W9R2 done - why am I hating this right now?

[RebeccaSK]

Completed W9R2 but it's difficult to put into words just how much I'm hating running right now!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

You are probably near your limit, so it will be hard work, but stick with it, you are so close to graduation.

For me, it was weeks 7 and 8 that were really tough while W9R2 was just about the best of the whole programme, so we all experience it differently. Grind your way through, Rebecca, it will get easier once you graduate and the benefits are so worthwhile.

You might well be in need of a break of just a bit longer than you have been giving yourself.

[Rignold]

Do somethng else then

[Hidden in reply to Rignold]

Provocative

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

You do seem a bit worn down Rebecca.

Could you maybe take a few rest days, but keep moving (walks maybe)

These final 30 min runs are toughies.. mentally and physically draining. You are doing them but its bugging you that you have lost the euphoria..

I expect this will return once you get your badge...slow down at the start of your run, shoulders down, head up, ease into it...

Good luck with W9 R3 in a few days time xxx😊

[Gillma Graduate in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

I think it's meant to be challenging but not hateful. If you were your own coach, good friend, ideal parent, what would you advise you to do to change your experience? Are you actually physically over challenged do you think? Or is it a mental gremlin? I'm sure you'll find a way - this is heroic stuff and you've come a long way! 💕

[RebeccaSK Graduate in reply to Gillma]

It's now a couple of hours since I got back from my run and the hatefulness has worn off thankfully. I would advise myself to put on my big girl panties and finish the last run - and then graduate. I wouldn't mind betting that once I've graduated the pressure I'm putting myself under will lift and my running will become more enjoyable again!

[RebeccaSK Graduate in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

I've wanted to drive down to the beach and run along the seafront for a little while now but have resisted because of parking and petrol costs. But, maybe, that's what I should do for my final run. Either that or find a nice country run but that's less predictable than a long straight, flat promenade! Maybe I'll do that this weekend - give my legs a bit of a rest until then!

[roseabi in reply to RebeccaSK]

Good ideas! And when you graduate the adventures can start as you increase your distances and start mapping out new runs...

[GrannyHelen57 Graduate in reply to RebeccaSK]

My favourite run is along the prom at Bournemouth. On a clear day I can see the Isle of Wight one way and Old Harry Rocks the other. It is uplifting, so beetroot faced I jog past the 'sitters' in their beach huts and while not feeling amazing just knackered I keep on going. SO much more satisfying than running round the roads which I also do when time is short. So do make the journey to the coast it is worth it 🌞😎🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[Anniemurph Graduate in reply to RebeccaSK]

Definitely treat yourself for your graduation run! Go and have fun. That may be what's missing from your running. I hope you enjoy it

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Be kind to yourself... don't force it... just think.. do you want to get it completed.. or do you need to rest up...then do what you feel ...

Slow down... relax and enjoy.. it is a journey...not a race

[RebeccaSK Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

I REALLY want to complete it. Mid run this evening I had to stop to cross a road. I decided, just for a split second, that I wouldn't start running again and would just walk home. Then I thought that would make the 17 minutes I'd done pointless as I'd still have to do two more 30 minute runs rather than just finishing that run and then just the one more. That meant that before I'd even actually stepped off the curb to cross the road I knew I'd start running again immediately the car had passed and I could cross. And I did - and made myself run an extra minute on the end to make up for the pause (which was probably less than 10 seconds) when I had to wait for the traffic and cross the road.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to RebeccaSK]

Just go with it... Sometimes, we get there, in spite of ourselves x

[Hidden]

Just keep buggering on, you know you want to! Yes it's hard sometimes but you have come so far, why would you stop now?

[DawnRun]

I'd change your course if you have this option and go for a 3km practice run on a beach or something. It can get monotonous towards the end as you are locked into finishing and you have been constantly upping your mileage for at least 9 weeks. It gets more enjoyable after you finish the final run, you can run to your own schedule or plan, that's what all the hard work is for.

[runlikeagirl Graduate]

One more run until graduation....

One lady posted last week that her plan post graduation was to run 2miles a couple of times a week. She didn't want to run 5k or increase her speed. She had discovered what worked for her and was very happy with her achievements and plan.

That's the beauty of this. Once you graduate you call the shots. Just work out what gives you reward and do that.

[Whatsapp Graduate]

It might not seem like it now, but this is a blip that won't last. Some runs are good and some are bad.

But sometimes we have a bad run of runs. Most of us experience this at some point during the C25k programme, like we have hit our wall. Assuming you continue running post C25k, then accept it will happen from time to time. Recognise it for what it is and don't let it beat you - just like you didn't let it beat you today.

And when it passes, which could be as soon as your next run, those good runs will feel even more sweeter!

[Irishprincess Graduate]

Because it's hard. And that's why most people don't do it. And that's why you will do it. Because it's hard. And you're a C25K'er and tougher than you think.