Week 8 is hard

[Kikit]

I’ve done 2 runs and they have been hard. I seem to be running faster than previous weeks and am finding it difficult to get a steady pace. I’m completing the runs but not enjoying them. One run of week 8 to go...any advice much appreciated!

[Pc59 Graduate]

Think my advise would be slow down a bit you are doing great but you want to enjoy it too! Im a definite slow runner but i am coping ok with the program & been lucky to escape injuries. For me i can build up on speed post graduation!

[icklegui Graduate]

week 8 and 9 I managed to find even slower depths of slowness in order to get to the end! Try taking really tiny steps? I still find it hard to regulate my pace though, I hope it just comes with practice! One of my slowest runs lately was when I persuaded the boyf to come out and walk with me for company - it was slower than ever but soooo comfortable, if a bit weird.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Relax....Use distraction tactics to let your legs find,what is your happy pace, you are running faster but it is not comfortable, otherwise it would be not feel difficult.

So... music with a beat, or counting... ? If my pace goes a bit wonky, even now, I still count, as I did when doing C25K... for me, it is counting 1,2,3,4....Look around, make up rhymes, give names to trees and shrubs,,, make up silly names of folk you pass... sing daft songs in your head

Theses runs are lovely, and when the newly found running legs take over...brilliant. So start slow and try to just ease into them

[Kikit in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you so much for your support and advice. I think I have been setting targets for myself. I’m not fast but I have been trying to hit 4K in 30 minutes and 5k in 40 minutes with the start and end warm up walk and I think it is too much at the moment.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Kikit]

Me too.. relax, and enjoy this fantastic journey.. speed can follow

( Honestly)

[Razouski]

There will be plenty of time for building up your speed after you graduate (if that's what you want to do) but at the moment you just need to keep it really slow and steady. You could try running a different route, or running the same route but in the opposite direction to give yourself a bit of novelty on your run. I often make up new lyrics to songs on my play list as I'm running - fitting in thoughts about my run to fit the existing tune (have a look at some of my posts if you want).

Hope your next run is a little easier (and slower).

[Kikit]

Thank you. I’m about to start week 9 so will try and follow your advice😊