My first incomplete run, feel like crying.

[The_boo]

Hello! I've dipped in and out of this group during my C25K so far and it has been brilliant support and advice-wise so thank you!

Today I've hit my own low point and need to vent... I hope it is okay here as I'm not ready to admit how bad I feel to anyone else just yet.

Week 6, day 2, managed the first ten minutes but stopped a few minutes into the second run, walked to the end of the session then set a timer to try again but only managed five minutes. I've read lots of posts on here and found them really encouraging, l just really feel like I've let myself down

I booked a place on a 5k race when I started as it was the closest one to the end of my C25K training, was this a bad idea as I can't work out if it is this playing on my mind that might be an issue or just that I normally go out at dawn but didn't get out until lunchtime today by which time I'd eaten a sandwich an hour before, had a cricked neck from sleeping in and there were lots of people around.

Think I've possibly answered my own question here! I just felt invincible after nailing the 20 minute run but the last two have been sooooo hard.

I also don't understand why my charts never seem to reflect what I've done, do you find your own to be inaccurate or am I interpreting them incorrectly?!

Self-counselling session over

[Fitforit75 Graduate]

I read that as first incontinent run! That would be worse.. You're doing really well, there's always a dip somewhere along the way, I'm sure your next run will be great! Good luck

Also re your race, there's people walking running and crawling at the events I've been to - just go and give it your best shot

[The_boo in reply to Fitforit75]

Ha, ha! Not today

[Dunder2004 Graduate]

By consensus, week 6 is the toughest of the program. For many of us, the walking break(s) become a hindrance rather than a help because the benefit of the rest is outweighed by the loss of rhythm.

Try not to fret, we ALL have bad days and pretty much all of us have aborted a run because things were just not happening on a given day. Take your rest day and try to do your next run in line with your normal time/routine. Take it nice and easy and I am sure you will be fine.

It is difficult to comment on your charts because accuracy/reliability really depends on your phone's hardware rather than the app your are running.

[roseabi]

Lots of us found Week 6 surprisingly hard, I certainly did! I think you mostly answered your own question, everyone has a bad run now and then, and it looks as though the circumstances weren't good for you today! Just put it behind you and move on.

Regarding the race, if you think the thought of it is causing you stress you can always decide to give it a miss if you don't feel ready on the day, don't put yourself under unnecessary pressure. It's good to have a goal beyond C25K, so it can be there if you want it. Know that there will be plenty of people in the race taking walk breaks, so there's always that option for you too. You've nothing to lose really

As for the charts, I have no idea! What app is it? And what is wrong about the graphs? Actually, (if the elevation graph is accurate) it looks as though you started going uphill at the point where you quit, that can't have helped...

[The_boo]

Thank you, all, for your encouragement! I've had a soak in the bath and feel a lot better now, especially having read your replies. Re charts, I've used Samsung Health since the beginning but tried RunKeeper today. Drawn a line under today and going back out to enjoy the sunshine minus running shoes!

[Shorty7 Graduate]

Good on you for going out to enjoy the sunshine ☀️. I second what everyone says about week 6, look on it as a necessary evil I think👿!! Much better once it's over and just straight forward runs to complete. Onward and upward eh?

[davelinks Graduate]

Put simply! It doesn't matter! pick your self up and try again!😊

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

A different time of day.. the sandwich, it could be anything..but, it does not matter; and, do not feel bad about it. You haven't let yourself down.. just a blip ... Some runs we win and some we don't...

You were out there and you ran So... slow and steady does it... you know you can do this, and you will be feeling much more geared up for it next time out. ::

I know I have to run at my early time, else I think I would not get out... so probably you suffered a little because of that

Onward and upward..." Every day is a good day when you run... "

[Joolez Graduate]

I agree with the others ... W6 was the first time I didn't complete a run properly - you are definitely not alone. Even now I still have some duff run days - I think they are just part of the process - the next run will be better, I promise 😁

[Carolinemcd Graduate]

Week 6 is a tough one.

We are all learning as we do the program. We think we know what our body needs until we run on one cup of coffee all day and wonder why we look like a prune at the end. You will learn what is best for you and that means you need a few practice runs on the way.

All the best for run 3, you'll do great!

[Anniemurph Graduate]

I'm impressed that you've got to Week 6 before not completing a run! As you become more experienced, there are a few things you need to accept:

1. Not all runs are 'good' runs

2. They all count because you were out there - even if all you did was half a km

3. You can learn from all of them if you choose

4. One of the things to learn is to put it behind you and lace up for the next run.

Happy running