Starting to panic!

[GazJ2k]

I can't do week 9 graduation run. Haven't made it past the half way stage on two occasions. Got a 5k event that I am being sponsored for and I keep breaking after 15 minutes even though I have done it twice before! Wanna scream!

[poppypug Graduate]

Cut yourself a bit of slack here Gaz, you can do it , you've done it twice before .

What is it that makes you stop do you think ? Are you in pain at all ? xxx

[GazJ2k Graduate in reply to poppypug]

I'm not in pain just can't seem to catch my breath. Might be the colder air I'm honestly not sure. I need to do it so I can go into the Mo Run with confidence.

[JoolieB1 Graduate in reply to GazJ2k]

If it's a breathing issue, I would recommend slowing right down. You should be able to run and talk, maybe your fitness has increased and without realising you are running faster. Slow is fine, just do the time!!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Slow down.... breathe.... don't panic. Just slow down, it really isn't a race...

Take it steady and complete the 5K... You are not being sponsored to do it in a specific time are you ?

As poppypug says.. you have done this twice. Just believe in yourself and go for it

[GazJ2k Graduate]

I know. I'm going to go slow tomorrow and smash it.

[Millsie-J Graduate]

Too much pressure Im thinking! Take one thing at a time. You CAN run for 30 mins, you have done it twice already. So go out there and do it again, we are waiting for a parrrrrty! 😀🏃🏻

Take it slow and steady. You are ready for this, you have done the hard work and the programme has prepared you. Now its time to graduate and get your shiny badge.

Do that first.

After that you can work on the 5k. Which you will do even if you need to slow slow slow down in parts! Come on GazJ2k , we know you have this! Remember you never run alone with this forum 👍🏼🏃🏻

[GazJ2k Graduate in reply to Millsie-J]

Cheers Jacs. Decided I'm going to run a new route tomorrow as it may be in my head when I get to certain checkpoints - hoping this time tomorrow I'm partying!

[Millsie-J Graduate in reply to GazJ2k]

Be kind to yourself, try to choose a flat route with no surprises. Then get out there and enjoy, the shiny badge is waiting for you. Go get it Runner!

[runswithdogs Graduate]

Hey - you're fine. Just consciously slow down in the first half, even more as you get to the halfway mark. Pick an easy route, I have a special all downhill one for these occasions.

Don't worry about your race. Just keep it slow at the start because it's easy to go too fast in the excitement. And if you have to walk, that's fine! I often still do. You'll be great. Don't worry.

[1903 Graduate]

Like everyone says slow down to the slowest possible pace and pick an easy route. Then imagine how good you'll feel posting on here when you've done it. That thought was what kept me going and helped me beat the gremlins. And a change of route helped. Good luck for next time you can do it

[RunningGeek Graduate]

Relax & remember running is at least 50% attitude! Your 2 practice runs will have helped you. Have you slowed down? I know I can run too fast to maintain the pace and finish the time maybe you are doing this even if unconsciously. If you end up with another practice run so be it but get out there after your rest day and see what happens. Happy running

[orchards Graduate]

See how slow you can go and keep it that slow. Find something else to think about or look at - diversion will help stop you getting tense so will help your breathing. And if you think colder air is affecting you check that what you are wearing is right for the temperature outside - I've found that makes a difference to me. You can do it!

[poppypug Graduate]

You can do this Gaz, you've got it in you to complete this run , you've done it already

Find a new route and go for it . Tell yourself before you start that this time you are going to complete it, and NOTHING is going to stop you .

Good Luck , go out there and smash it ! xxx

[GazJ2k Graduate in reply to poppypug]

Yeah I am in the right mindset now. I'm going to run along the beach tomorrow along the path and try and avoid any hills. I am doing this!

[poppypug Graduate in reply to GazJ2k]

Great stuff !

Graduation Run along the beach - Fantastic xxx

[GazJ2k Graduate in reply to poppypug]

I can't let down my beach ha

[poppypug Graduate in reply to GazJ2k]

Ha ha ! xxx

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Relax, enjoy it and take off the pressure. Your brain is the biggest hurdle.

[Von99 Graduate]

It's weird reading this, I have completed week 9 runs 1 & 2 but I have a complete block about doing my graduation run. I keep making excuses not to go out, I'm tired, it's windy, it's raining, it's Monday... I just can't face doing it and failing I think. I've never found any of the runs easy and I am ridiculously slow. I think I just don't feel as if I am good enough to graduate.

[GazJ2k Graduate in reply to Von99]

Von. Do it tomorrow. I am doing it and I won't stop until I see 30 mins has elapsed. Believe in yourself

[Von99 Graduate in reply to GazJ2k]

Ok Gaz, I will go for it with you! Husband has also been trying to motivate me and I've given myself a 'talking to'. I will go after work tonight. Good luck, we can do this! Let me know how you get on.

[Hidden]

Go for it! Just jump on those gremlins getting in the way. And wear a scarf or neck warmer to keep you cosy. We are all cheering you on.

[Von99 Graduate]

Thank you Hilary, gremlins beaten into submission and I've done it! Still very slow but in the end I ran for 35 minutes so I could beat my elusive 4K barrier. Feeling very happy! Hope your run goes well Gaz! X

[JA13 in reply to Von99]

Fantastic. Well done. 👏👏👏