Feeling like a failure: Hi! Today (week4run... - Couch to 5K

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Feeling like a failure

MissRamejkis profile image
18 Replies

Hi!

Today (week4run3) was the first time I didn't see it through to the end. I felt like I may vomit and was struggling to get my breath after the 2nd run but took a few seconds fast walking and pushed through until fourth run (5 mins). I did about 2 mins and had to walk the rest from fear of collapsing :(

I checked my fitbit and it said 188 beats per minute!!! My face was red and blotchy too. I just don't get why it happened today ?!

Feeling disheartened. X

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MissRamejkis profile image
MissRamejkis
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18 Replies
JoolieB1 profile image
JoolieB1Graduate

I would recommend slowing right down, running should not be torture! I think speed can grow when fitness has improved. The important thing is to do the running time, no medals for speed. If running fast means the time is not achievable, maybe slow right down, then you will do it. The programme is increasing the challenge and slowing down makes it doable

Dunder2004 profile image
Dunder2004Graduate

Try no to to worry too much, these things happen.

It is a simple mantra but if you are out of breath, you are going too fast. Next time try your best to slow the running intervals right down and I am sure you will be fine.

Whilst running during c25k you should be able to comfortably hold a conversation. From my experience, I can do that when my heart rate is 20-25bpm below maximum - above that and it becomes a struggle.

Bazza1234 profile image
Bazza1234Graduate

Definitely - you are going too hard!!!!!! Yes- it is your fault!!! :) Slow and steady wins the day - the object of C25k is to finish each days task - and hence you have to go at a suitable pace to do that.

Now-runner_NeedsAttn profile image
Now-runner_NeedsAttnGraduate

Not a failure, you've learned something from it - as is said above you're running too fast for your current level of fitness.

McFitty profile image
McFittyGraduate

Too fast. Just too fast. You're not a failure, you just need to slow it right down. And I mean REALLY slow.

So many of us start off thinking the running sections have to be fast. They don't. Just slightly faster than a brisk walk is all that's needed. Ask me how I know!😉

Don't feel disheartened and enjoy the next one (at a slower pace) 😊

MissRamejkis profile image
MissRamejkis

Thanks for your kind responses. I honestly wasn't going fast ! If I had gone any slower I'd have been standing still ! 😑 I'll keep this in mind though x

ANewMe2022 profile image
ANewMe2022Graduate in reply toMissRamejkis

One of the 'knowledgeable sages' on this forum (of which there are many) told me in the early days, 'it isn't the speed of the run that matters, it's the action'. So even if you think you could walk faster, the fact that you're running is what matters. So slow down and never get disheartened, please MissRamejkis ! We are all with you every step of the way and YOU are doing this...xx

Sandy_Shoes profile image
Sandy_ShoesGraduate in reply toMissRamejkis

I have often felt that if I was going any slower I'd be going backwards! Sometimes I check the scenery or bushes to the side of me to see if I'm actually moving.

Not sure if this applies to you (depends on where you live) but the weather has warmed up a bit & that might account for feeling a bit nauseous.

Irish-John profile image
Irish-JohnGraduate

Some days are like that - we are humans, not machines :) I remember one day when I just simply stopped, turned around and went home. Nothing I could put my finger on - just suddenly 'did not want to run' :)

Take it easy on yourself. Chalk it up to a 'Practice' run, then give it another go. Above all - keep it fun/fulfilling on at least some level OK :)

You got this far - don't quit now ;)

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

Fast is a relative term. If you are having trouble breathing when running, then you are going too fast for your current state of fitness, so slow down to a speed that you can maintain comfortably. You have to find that sustainable pace with each run and as the duration increases, so you have to adapt, although your fitness levels will improve, so you will learn to speed up in time.

This is not a failure, but a very basic running lesson, learned through personal experience.

Carolinemcd profile image
CarolinemcdGraduate

I did week 4 run 3 last night and at 120kgs if I can do it anyone can. Slow and steady wins the race

Worldsend profile image
WorldsendGraduate

Keep going

Once or twice I even thought I was having a panic attack as I couldn't control my breathing

The more I thought about it the more ragged my breathing became

Good luck next time

PamJ58 profile image
PamJ58Graduate

We all have bad days - sonetimes for no obvious reason. Just put it behind you and move on. Good luck with the next run

Von99 profile image
Von99Graduate

Don't get disheartened, just chalk it up to experience. Don't be afraid to go slowly, as slow as you need to complete the time. You will get there!

runswithdogs profile image
runswithdogsGraduate

Some runs are just tough, don't overanalyze it. You did great and built fitness by getting out there. Slow down next time, I promise you'll do fine. Many of us had to repeat the occasional run.

MissRamejkis profile image
MissRamejkis

Just thought I’d check in and let you all know that I was in fact pregnant when I posted this and found out 2/3 days later! Morning sickness was the culprit 🤭 I now have a 9 month old rainbow baby who was long awaited and am re-starting my C25K !

Julessn profile image
JulessnGraduate in reply toMissRamejkis

Oh that’s lovely. Just lovely. What a journey you’ve been on. Congratulations and good running!

MissRamejkis profile image
MissRamejkis in reply toJulessn

Thanks; genuinely think starting the c25k helped me stay pregnant!

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