W6R2 - Perilously close to not succeeding.

[africanali]

I know others talk about their hardest run, but this was mine - even harder than the 20 mins. How is that possible? I did the 20 mins at the start of the week and was shattered, but it was manageable. Today the first 10 mins was hard, but the second 10 mins found me slowing down to an very slow stagger. When Laura said to walk, for a couple of seconds thought I was incapable of walking. My confidence has taken a bit of a knock. I had wondered about repeating, but I haven't had to yet, so will perhaps try the next run and repeat this one if I fail.

[Hidden]

Well done you did the running time despite finding it hard and you were determined to finish. You will find on here others had the same when a run doesn't seem to go to plan. Also there is no "F" word just put it down as a practice run and repeat and go as slow as you like. Running sometimes comes on in leaps and bounds. On your next run you may find it is easier and wonder what all the fuss was about.

Often and I still do now in the first 5 minutes get "Why am I doing this" gremlins in my head. And as you go on it will get easier. I always remember my original motivation and the great feeling of achievement and health and well being and don't want to give it up.

I've had a 2 week break from running due to moving house and did what was my present level of doing about 6K. My limbs ached a bit ,more than usual but I said to myself "Your legs ache but nothing like when you first started, don't be a wuss and get on with it". I felt great for finishing.

Perhaps one reason for not feeling confident is that you were running at different time or place or having other life pressures on your mind. But if you find that you think it is because of an injury then it is best to get advice otherwise it is just probably those mind over matter gremlins.

Let us know how you get on.

[africanali in reply to Hidden]

Thanks, yes I'll certainly post whatever happens. I think that running at night also added to the difficulty; but I guess that comes with the nights drawing in, and its that or nothing. Thanks for the encouragement - its really appreciated.

[Irish-John Graduate]

Some days are like that Please don't let it throw you - we are humans, not mechanical robots. Good runs and practice runs - that's what they are. Only failure is to not go out the door 😋

[africanali in reply to Irish-John]

Thanks. Its daft to feel a bit disheartened; particularly with how far we've come. I think I'm now learning that running isn't like anything else I've done. You can't assume anything. Thanks for the encouragement!

[Irish-John Graduate in reply to africanali]

One foot in front of the other, onward and upward, slow..then slower still

[Gilltheoldlady Graduate in reply to Irish-John]

That is so true John - will remember that! x

[Cuig1975]

It may have been an off day but you completed it, I've to do that run tomorrow we'll see how it goes !!! Keep at it don't doubt it but you wonder was it a dream that 20 mins happened , but look at all the grads here trust the plan

[africanali in reply to Cuig1975]

Good luck for tomorrow - I'll be waiting to read how you got on.

[OldWheezer]

Ahh the gremlins have kicked in. I'm sure if you ask anyone on the forum you'd be surprised at how many people have been affected by the self confidence issues. Don't look back, only forward, and if you complete a run you've completed it regardless of how you felt. Some days things just click into place whereas others, for a variety of reasons, just seem to be very difficult. The main thing is that you're onto week 6 run 3 and let's face it, will be starting continuous running schedules just after that run. Week 7 onwards is just building on the time so thro the gremlins off and appreciate Ho far you've come.

[Pc59 Graduate]

This is a strange programme but it does work I also found week 6 really hard going & was shocked as I thought after 20mins running it would be easy! Strange! However I have found every run different some faster than others & no rhyme nor reason for it! Secret is keep going you can do it & just think back to first night you went out! Bet you never thought you'd get this far! Keep going...... 🏃🏃 you will soon at the grand finale😀😀. Phyllis

[africanali in reply to Pc59]

Thanks. I think thats what's kept so many of us going - being able to read real reports, and hearing that even those who have graduated had 'off' days. Thanks for the enouragement

[orchards Graduate]

Even if your run was a very slow stagger it was still a run. Well done, you did it! Everyone has some runs that are better than others but even the worse ones are way ahead of where you were when you started.

[africanali in reply to orchards]

Thats very true!! Thanks

[Lee337 Graduate]

I agree with everyone else so far...you did it and that's all that really matters. Well done for that! I'm also wondering if you had some part of the route that goes uphill or isn't ideal conditions underfoot, because maybe that's when you struggled a bit?

Don't forget I had a nightmare with my w6r1 and my last run (the one you've just completed) was not much better to be honest. I really did not go into today's w6r3 25 minute non-stop run with a lot of confidence, but guess what...I got into a rhythm (very slow and steady) then kept up with it until the end (without collapsing) and I even done as Laura suggested 60 seconds from the end and upped my pace slightly to the finish!

You can do it mate, trust in the plan, it has not let either of us down yet has it?

[africanali in reply to Lee337]

No it was all fairly flat, but it was much darker than normal. I wonder if my muscles are now getting used to the new shoes. I've lost the normal hip pain, and ankle pain, but just had a 'stiff' feeling around one knee. You are right, we've done really really well so far! Good luck for your next run!

[McFitty Graduate]

Some runs are just like that. No rhyme or reason, or nothing obvious anyway. I had a run coming up toward graduation, everything had been going fine on previous runs and suddenly after about 7 minutes my legs felt like lead. I had to imagine clearing out cupboards, running the hoover round, taking rubbish out... anything that would just get me to the end of the run! It was my worst run ever and it really knocked my confidence. I remember thinking 'I knew it was too good to be true'😕 and was really worried about the next run (which went fine)!!

Bad runs happen now and again. Don't let it knock your confidence. You're doing brilliantly. Don't be afraid to take an extra rest day if you need it either, sometimes an extra day can make a big difference. Good luck (and don't let the gremlins get you down)!

[orchards Graduate in reply to McFitty]

Ooh, I like the getting to the end of the run on a bad day techniques - must remember those!

[Hidden]

Hi there, I also did w6r2 last night and found it tough going. After all the build up to the 20 mins last week, the 2 runs so far this week shouldn't have felt hard, but they did. But I've developed a real respect for the programme so I'll be giving the 25 minutes on Friday my all. You know your body best, but look how far you have come. Huge achievement! Keep at it!

[debze Graduate]

Well done for completing it! I've read a few people have found this run hard especially after completing the 20 minute run in week 5. When I looked at the plan it seemed week 6 was easier than week 5 but maybe not after all. So far the plan has worked for you and you're doing brilliantly! I'm not far behind you and about to start week 6 so it'll be interesting to see how it goes.

Good luck for your next run!

[africanali in reply to debze]

Thanks for the encouragement. I'll look to see how you do too. Good luck for tomorrow.