswise in the meantime ( maybe go for a nice LONG walk?) . He will get bored and will go away after a short while - then you can get on with what you have to do.
Slow down and drop back on the pace. I suspect that it's a lot to do with your mental strength as well. Week 7 is continuous running so why not make a play list that is the right length for the run and try that. Sometimes my fave tunes give me the lift I need 
Well done on getting to week 7 I also found the whole couch to 5K a little hard and had to go back a week and repeat on several occasions. Also running every other day was a bit much for me (wrong side of 40) so after a run I had two days off instead of one. My thinking was better this than quitting because I can't do it. It took longer than 9 weeks to complete the course but so what! Listening to the pod cast was also helpful. Hope this helps.
Thanks everyone, went for a 5 mile walk yesterday and will be doing week 6 tomorrow to get back on track. Think the mental gremlin may be pecking but I will ignore it!
Take it nice and easy, you can do this you have already done the preparation for it. Try a different route and maybe your own music. Start off a bit slower too and build up to a comfortable speed when you are ready. I've been running for over 3 years now and still find some days I hit a brick wall (metaphorically) you just have to think nice thoughts and you will get past these hurdles. Good luck, let us know how you get on, graduate badge is just a few runs away.
Hey Teebeee. Well done on completing the first 6 weeks - great achievement.
Your body and brain may be rebelling a bit if you weren't used to running/exercise before C25k, or perhaps the elation of running solidly for the first time seemed like you'd made it. I know it was a little like that for me.
You've proved you can run non-stop and if you want to continue, there's no reason to go back to week 1.
Slowing your pace can help as can some deeper breaths while you are running, big enough to really fill your lungs as your body will thank you for that lovely hit of oxygen.
I'd suggest whatever the reason, change something - maybe the route you run or just the time of day.
When you do next run, leave any thoughts of time and distance at the door and just go for a run.
There's no pressure to achieve each of the week 7 runs to schedule and sometimes it's more enjoyable to do it on your own terms and to your own schedule.
And if you do find yourself struggling, there's a phrase in one of the post-graduation pod-casts that might help.
"Listen to your body but don't let your mind make you lazy... the reward you get from challenging yourself and winning is worth it".
Good luck and enjoy your running.
Struggling...
I'm new to this
Struggling
Help I'm struggling!
I'M DONE!
