Can't complete w5r3!

[Kezrey]

Just had my second time of trying to complete week 5, run 3 and I can't get past 15 mins without getting a stitch and having to stop! Has anyone else had this problem? How do you get past it?

[Tomas Graduate]

Run slower. And focus on breathing rhythmically. Really focus. So much that you do not have brain space left for the gremlins that tell you that you must stop.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

You slow down... as Tomas suggest...

Simple; slow and steady, land lightly, breathe gently...speed us not a part of this, enjoyment and a gentle regular pace is... You can do this...and squish any gremlins with every step!!!

[Hidden]

For stitch I take laura's advice and really relax the stomach muscles the second I feel it start and that seems to stop it getting worse.

[Whatsapp Graduate]

I get stitches quite often. I try to focus my breathing and carry on running through it. I have never stopped because of a stitch. It is hard by try to carry on.

[Kezrey]

Thanks guys! I guess perseverance is key and I probably have been trying to run too fast. Will give the breathing focus stuff a go!

[Irishprincess Graduate]

The only thing that's ever worked for me with a stitch is deep breathing pushing your tummy out as if you're blowing up a balloon.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Don't panic!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Keeping calm and positive about your run is crucial to success. I would have entitled this post "Not yet completed W5R3", since even voicing to yourself that you" can't" do something is reinforcing negative feelings about the run. So much of this is about belief.

If you read other posts about this run you will find them divided between those, like yourself, who are worrying about not completing it and those who are celebrating success and nearly always saying, "I would never have believed I could do this." We believe that you can do this.......so now it is up to you.

Each run is training for the next one, even if you don't complete it, it is preparing both your body and your mind, to make the next one just that bit easier.

[Kezrey in reply to IannodaTruffe]

That is such a good point, I hadn't even realised I had written it like that!

[chrissy7367 Graduate]

I totally agree with Iannoda Truffe. You cannot be negative about your run. I failed at the same run on Wednesday & was really disappointed but I made my mind up that I was going to do it so I went again on Friday. I ran slowly and focussed on my breathing. I continued to tell myself that I can do this and that every time my body said no I pressed on. Well I did it and so can you, all the best

[Northcountrygirl]

Hey - I tried for the first time today and got to 17 mins. It was so hot I thought I was going to pass out. I feel really proud of 17 mins and if it takes me a couple of goes to get to 20 - that's fine. Remember you have nearly doubled the previous run! Remember when you could barely do 60 seconds...I can!! 👍

[Realfoodieclub Graduate]

Slow down. Also if you do get stitch a football coach once told me to exhale from your stomach with a massive outloud HAAAAA. He said this helps to expel old air from you lungs which cause stitch. I've tried it in the past and it does work. I had the same problem with that run too but I still remember the pride when I completed it. I just had to keep slowing down eveytime I wanted to quit. You'll get there.

[Kezrey]

Thanks guys! Going to give it another go tomorrow!