Week 7 has been strange....

[CKC1]

I've just 'completed' week 7, although 'completed' is somewhat of an exaggeration. I've found week 7 the toughest week so far. My first run was on Tuesday evening after a long day at work - I was tired and I really struggled to keep going for 25min. It felt relentless and I hated the music. I ended up taking 3 or 4 short rests, where I walked for around 30 seconds, so felt as if I had failed. My second run, 6am on Thursday before work, was better but again I had to take a few very short breaks - maybe only 15 seconds at a time. Strangely, my Nike + app congratulated me at the end for my PB distance, but I still felt as if I had cheated!

This morning was my third run. As it was Sunday, with no work pressures, I was determined I would complete it properly. I reversed the direction of my circular route for some variety, taking Laura's advice, but again I was tiring early on. I realised that the music definitely wasn't helping, so I gave myself permission to pause at Laura's half-way mark and change the music. The pause was very brief whilst I switched to a radio podcast, then I kept going. The effect was quite dramatic - I slowed down (although didn't realise that until I was home) but I kept going right to the end. I reckon the biggest challenge for me this week has been a mental one - 25min has felt like an eternity, particularly with little encouragement from Laura and that dreadful music. (The music in the early weeks, although not to my taste, felt upbeat and motivational - unlike week 7.)

I'm going on holiday next week for a fortnight. Although I expect it will be very hot (Tennessee rather than Scotland!), my running shoes will be going with me. My plan is to repeat week 7 runs a few times whilst I'm away, and be ready for week 8 when I'm back. (Alternatively I might just eat and drink a lot - but I really don't want to undo the last 7 weeks!!).

[Yummy-mummy2207]

I know what you mean, it is such a mental challenge, but you have a plan to see you through it. Im finding certain songs grating on me now too in my playlist, maybe they need shaking up along with the route as Laura says. Enjoy your holiday and very pleased to hear your dedicated enough to take your shoes with you. Mine are off to Wales with me next week too. Have fun and happy running x

[dottiemay Graduate]

First of all....we do not allow the word 'fail' on this forum!! You went out, you ran, you took a breather, you ran. You tried a different route, you ran....that is not a fail.....

My guess, as you realised yourself, is that you are trying to go too fast. Just slow down, relax, take it easy, you don't get any extra points for speed or distance at this stage, but you're certainly more likely to get injured or terminally demoralised.

If you're finding the podcasts a distraction, don't use them. Either take your own music or better still, just time yourself and use the run to take in your surroundings, enjoy the freedom, think of lovely things, and you might surprise yourself!

Best of luck with the next run!

[cathrynp Graduate]

Whilst I hesitate to recommend the app (it has glitches) you can get a nhs C25k app for smartphones, which I use. You use your own music and Laura will interrupt with her usual advice. If you are finding her useful but their music not (I know that's how I felt) then this could really help. Plus you could still pick a podcast and listen to that for the whole run. Worth a go. Well done on persevering through the week. I'm about to go into wk9 and wk7 was definitely the hardest for me.

[petraj Graduate]

Week 7 was hard for me too. I found the last minute of each run absolute torture and I was really dragging my feet at the end. Also when I slowed to a walk my legs felt quite jelly-like for a bit (which I had not experienced before). I did the week 7 runs 4 times, since I had a week's break due to going away, but also because I was finding it so tough. But don't despair... although I was wondering whether I'd be able to last the 3 extra minutes, my Week 8 Run 1 went brilliantly, and it was the first time I felt relaxed and strong and like a proper runner! Just enjoy it.. it's so much in the mind, but something about reaching Week 8 (and a new time challenge) gives you a new lease of life! Oh, and there's new music.. a lot of it reminds me of Yello - kind of electronic instrumental but quite motivating for a change, but whether that's your bag... who knows!

Have a great holiday, and I hope you can find a nice cool time to go running. We live in south west France which can get pretty hot, and I find the coolest time early morning since the heat doesn't really dissipate in the evenings until after dark.

[CKC1 Graduate]

Thank you for so many encouraging replies! It's so helpful to know that others have found week 7 challenging too - so I'm not giving up!

Dottiemay - you are so right that the word 'fail' should be banned! I am committing never to use the word again! In the same vein as Buzz Lightyear's 'I'm not falling - I'm flying with style!' - my motto shall be 'I'm not failing, I'm just taking a slightly different route to my destination!'.

Thanks for the advice about the app - I didn't know I could change the music and still keep Laura's voice (I'm currently using the podcasts). Although now that I know what lies in the weeks ahead - I'm assuming 3x 28min then 3x 30min runs - I might just use my own iPod playlists and the stopwatch on my phone. (When I graduate -note 'when' and not 'if'! - I'm definitely treating myself to a Garmin.....)