Was meant to be doing W7 R1 tonight but failed to complete it. Only managed to run for 12 minutes so not even half-way. Just felt achy, couldn't get my breathing right and my son kept trying to talk to me (he was on his bike) but I couldn't run, talk and breathe! 😆 Once I stopped to speak to him, I totally lost my momentum and couldn't get back into it. Really annoyed with myself!
Thinking I'll have to adjust my schedule now as my son can't cope cycling in silence for 25 minutes (fair enough!). Can the programme be completed successfully on 2 runs a week? Or could I do 2 runs as scheduled then repeat one week 6 run with walk breaks which he could accompany me on? As a single parent, I only get child-free opportunities while he's at cubs or with his dad, so not 3 times a week. Any advice gratefully received.
Has anyone failed a run then recovered and continued to complete the programme? I was so happy with my progress so far that I really don't want to drop out at this stage.
Written by
Teacherm
Graduate
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
I'm with you on this one, I had the same problem last night and the same run. After reading all the great advice on here it's not a fail but a practice run 😊 I did feel a little disappointed after as it's the first run I didn't complete but I know it is achievable. I'm going to have an extra rest day this week then give it another go 😬
First things first, this is not a failed run as there are no such things!! This is what we call a practice run 🏃🏻♀️ and with each one comes more understanding of how your body works and what's best for it.
Not really sure about then scheduling side of your question but I know there's far more experienced people on here that can answer that for you. Only thing I would ask is if there is a friend that could sit with him for 30 mins whilst you run?
I hope it all sorts itself out as it sounds like you're really enjoying your running 🏃🏻♀️😊
Thank you for your message. Hopefully it's just a blip and I'll be able to sort something out. Will try again with different music and maybe a new route for a change. I see you're doing really well with Week 7 which is very inspiring 😊 Xx
Bless you, I am in complete awe of you, finding a way to do c25k. There is no way that you've failed. My daughter wants to come on her bike with me and I couldn't do it yet (much as I love that she wants to) it would be a nightmare and I would give up. She never stops talking/ needing something and she's 13! I need total focus and concentration on the run or I'm knackered from the off. You don't say how old your son is.
Yes lots of people sometimes have to repeat a run or two (sometimes they choose to repeat a week) but this sounds like it's more about distraction that you being able to do it.
I think the programme needs 3 runs a week to consolidate fitness and the like. But maybe it would be ok (someone back me up here!) for you to have 2 rest days in-between each run if that helped with childcare etc? So it would just take you a bit longer to finish.
You are doing SO well, I don't even know you and I'm so proud of you. I hope you can find a way to get this done - for you. Like Kimchoc08 says, can anyone look after him for a bit? Good luck.
Aww thank you that is such a lovely reply. He is 8. I started it in the summer holidays which was fine, and it was ok doing a run with breaks with him cycling but I don't think it's going to work from now on until I'm fit enough to run and talk at the same time!
Sadly I don't really have a friend local enough who would watch him (I don't drive which means they'd need to be pretty close!) and I'm sure no one really wants someone else's child at 6pm! Thank you for the suggestion though
I hope you can work something out, you've done so well and you are nearly there (I still can't talk and jog!). Jayseeskinny's has more experience than me, looks like you can do it 2 days a week, just takes a bit longer. Don't give up, we are here if you need a moan!
Well done for getting so far! You're doing brilliantly. You didn't fail, you ran for 12 minutes - could you do that 3 weeks ago? As has been said before this was just a practice run.
Secondly there is absolutely no reason why you can't finish the programme on just 2 runs a week, as long as you do all the runs. You'll just take a bit longer than 9 weeks and it might be a bit more difficult to build up fitness. But 2 runs is much better than no runs at all.
And finally there is also no reason to give up. Life gets in the way, but if you run when you can then you will soon be a runner.
It also sounds as if you may be running too fast. Try slowing down, it may help.
I really struggled with trying to find time to run while still watching my children. I solved my problem by taking them to a local park and having them play while I ran around the park. It was helpful because I had piece of mind knowing I could see them and they were occupied, but I didn't have to talk to them or have them try to keep up with me while I was running.
Are you able to do something similar? Is there a skate park or a school play yard nearby where he could play while you run?
The fact that you posted this shows that you don't want to give up. That's something to be proud of right there!
Don't give up - never give up. If what you have time for is 2 days a week, then run 2 days a week. You'll achieve not only increased cardiovascular health, but also increased mental health and you'll be proud of your success.
You'll get to the end, even if you have to do it your own way. Hang in there.
"It always seems impossible until it's done" ~ Nelson Mandela
You could continue on two runs a week, it wouldnt be a problem. But is there another way maybe?
Could you aim to run your very very slowest when you have your lovely company? Slow runs are great for building stamina! Tell your son you find it hard to talk and run so can only answer yes or no (ish), but he can talk as much as he likes to you. See how it goes. Give him something to do, spot the wildlife, check your arms are back and forth not across, whats different on the route today, that kind of thing.
Also some folk run with their youngster if they are interested....might be worth a try Hidden might advise. Also do you have a friend who runs? If so could you run and they child mind, and then swop over maybe?
Thank you all for the encouragement. Repeated the run last night (with no little training buddy) and completed it. Did go a little slower than usual. Only 8 more runs left so I can do it!
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
My run didn't happen ☹️
Managed a Friday evening run!
W6R2 - Barely managed it
W7R1 almost killed me...didn't
Expected a crap run but it didn't happen!
