Mental block!!!

[cmcadams]

I've just done W9r2 and I am getting slower and really struggling. What should I do to be getting better at running rather than struggling through it. Advice please

[sizexm Graduate]

Hey, you have done W9r2? Great achievement, be proud! I am afraid the only way is to go even more slowly and forget about distances for a while. That's my post-graduation plan now, after I just barely survived the last run. You might want to struggle through the last run now that you have come so far, but try do go really slowly. Good luck!

[helenprev Graduate]

I just came in from W9R2 as well! Woohoo! We rock!

Having said that, I found it a bit of a struggle today too. Run 1 was wonderful and today just felt more of a slog. The last 10 minutes I was just wishing the whole thing over. But I made it to the end and so did you! We only have one run to go before we get our shiny badges!

No advice I'm afraid, just solidarity. And breakfast. (I didn't eat before I went out today because I thought if I sat down at all I just wouldn't go! )

[Rignold]

run regularly.

[Steve_L Graduate]

What Rig said. While you've done brilliantly to get to where you are on the plan, you haven't actually run that much yet. Be patient, don't worry about your "performance" and just get used to running. It will come to you faster than you think.

[GettingFitter Graduate]

Well done just one away from graduation. Don't worry too much about pace at the moment. Get the 30 minutes done and then you can run 3 times a week. I favour one long run (slow), one intervals session and one 5k run where I try harder. I found the NHS C25K+ podcasts good for increasing speed. One is called speed and uses intervals but is a shorter run. Cross training too can also help. Good luck with your last C25K run!

[Coddfish Graduate]

Some runs are better than others, sometimes you are in a groove and sometimes not. According to my stats on run keeper, it took me until 2 weeks ago to run a faster 3-5k run than my w8r2 back in February, so whilst I have increased distance, my pace has plateaued. This only important thing is that you completed the run, as I am sure you will complete w9r3. After that, you may find a sudden improvement, or you might struggle - either way, as Rignold says, the solution is regular running. celebrate your success!

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

Just keep practising! You have done great to complete W9 R2! Just keep going and it will get easier.

[rmnsuk Graduate]

it'll come. I knocked 4 minutes off my 5k time over the three months post graduation. That was just running, some intervals, and a couple of hill sessions (they were tough). I'm on holiday at the moment and everything seemed to come together. I've done lots of runs and it's getting easier.

[goonkeepgoing Graduate in reply to rmnsuk]

Yep - I agree as I have a similar level of improvement. Also, if you are never destined to be a fast runner then concentrate on distance and over time the 5k duration will naturally improve anyway. It is difficult to appreciate when you are so close to 'the end' that really it is just the beginning

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Laura has called you a runner and all on this forum respect you as a runner, but to be brutally frank you have probably only been doing this thing for a couple of months or so and graduation will not suddenly transform you into a marathon running superstar. Look where you have come through the programme and be proud. I have been running two years and still consider myself a beginner, but I can now run distances and speeds which way exceed my expectations of C25k. There is no quick fix. As others say, just keep up the habit, don't get too hung up on stats and enjoy your running. The benefits are enormous and worth sticking out for, even when one run goes badly.

[cmcadams Graduate]

Thanks everyone I really appreciate. All your replies. I've decided it's like learning to drive once you pass your driving test ( in our case graduate ) you only then start to really learn your driving skills ( our case running) OR as my friend put it I'm a little stocky pony. ( she didn't say it quite as nice) Not a thoroughbred but keep trotting