a struggling week 7-er!: Hi Everyone! Just... - Couch to 5K

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a struggling week 7-er!

Heathernadine profile image
26 Replies

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

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Heathernadine profile image
Heathernadine
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26 Replies
Rickne profile image
RickneGraduate

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.

Heathernadine profile image
Heathernadine in reply to Rickne

Glad to see I'm not the only one :) thank you x

Rickne profile image
RickneGraduate in reply to Heathernadine

Welcome. Did my first outdoor run Monday and it sucked. Try again tomorrow. Gl

Heathernadine profile image
Heathernadine in reply to Rickne

will do thank you x

Nervousnewbie profile image
NervousnewbieGraduate

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?

Heathernadine profile image
Heathernadine in reply to Nervousnewbie

that does help! that is fab, thank you so much! we can do this!! :D xx

runswithdogs profile image
runswithdogsGraduate

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.

Heathernadine profile image
Heathernadine in reply to runswithdogs

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

wez70 profile image
wez70Graduate

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 :-)

Heathernadine profile image
Heathernadine in reply to wez70

Thank you so much!! I think I may switch to outside now I know all of the benefits! x

runlikeagirl profile image
runlikeagirlGraduate

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

Heathernadine profile image
Heathernadine in reply to runlikeagirl

That's great advice, I will try this, thank you so much. ps i love the username! x

Midgeymoo17 profile image
Midgeymoo17

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.

Heathernadine profile image
Heathernadine in reply to Midgeymoo17

I will try this, thank you so much! xx

Val52 profile image
Val52Graduate

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.

Heathernadine profile image
Heathernadine in reply to Val52

That's very true! Hopefully the same will happen to me. Thank you so much! x

agedsnailspace profile image
agedsnailspaceGraduate

Transitioning to running outside is always a difficult thing. Stick with it.

ju-ju- profile image
ju-ju-Graduate

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 :)

Heathernadine profile image
Heathernadine in reply to ju-ju-

I am determined to complete this week, I will try outside again tomorrow. Thank you so much for your encouragement xx

AnneDroid profile image
AnneDroidGraduate

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. :)

Heathernadine profile image
Heathernadine in reply to AnneDroid

you are SO right! Thank you so much for your encouragement, I am more determined that ever to graduate now!

misswobble profile image
misswobbleGraduate

It"s supposed to be slow. Slow is lovely. Carry on 🙂

Heathernadine profile image
Heathernadine in reply to misswobble

I am keeping calm and carrying on :) x

Bells411 profile image
Bells411

Keep on it- you're doing great!

Heathernadine profile image
Heathernadine in reply to Bells411

Thank you so much! X

Babs24 profile image
Babs24Graduate

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

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