Stalled!

[Spuggl3s]

Has anyone else got so far and then stalled? I made it to week 7 and then seem to have lost all ability to run. I'm guessing it's due to not managing to do three runs a week but still. I think I'm going to go back to week 5 and start again from there. Has anyone else had to do this at all?! Thanks in advance x

[mfamilias Graduate]

Oh, dear. What do you mean by 'stalled'? You can't just lose the ability to run; but you can lose your confidence that you can do it. If you have spent a couple of weeks without running at all, then I'd go back to week five, but if you have been running, I'd lay my bets on it being a motivation/confidence issue. In which case, visualise yourself telling your "W1R1" self that you got this far and got the willies. Then watch your W1R1 you pick up a big stick and chase you down the road.

[Millsie-J Graduate]

Make sure you start each run slowly. You can do it, you have done it previously! Forget the negative thoughts, choose a new, flat pretty route, hydrate well and away you go!

[Nervousnewbie Graduate]

I found week 7 really hard and had quite a crisis of confidence - I guess it starts getting serious from here on in with all the long runs.

When you say you haven't run three times a week do you mean your runs have been more spaced out or that you haven't done each week's runs three times? I think the latter is a non-negotiable part of the programme.

You know you can run 20 minutes so maybe go out with the intention of getting to 20 then see how you feel? Also take the pace right down - I didn't do this intentionally but it seemed to just happen as the runs got longer.

I also didn't necessarily run every other day- sometimes a longer rest period helps.

I made it through week 7 and 8 and am now on the home run for graduation as you will be too! Good luck and remember to go at your own pace.

[Mamma_Mia Graduate]

I struggled at Week 6 Run 3 (which is the same 25 minute run as week 7) when I graduated 3 years ago. I was only running twice a week due to getting PF ...

I just kept plugging away at it each time I ran, and eventually I got it in the bag - I can't really remember how other than choosing a treadmill under the air-con as I found I was getting really hot whilst running and making sure I was well hydrated as Jacs-W has said. If you're an inside runner like me, maybe try for a trotmill with an outlook, or pop the TV on to hide your stats (although I know not every gym has these).

The programme is designed to get us through it as "billed" on the run order - it just takes some of us a bit longer than others. You will get there, just keep plugging away at it and bat those gremlins away when they keep sitting on your shoulder

Good luck!