Week 9

[redcat123]

Hi. I am halfway through week 9 and I am finding it really hard. For the first time, my mind is telling me "you can't do this", especially after only 10 minutes - despite having run for 30 minutes 2 days ago. I am covering about 4K at the moment during the podcast but another 1k seems a long way. Any tips please ? Thanks

[JoolieB1 Graduate]

I still find the first 10 minutes tough and a bit of a slog, after that, I relax into it and just keep plodding. I wouldn't worry at all about doing 5k or doing it in 30 minutes, just focus on your run time. Once u get ur pace comfortable, you could just run a little longer and definitely manage 5k once u graduate! Julie

[LauraLouP Graduate]

Don't worry about distance. And tell those gremlins to do one!! 😀 If you're half way through week 9 then you are running for 30 mins without stopping. It's not you can do this but you have done it!!!! Well done!!

I still run 5 months in with Laura in my ear from week 9 r3 and I think I hate her the most at the 10 min mark - still. I've run for 30 mins countless times and know I can do it but when she pipes up at 10 mins and tells me I might be tired and to slow down there is still 20 mins to go I want to tell her to shut up!!!

Anyway, keep going you are doing it, have down it and will finish it. Graduation beckons. Well done 😀

[Big-Andy Graduate]

Don't worry about the distance covered. Iys all about time spent running. Also slow down and see how ot goes.

[Sandraj39 Graduate]

You can do it! You are almost there. Very few people complete the programme running 5k in 30mins. The program's real goal is to get you running for 30 min stretches . If it's any consolation, I am now running up to 10k and I still get the "10 minute gremlins" !

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

Nearly there! You know you can do this, and each time you do should build your confidence. You just have to keep plodding away!

Speed doesn't matter - it's sounds as if you are doing just great. Hope you are planning something special for that graduation run - new route perhaps?

[XFNutty Graduate]

I know exactly how you feel and I've had a couple of bad run on my W8R3 and W9R1. Keep focusing on graduating and doing that 30 minutes no matter how slow - that's what I'm trying to tell myself at least! I'm hopefully going to do a full Week 9 next week. I think some of it is apprehension of not being sure what comes next (even if we all know that our next goal is to do the 5k etc). You can do it!

[JaySeeSkinny Graduate]

I'm in a similar situation, just run W9R2 and the first 10 minutes was thinking my legs feel like lead, my shoes are made of bricks, how on earth can I run a full 30 mins. I'm at a similar speed to you, 4.1 k in 30 mins. I was annoyed at myself as I actually ran a full 5 k 2 days ago. But experience says it never gets any easier, you just get faster or can run longer. Graduation in sight - well done for coming so far!

[beatricerose Graduate]

I hate the first 10 minutes of a run! Sometimes I like to listen to some motivating music playlists to get me through and stop thinking about my legs/breathing/how much further I have to run. If you are just doing 30 minute runs now you may find you benefit from the freedom of running to your own music if you like that kind of thing rather than Laura? It doesn't work for everyone. I just ran without music today and definitely felt the 10 minute 'dead legs' and utter lack of motivation. Somehow felt rejuvenated at 20 minutes though so its just getting through that horrible stage!

[redcat123]

Thank you very much for all your comments. It is gratifying to know that I am not the only one who struggles for the first 10 minutes. I keep telling myself that I have made a HUGH amount of progress since week 1. I think I will keep doing my week 9 runs for a couple more weeks until perhaps go onto the C2K+ .

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

Sounds like a plan redcat. The more you do the 30 min runs the easier it gets..somehow. You accept the first part is tough but once your breathing relaxes then the rest is just great. No need for speed, hold back at the start to keep something in your tank for the end.

I havent run for less than 30 mins since graduating just because I Can..

C25k + is good too...

Enjoy your graduation run.

[HelsbelswhatamIdoing Graduate]

You are soooo near, you can do it. I'm at the same place as you. Forget the distance, I was fretting about that last week and got lots of support saying the same as to you, it's about stamina and keeping going for 30mins, not running 5km. That can be your next challenge if you want it to be. Go girl!

[redcat123]

Thank you very much. I have run 3 x 30 mins for the last couple of week s and average about 3.8km. I might try the "stepping stones" next .