Hi Everyone! Just looking for a little advice, I just completed WK7R1. I usually run on the treadmill but decided to run outside as the weather was nice today. However... I ran so slowly and really struggled - I don't know if I can do this again twice this week 
I'm feeling a little down about it and wondered if anyone could give me a little motivation?
Thanks for your help...
H x
Same boat as me buT stay determined. This is a life change not a fad. Take your time. Slow down, don't be paced by others and enjoy the air.
Glad to see I'm not the only one 
thank you x
Welcome. Did my first outdoor run Monday and it sucked. Try again tomorrow. Gl
will do thank you x
I don't know if this will help but I am a week ahead of you and really struggled with week 7 (despite having completed the week 6 25 min run without too much bother). Week 8 run 1 was hard too BUT I kept going and I'm sure you can too. I had a wobble last week about how much I had slowed down (and I wasn't fast to begin with) but I am trying to concentrate on the positives rather than the negatives. If you are used to running on a treadmill then it's probably not surprising that you were slower outside plus I think (in my case) the longer runs just take more out of you - I am leaving it a couple of days before doing week 8 run 2 to see if it gives me a boost. But the bottom line is you are running on a treadmill and outside for 25 minutes. How fab is that?
that does help! that is fab, thank you so much! we can do this!! 
xx
Don't worry at all. Switching from treadmill to outdoors or vice versa might take a few practice sessions to get the hang of it. Outdoors has different terrain, inclines, weather, wind and you really have to propel yourself. But the positives are the scenery, fresh air and the fact that you can slow yourself down. Treadmills are equally hard but different. Their relentless pace and lack of adjustments can be hard going. Just get out a few more times, slow it down and keep at it. You're doing just fine.
I did enjoy the fresh air and change of scenery, if I can get used to it I would much prefer it! thank you so much for your support and encouragement!! xx
Big change going from one to the other so not surprised but don't let it beat you. Treads are good if they keep you at it and ensure you stick to your guns but outdoors gives so many more possibilities and interest to runs certainly after graduation so don't be disheartened, hang in there and keep going. You're doing fab
Thank you so much!! I think I may switch to outside now I know all of the benefits! x
I'm glad it's not just me feeling like this on week 7. I've listened to the advice and taken two days off between runs this time and I'm determined NOT to take any notice of the speed I go this evening. Good luck
That's great advice, I will try this, thank you so much. ps i love the username! x
Running outside is harder than the treadmill. If you wish to make the treadmill emulate the effort of outside set the incline ~1.5%. However, it really does not matter how slow you are running. If the running is raising your heart rate and making you just a little breathless (such you can still talk but not in full sentences) then your getting the benefit.
I will try this, thank you so much! xx
Just noticed your post! I HATED week 7x I found all three runs so so tough, I did them all but not enjoyable - definitely my hardest week. However .... week 8 for some unknown reason has been so much better that I can hardly believe it. Possibly a mental thing but also I think the old bod just need some a bit of time to acclimatise to longer runs. I did W8R2 this morning and felt the best I had in absolutely ages so hang on in there, I'm sure it'll get easier 😊 It's a 9 week programme for a reason.
That's very true! Hopefully the same will happen to me. Thank you so much! x
Transitioning to running outside is always a difficult thing. Stick with it.
Please dont feel down... slow is OK, and I have heard its harder outside. I cannot run on a treadmill so I have no comparison!! Dont give up, running outside gives many more benefits
I am determined to complete this week, I will try outside again tomorrow. Thank you so much for your encouragement xx
Your post's title is "struggling week 7-er". Focus on the last bit of that. You're a "week 7-er"!! Bet you would never have believed you'd get to week 7 back at the beginning. Some runs are more of a struggle than others and sometimes the reason is obvious - like a change in where you run as in this case - but other times they just are. But you're a week 7-er and that's the main thing. And you'll soon be a graduate.
you are SO right! Thank you so much for your encouragement, I am more determined that ever to graduate now!
It"s supposed to be slow. Slow is lovely. Carry on 🙂
I am keeping calm and carrying on x
Hi! I have just joined the site. I have completed every run, and did week 7 this week. Awful! Had to stop (well, walk) once on Monday, three times on Wednesday and five times (yikes) on Friday. Soooo out of breath. And I don't think I can run any slower..... Should I do week 7 again, or just go on to week 8? I never actually stopped, just walked - but still, it wasn't jogging.
I am 62. Up until my early 50's I did exercise - Pilates, yoga, swimming etc, and then osteo arthritis got me. So, three shoulder replacements, hip replacement and a knee arthroscopy later, here I am. Decided that I HAD to get myself fitter again. But I am so out of breath. Help, please?? Thank you. x
week 7 complete - struggling though
Week 6 - struggling
Week 7 Run 1 👍🏃♀️
