Finding it hard 😩

[Megzy24]

Yesterday did run on week for where you run 5 min then 3 and so on. Found it really tough to be honest with you. Plus everywhere is really hilly too. I'm limited to where I can run as want to get out quickly while family have there tea x I could do a buggy run but that's so hard x

[GrannyO Graduate]

That's week 5 run1? Week 5 is the turning point where you put together all the experience of previous weeks and start to run for longer periods: 5, then 8, then 20 minutes. As MJ says it's just a light jog. Keep it really slow - see all the posts on this on the forum. My snail pace running has got me to W9 R2 - something I scarcely thought possible two months ago. Stick with it, but slow & steady. Good luck 😃

[Megzy24 Graduate in reply to GrannyO]

No it's week 4 1st runx

[AJ2804 Graduate]

If you are managing to complete your runs on a hilly course then I think that's amazing! I remember in week 4 I thought I'd never be able to run for 30 mins - but I can now (not very fast though!) You will be able to as well - keep going, you can do it!

[Megzy24 Graduate in reply to AJ2804]

Thanks so much ❤️

[icklegui Graduate]

Yep, lots of us avoided hills as much as possible so good going if you have to do them, it will serve you well! Go as slowly as you can, short strides up the hills.

Also - it's supposed to be a bit hard, or we'd all go straight to 5k! Therefore you should give yourself loads of credit for getting this far. Think back to week 1 - I bet you would find that easier now. Hope you are enjoying your rest day, keep posting and well done for reaching week 4!

[Megzy24 Graduate in reply to icklegui]

Thankyou 😊

[Hidden]

Hills are a pain, but I had to do most of my C25K in and around them. Coping mechanisms include running tiny steps, really slowing down your pace. Mr Smooth (Michael Johnson) reminds us not to 'bob' as that is wasted energy. It's not easy to do, but can you at least try and synchronise the running intervals at the peak of the hills so you have a run down? I never could so just toughed it out and accepted that my pace was pants.

Or if you find a flattish bit, run backwards and forwards on that one section for a while.

The upside of including the hills now is that it makes you a stronger runner... you may be slower but it isn't a race anyway...

[Megzy24 Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for your advice I will defo try this x