Week 7 - when does it get easier?!

[clarebear10473]

Have repeated Wk 7 three times now, mostly due to a cold but mostly because I really don't feel comfortable with it. I complete the 25 minutes but I feel like I'm really struggling for breath at the end. Should I keep just trying to do 25 min runs or move on to week 8? Feeling a little frustrated!

[Pigivi]

Hard to say when it gets easier... only yesterday Ejbirdy wrote a post about it

My run today was 'easy' - and ended up doing 7 km, but then last week I had a couple of really hard ones... and I graduated in June - so it is hard to say but don't worry, it does get easier, slow down a little, and see how it goes. In week 8 you will run for 28 minutes, so why don't you try and see how it goes, you can always slow down, and go back to week 7 if you feel you need to. Let us know how it goes!

[clarebear10473 Graduate in reply to Pigivi]

Thanks both..I'll try slowing down (although I didn't think i could get slower!) and try to think about my breathing more. Looks like this will be my last week running outside during the week, starting at the gym soon so no dark runs & feeling vulnerable!

[Pigivi in reply to clarebear10473]

don't worry about being slow... (look at my posts and you'll find one where I wear a t-shirt... revealing my speed

[Tikiczocky Graduate]

Hi Clare. I found the breathing the hardest thing to get to grips with (still not right, but is improving). I posted something about it at the end of week 4 and was advised that I was probably 'running' too fast for my fitness level and, also, that giving it a go without music might help.

So, I slowed it right down (I knew I could walk faster, with much less discomfort...I refer to snails often in my posts) and ditched the music for about 3 weeks. I concentrated on steady breaths (in through nose, where possible) for 3 steps in and 3 steps out (3 seemed to suit me...sometimes four)...someone also recommended belly breathing, rather than chest breathing (I mentioned that I was feeling like I was gasping some of the time). I started this from the warm up walk and tried to continue through the warm down too. I can't say that I find running comfortable yet, but at just a few runs past graduation, I'm starting to feel like comfortable might be achievable, one day!!

As for repeating week 7 again - I slogged on (I'm not sure if that was a good idea or not) as I was desperate to complete the programme and found 28 and 30 minutes every bit as punishing as 25, but felt a real lift at the end, having completed the runs and being that bit closer to graduation. It seems to take me about 15 minutes to begin to find some rhythm (I have to give myself a real talking for about the first 5), another 10 to start to think that things are going okay and then the 'not long now, you can do it' feeling kicks in at about 5 minutes to go...I always run better then and always feel elated at the end!!

I can see that I might sound a little crazy - I do love the 'me-time' and the challenge, though!

Hope this helps some.

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Touch wood I havent had any ailments etc whilst doing C25K hope you are over your cold soon all i can add is trust the program it is as much a mental thing as physical stick with it you will do just fine

[notbad Graduate]

Definitely good advice to slow down and take it to a pace you're more comfortable with. That said I did find the final weeks of the programme challenging myself, it's very much about building fitness at this stage, but as it builds it will become easier (but by then you will probably have your eye on new challenges!)

[runswithdogs Graduate]

I'd push on to week 8. You may still be out of breath, but you won't be frustrated, you'll feel accomplished for pushing that little bit extra. Laura never let me get comfortable