Feeling meh 😧

[runningforchips]

So I've just finished W7R1, and don't get me wrong I am so happy with myself for running 25 minutes solid, but I've found that from week 5r3 I have just found everystep so hard. Is it just because my body is getting used to these longer runs, or is it just my mindset?

I really really am determined to complete this programme, and carry on running, as my body feels so much better. But I can't seem to find any enjoyment, other than the 'yes I did it'- type. Did anyone else find this when they started on the longer runs?

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Those last three weeks can seem relentless, although some people prefer the non stop running.

Make sure you are well rested. You might need an extra rest day now the runs are getting longer. Get a good night's sleep beforehand.

Make sure you are well hydrated and fuelled. Again, the longer runs are more demanding and poor nutrition and hydration will be exposed.

Try slowing down. Speed is unimportant and can sap enthusiasm and energy.

Not long now and you will be able to ease up on the week on week increase in physical demand.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Slow down...now is the time to look around, let your running legs carry you and really enjoy the journey!

[Hidden]

I certainly did and my main problem was boredom. Some of it was a tendency to go too fast. But once the runs were continuous not intrerspersed with walking I just found it dull. For me the solution was different routes and running in woods where you can't see far ahead because the path twists and turns. So maybe try mixing up your routes a bit.

[Hidden]

Hi RFC i think it's a combination of familiarity, you now have more of an idea of what's going on, whereas in the early days, every time out felt new. Your body has had to adjust from in my case having done nothing to a regular regimen of exercise.

And of course it's cumulative especially in these later weeks. Mix up the routes, So you can't benchmark to known places, change the podcasts or playlists or whatever gets you interested. Play games in your head, we have people giving benchmarks names, making up rhymes, coming up with slogans to number plate letters. All sorts of weird and wonderful things. All designed to keep the interest. At this time of year the season is on the cusp again, looking at nature can help.

The rest, hydration and nutrition becomes ever more important, as is already said. I hope you find the satisfaction again . And btw bloody well done getting this far on the plan. You should be almigtily proud, only 3 weeks to go.

[runningforchips Graduate in reply to Hidden]

I think the benchmarks are a good point, I'm probably realising how far I have left. I may need to switch my route around a tad, maybe I'll try that next time out!

[Hidden in reply to runningforchips]

We all end up with our own recipe on the longer runs i added new bits at the beginning of the route, so that it was utterly pointless trying to benchmark to the old places. I think I did that on W7, whereas previously I extended my runs at the end. If I had my time on the plan again adding to the beginning was a much better idea. Good luck

[AngeScott Graduate]

Hi runningforchips. I was the same at my first Park Run. It was hard going all the way and when I finished I was like 'did I just do that?!' I was happy to have achieved it but I wasn't delighted like I thought I would be. I was a little bit stressed about running it with a lady who was the 50 mins marker - she unfortunately set off to fast and finished in 45 mins and I couldn't keep up. I was doubting myself big time, I finished in 50 mins which I was very happy with. I think it was because I was stressed and so when I go out for a run I'm not gonna put myself under any pressure. I have loved Couch to 5K and don't want to stop running at all as I love how I feel when I'm finished. Don't give up on it - the longer runs need work just like the weeks preceding them. Take your time to recover properly and have an extra rest day of you feel like it. Good luck

[MsFickle]

I feel exactly the same - I carry out the instructions and complete it but from when Jo says you have done 5 minutes I am just counting down to the end- I seem to be slower, but towards the end the last 5 minutes I find the urge to speed up just so I can finish the run - will it always be like this?

[unlikelyrunner Graduate]

For me it made a big difference to learn about the 'toxic 10' - i.e. the first 10 minutes feel worse than the rest (I think there's a pinned post about it if you scroll down). I now don't expect to feel good for the first 10 mins, and after that I sort of get in the zone and feel somewhere between OK and good.