Feel like giving up

[Lisakcm]

I have completed week 6 twice due to not enjoying the 25 min run and finding it so difficult . Went out to do week 7 run 1 and stopped after 11 mins to walk . Now really dreading and not wanting to go out at all . Would it really be that bad if I did 3 X 20 min runs a week until it's comfortable ? 

[harveyemm Graduate]

Well done for getting to week 7.

 I personally think it is a good idea to adapt the program to your own needs--you would be still doing good exercise if you ran for 3 x 20 minutes.  Move along the weeks when you feel you are ready. Many of us have modified the program a bit. You still get fit. Good luck

[Lisakcm in reply to harveyemm]

Thanks for that , much appreciated 😀

[MarkyD Graduate]

Hi Lisa, I think what is important is to get you thinking 'Fun' when you think about running, and not a sense of dread. 

Running could be a part of your life that just becomes an enjoyable hobby. 

And so don't let the C25K schedule of running put you off. Absolutely, if you feel more comfortable running 3 x 20 mins a week, start doing that. At some point, you'll simply start a 20 minute run, feel comfortable and confident that you can finish it OK, and then push on for another few minutes. Before long, you'll be running for 30 minutes regularly, but without all the pressure and self-imposed "must do W8r2 today".

Go out, find a new route. Look at the fields or parks, find a river or canal to run along. Take off the headphones and count how many different bird songs you can hear. Find a wood and try to startle a deer. It's all out there for your enjoyment. Don't beat yourself up.

... And let us all know how you are getting along. Post often

[Lisakcm in reply to MarkyD]

Thanks for that some great tips . Now I feel I the approval from you all I'm feeling better all ready . Cheers 😊

[MarkyD Graduate in reply to Lisakcm]

that is what we are here for!

[Slowstart Graduate]

Hi Lisa, you are doing this for you, not for anyone else. If you feel you want to stick to 3 x 20 minutes for the time being, then that's exactly what you should do. Although running is hard work, and will get easier with more practice, it should never be un-enjoyable. 

This may just  be a blip though. Make sure you get plenty of fluids in you the day before your next run. Eat healthy (lots of veg and protein). Get enough sleep. Decide what you are going to run then do it but try slowing down, then slow down some more. Take it really easy. Just see how it goes.

MarkyD  had some good suggestions with changes to try to get your interest back. Try something different and let us know how you get on. We are all here for you.

[Lisakcm in reply to Slowstart]

Thank you , much appreciated and greatful for the tips 👌

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

The programme is just to get you off the couch. You have done that and some! If 20 minutes feels right for you, then why not. There is nothing magical about 30 minutes or 5k. 

A number of us have reverted to often using run/walk having graduated from the programme. I say it doesn't really matter so long as you are out there doing something!

[Lisakcm in reply to Ullyrunner]

Spot on ! I'm really happy with the replies I was expecting ' no you need to stick with the program' but your all right . I'm off the couch that's the main thing ☺️

[Slowstart Graduate in reply to Lisakcm]

That's right, there should be no pressure to perform. This is about you and how you feel. Going at the pace which is right for you will help you develop those muscles and will hopefully keep you off the IC. C25K is really just aimed to get you moving but it's just not so catchy calling the program, Get Off Your Backside but that's all it's about really. 

[amateurwriter Graduate]

No not at all, you take it at your own pace, it must have took me around 3-4months just to get to week 2 because I didn't feel ready, altogether it took me over 11 months to graduate from the c25k programme, keep going and take it at your own pace,

Well done on getting so far in the programme you are doing so well, don't think you need to keep going on with the programme if you don't feel ready, you're lapping everyone that is on the couch so be proud of that

Take care,

Siobhan x

[yatesco Graduate]

Hey - you are doing really well. Seriously. You have gotten off the coach and are out there actively fighting to get fitter - that is brilliant.

The plan does ramp up significantly in the last third so don't be at all disheartened that you want to stop.

I would ask _why_ you want to stop - is it leg pain? Breathing? etc.? One of the lessons I had to learn on the plan is that I can do far more than I think I can - I just have to slow down, break easy and keep moving.

There is absolutely nothing wrong in doing a few 20 minute runs a week, however, I wouldn't do that just yet. I would take breath, relax and try week 7 run 1 again. You _are_ a week 7 runner, you can do this. It isn't easy _at all_, but you have earned the right to call yourself a week 7 runner.

Why not try that run again, but go _really_ slowly. If you need to stop and walk - that's fine. But try and walk for no more than you need and then crucially, take a breath, relax and then continue the run.

If you do need to walk then why no worries, take a rest day and then try the run again. And repeat until you can do week 7 run 1 without stopping.

I'll say it again as I needed to say it to myself a number of times: SLOW DOWN :-). 

Your choice, but I worry that going to 20x3 a week is a trap you will never get out of - 20 minutes will never be easy enough for you to think you can proceed. And, you earned week 7 - hold onto that with both hands!

Go on, go for it - week 7 run 1, relax, take a deep breath and then go _real_ slow.

Let us know how you get on!

[B0bP Graduate]

Top advice from yatesco .

I too would suggest attempting week 7 again but go really really slowly. If you end up running at walking pace it doesn't matter at all.

Your speed will improve over time but it's not that important.

[GoogleMe Graduate]

Ummmm... where did it say that you'd enjoy all of your runs all of the time? Where did it say it would be easy?

Going out with the attitude "It's OK if I only do 20 minutes" might be a good one...  

1) because you would be out. Frankly whatever thought process gets you as far as in your running stuff and good to go is fine.

2) you know you can do 20 minutes... and you have given yourself 'permission' to only do 20 minutes... so either you'll do 20 minutes and either feel relieved or a little bit frustrated with yourself (either is good) or you'll shake off all the attitude that's built up and do more. I've often found it helpful to tell myself "You don't have to do this" (you have to know yourself, works for some, not for others)

3) when you do get out there, make a point of noticing stuff around you, plan your next post here.

BUT... the programme says do a thing 3 times and then move on... if it is proving that disagreeable than it is probably not the length of your run that needs to be shortened, but something else... almost certainly easing off on the speed, maybe a kinder surface, different routes, not heel striking, smaller steps. 

It doesn't *matter* if you take longer, of course it doesn't, there's definitely no rush and you are getting out there and maybe you do need longer to build up the emotional resources to finish the job and acquire that skill. A lot of people hit a bit of a psychological wall as they get towards the end when some part of them rebels at the thought that actually, the idea is to keep running regularly. Unfortunately that part doesn't label itself clearly.

[LisaRose74]

I started this programme back in September and I have had some real struggles on the way.  When I first did W5R3 I felt dreadful and thought this running lark was not for me.  I went back a couple of weeks and consolidated for a bit.  Then got to week 5 again and it wasn't as bad so moved to week 6 and that first 25 minute run, which was hard but I got through it.  I haven't yet moved to week 7 though, it's taken me this long I am not going to rush it now.  So although you may not have enjoyed it yet, don't feel you have to finish this in 9 weeks,  I think it'll take me 9 months in total.  Each time you are out there you're doing something good and we will get there in the end.  And definitely slow down, I realised I was going too fast to sustain longer runs.  Each time we go up a week we are pushing our bodies harder and it takes some getting used to! 

[poppypug Graduate]

Excellent advice on here as always

Stick at it Lisa, slow and steady , baby steps. Take as long as you like, no pressure . This is very much a mental challenge as well as a physical one . Don't listen to the voices in your head telling you you cant . You can !

A bit of self belief goes a long long way !

Good Luck and keep posting ! xxx