Third week struggles

[Lizscorey]

Hi all. New to this as suggested by my good pal Alison. Any suggestions on how to keep going - currently on week three, about to start week four and have been struggling. Sure it's not just the heat. Anyone offer any words of wisdom?

[Natasha-H Graduate]

I really don't think the heat helps but I have found that having my own music helps, I use the American C25k app which lets you chose your own music and that gives me a bit of a lift....apart from that, try not to question it too much, just keep doing it! Maybe sign up for a race or run with someone? Have to say I'm struggling at the moment, just completed week 8 run 2 and feel like I'm losing my mojo too, so would be interested to see what others say. Good luck with it.

[Sandraj39 Graduate]

How many rest days are you taking? Sometimes taking two works better if you're finding runs a bit tough - gives your body that bit longer to recover! Also, try slowing up. Of course, coming on here for lots of support and encouragement is bound to get you moving too😉! Remember too, that we all get bad runs sometimes - tiredness, stress, fighting off illness, can all effect our running. And this weather is a big factor for a lot of us at the moment. I was woeful this morning!! Hope your next run goes better for you🙂.

[runswithdogs Graduate]

You're doing fine. Keep going. Each week felt hard to me, but you're increasing what you're asking from it a lot. If you don't believe me, throw in week 1 again and see how different it feels now.

[Irish-John Graduate]

No shame or failure in repeating a stage, i had to several times. It's about progress, not perfection really. What helps me immensely is 'slow down...then slow down some more'. It's amazing how one can start running too fast without realizing it, or tensing up so that your gait is unnatural and wears you out. Read as many posts as possible also - not only will you pick up some tips but you also get to know what is 'normal' at whatever stage you are at and what might not be. Main thing is to trust the programme - especially those Rest days. Hang in there

[melly4012 Graduate]

Hi and welcome! How have you been struggling? Aches/pains, motivation, belief? As I'm not quite sure I'm going to let you know of every motivational trick I can think of!

First, I would say slow down. Those first few weeks we all run much much faster than we should. We you think you've slowed down enough, take it down a gear and that's probably a better pace.

Like you've already identified - it's hot out there at the moment! Go out at times when it's a bit cooler (early morning or late evening) and make sure you are well hydrated before and after your runs.

Make sure you do your stretches to help your muscles.

Take more than one rest day should you need and remember it's ok to repeat runs too if you can't quite manage one the first time round.

Are you listening to the podcasts? Laura is great, she knows it all and should be listened to!

Treat yourself to some snazzy running gear that you REALLY want to wear and hang it up somewhere that you can see it so you'll want to go out in it.

Lastly, post here! Let us know how you're getting on after your runs! Let us know when you're planning on going out so we can expect a post afterwards - you will reach a point where you don't want to let the forum down Also, read the forum often for inspiration from some pretty incredible people. If we can all make it through, you can too!

[McFitty Graduate]

Week 3 was my nemesis and I repeated it because I didn'the think I was up for running for any longer. I now know I probably couled have but repeating it was right for me. Also my legs felt leaden and the two best bits of advice I had were to drink plenty before you run and run slower. No, I mean slower. NO YOU CAN GO SLOWER THAN THAT! And don't be afraid to ask questions. Good luck with your next run

[Allydee Graduate]

Hi Liz, glad you found the forum!!!! There's always brilliant advice and support here - I couldn't have finished the programme without it!!! And, you get the added bonus of a graduation 'badge' when you finish... I was stupidly excited about that!!!!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

You are going to hear this a lot... slow and really really steady.

Your journey, at your pace and in your own time. Enjoy the programme. take the rough with the smooth, and follow it carefully. Make sure you take your rest days, take more than a day if you need to.

Strength and Flex exercises can help too..early runs??? Hope it sorts for you...

[dddd4 Graduate]

Hi, I too found week 3 and week 4 quite hard and had to repeat some runs. Also ended up with extra rest days as life got in the way. All this set me up for a better week 5. Don't give up, keep posting and we will all be there cheering you on. Go slow, make sure you have had plenty to drink a while before you set off, stretch when you get back, take an extra rest day and tell yourself you can achieve it. Laura on the nhs podcasts will help keep you on track and her music which is not to everyone's taste helps to keep your pace. Good luck!

[Lizscorey Graduate]

Thank you all. Slower, yes slower than that and water before a run. Will try both those. And will not be shamed if I need to repeat a week. Thanks x

[Hidden]

Welcome to the forum!! Don't give up to have been so much already. Slow and steady

[poppypug Graduate]

Welcome aboard !

Yes , keep going . The weather is very humid and it can drain the energy out of you . Lots of us are feeling it . Some runs will be good and some not so good , but every one is building stamina .

You can do this ! Take extra rest days if needs be , no pressure .

Slow, steady , believe ..... xxx

[Lizscorey Graduate]

Woo hoo. Much better this morning. I even finished thinking I could do a little more. Thank you all for the advice and ooh isn't it nice to run in the rain