Stopping! w8/R2 -(edit actual didn't stop walking just stopped running)

[KimLoulou]

Just completed this run. Went around Greenwich Park which was a mistake as quite hilly. I didn't run all the way as had to keep stopping and walk however did run 5k at an average pace of 7.23 min/k. Interested in your views on stopping. Are you all keeping going for the full 28mins?

[Radleychick Graduate]

Firstly well done, I remember Greenwich Park from my youth although do not live in the area anymore, and it is hilly so i am not surprised you had to stop a bit.

I had to stop regularly when I was running C25K plan, remember we are all different and some take longer to achieve thegoal.

I was always walking a bit, and even after I graduated managing to run the whole thing, some days I had to walk especially when it was hilly or it was hot, or some days I just couldn't get in my stride.

I have only recently been able to manage to complete more of my runs without walking which I am now proud of, but I am slow, but for me that is fine, I am too old and not built for speed, but the fact I can do our planned run group routes without walking gives me a real buzz.

So take it steady listen to your body, and you to will get to where you can run the distance / time you are aiming for.

Well done.... The end is in sight,😄👏

[Hidden]

I would never 'judge your run' especially as you are facing hills but I do think that if you give yourself permission to stop, you will keep stopping. Can you slow right down and just keep going through the tough bits? At some point Laura tells you ' I know you are really tired but this is when you can really build on your strength and stamina' or something like that. I keep that in mind when I am finding it tough going🏃‍♀️

[EleanorL Graduate]

I ran W8R1 Sunday and had to walk at 18 minutes. I literally only needed a minute and then got going again.

The way I looked at it, I'm making progress and that's all that matters. I'm hoping the more I run, the more stamina I will build. It doesn't matter how many "practices" it takes.

I have no idea if that is the right thinking as I am new to this but rest assured, you are not on your own !!!!

[Cc26]

I managed to do all the runs without stopping but that's because I go really, really slowly! Maybe go a little slower for the first part of the run and build up speed if you have the energy left towards the end?

[RuthMargaret Graduate]

I kept running for the 28 minutes on Monday, although I felt as if I might as well have been going backwards at some points! I think it's a good mental exercise to try to keep going if you can. I can certainly feel it in my calves today, but I know that I can do it. I think if I stopped, it would set me back mentally, and put doubts in my mind. If you can follow the programme, including whether you should be running or walking at particular points, it really does build your confidence and ability. I never thought I could run for 5 minutes, let alone 28 minutes. I never even ran that far at school 25 years ago!

I envy you having such a wonderful place to run. Is Greenwich Park the one where the Royal Observatory is? That is some hilly terrain - I might have struggled with all the inclines too! Maybe you could find a flatter route and just skirt around the park next time?

[KimLoulou Graduate in reply to RuthMargaret]

Yes with the observatory. It wasn't my normal route just fancied a change Big mistake. I think I am doing it reasonalby quickly and consistently and only stopping for 20/30 seconds and completed 5k in the time so still good so does it matter? Back to standard route next time on the FLAT part of the park

I don't know who Laura is. I am using the NHS app with Sarah Millican.

[RuthMargaret Graduate in reply to KimLoulou]

Laura is from the NHS podcasts.

I'm thinking it's better to slow down a bit and try to be at a pace where you CAN do it without stopping. The whole thing is to try to get us running continuously for the whole 30 minutes at the end. If you stop, you haven't had the build-up that the programme is aiming for.

I'm not going for speed at all. Just to keep going, even when it seems like it will never end! When you do manage the whole time, doesn't it feel amazing? That's what's keeping me going with this.

The lack of perseverance is something that has stopped me before with physical activity. No more - I'm taking control of it and proving the gremlins (and PE teachers) wrong!

[Runningnewby]

I've just graduated and until last week would walk at some point in every run. Then I realised that it was actually harder starting again after walking for a bit then it was to just keep running. I find the time of day that I run definitely makes a difference. I've discovered I've more energy in the evening and I'm more likely to keep going. I've also managed to find a flattish route and that definitely helps! Sounds like you're doing great though. I never used to be disappointed in myself for stopping, I was just pleased that I'd got out and done some running. Good luck, I'm sure you'll get there! 🏃🏃🏃

[runlikeagirl Graduate]

I would prefer to run really really REALLY slow than walk. I live In a flat area but when I do meet an incline I try to power run through it slowly counting one two three four..... If it is very hilly where you are I can't comment but I think Hidden is right. if you permit yourself to stop you will and then it can become habitual. It definitely is mind over matter.

[misswobble Graduate]

You do what you can. if you have to stop you have to stop. Once you get your breath back you can jog on

Its better to stop and get your breath back, and run on, than not complete the session.

Hills are so hard to do when you are new to running, plus it's been hot and humid today. You are doing really well so don't worry about it

You are nearly there!!!! Slow and steady!

[Rbecks Graduate]

Hi. I have also struggled to keep going on week eight. Of course I understand it would be good to stick with the program. However I think there is something to be said for still getting out there and running even when you are tired / hot / have had a busy day... Also you are really covering ground. Brilliant. I've decided if it takes me a few extra weeks that's fine with me. After all I'm going out and running for a bit three times a week. I'm off the couch. We will get to the 30 mins. Good luck!