W8R1.....aaaaggghhh!

Crikey! What a struggle this felt today. I was really hoping that it would be starting to feel less of a struggle doing the longer runs by now but had to battle that voice in my head that kept telling me to stop!!!

Really didn't think I was gonna get to the end but I did, though didn't get that feeling of achievement, just thinking "why oh why am I putting myself through this??"

Is it normal to feel despondent at this stage???

Next run on Saturday whilst away in Galway but am going to ruddy well do it if it kills me! (which it might!)

[Lottie_C Graduate]

Well done you! I'm a week behind you but can totally identify with that voice in your head. You ignored it. If anything you should feel even more of a sense of achievement. Congratulations. You're so going to smash this.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

It won't kill you, if you take it very slowly and very steadily!

Enjoy the run... relax into it and enjoy also the beautiful area you will be in

"....you can RUN and watch the moon rise over Claddah

or watch the sun go down on Galway Bay.."

Take it gently

[Hidden]

It's getting tougher and cumulatively you've done so much, by now you have clocked up around 90-100 km. So if it's getting tough, take an extra rest day, so physically you're prepped and to give your head some breathing space too. At this stage I missed Mr Smooth talking to me and being encouraging, but we are whispering encouragement all the way. Good luck for your next runs

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Thank you all so much, it means a lot to know others are with me on this journey. I too miss the encouragement but will remind myself I am not alone

[Wannabefit19 Graduate]

You are doing so so well - I think we all take it in turns to loose confidence , feel it is too hard and then feel elated on other days .

Again hard days and easier days come and go for most but all going toward our goal . Your doing it for great reasons - think back to early thoughts ,reasons for starting , feelings and posts . We are all here with you and our journeys crisscross and overlap .

Don't feel dispondent - feel proud of where you have come and the positive impact on your health

Keep smiling 😀😀😀

[mrrun Graduate]

Oldfloss knows and has helped many of us - slow, steady, then a bit slower

We all have had that 'heavy' bit, and even after 'graduation' there will be 'heavy leg' moments but each time your body gets stronger and you learn more!

You will be fine, keep us posted

[Duddles Graduate]

I also did Week 8(1) yesterday - full of trepidation beforehand, but in the end it went reasonably well. For the shorter lengths I found counting steps - 160 each minute - took my mind off how long there was to go. But on these longer runs the counting was making things worse, so I stopped counting yesterday and after the first few minutes managed to switch my mind off. That is the clue I am finding - physically the body is just about able - it is the mind trying to complete the unimaginable length of 28 minutes which seems daunting or impossible at the start. Run 2 tomorrow and still trepidatious, because you know from experience that not every run goes smoothly. 30 minute runs next week seem to be the Impossible Dream....

[Polly2810 Graduate in reply to Duddles]

That’s why i have taken to listening to audio books, I get engrossed in the story and the time goes by without really noticing. Good luck you can do it!!

[ejvcruns Graduate]

I Find the first Run of each week more challenging. As to why -- I guess you know your own answer. For me, I don't want to be decrepit later. And I want to enjoy things more now.