Week 6 Run 3

[hannahstarkid]

Feeling majorly disappointed in myself as I failed to complete the final run in week 6. I’ve been running on the treadmill so far and I just feel so bored doing it. There’s nothing for me to focus on other than the time and figuring out how much longer I still have to run. V demoralising. I know I should probably try running outdoors but it’s dark by the time I get out of work and I’m terrified of having to run up hills after going on the flat this whole time!! I’m starting to seriously doubt that I can do this....

[GaryB1966 Graduate]

A little self talk goes a long way, you’re about two thirds of the way through so you’re doing great. We all have setbacks, just move on and give yourself a pep talk for the next attempt.

Running on the treadmill is fine if that’s how you want to do it. Running outside is good too, a little different yes but worth it. Whatever you choose make sure you take your time, slow down, then slow down some more, listen to some music you like and I’m sure you’ll get through, you can definitely do this...

All the best

[feebe]

I probably shouldn’t say this but two years ago I started c25k on a treadmill and got to week 6. I thought I was doing great until I tried to run W6R3 outdoors and couldn’t manage 10 minutes. I also had got bored on the treadmill but was so upset to find I couldn’t run outside so stopped the program. Here I am, 2 years later, running outside from the start, on W7 and loving every minute, though I was still dreading W5R3 at the time.

Maybe try going back to week 5 and going outside where it’s lit and you feel safe with not too many hills and I think you’ll be brilliant. If you’re getting bored it won’t work long term. I was doing laps in the park and only ventured out on my last run and what a difference. No boredom and a wonderful sense of achievement.

I think treadmill works for some people but defo didn’t fit me either.

Please keep it up, the feeling in a couple of weeks is amazing! 👍🏼

[ruralfrance Graduate in reply to feebe]

Why did you start with "I probably shouldn't say this?" I think your post is really interesting and good advice. Well done! Keep posting!

[feebe in reply to ruralfrance]

Ah, thank you! I just thought that maybe I’d be insulting treadmill runners and I wouldn’t like to do that as I’m sure some people either really enjoy it or it’s a necessity because of their circumstances. 🤷‍♀️

[HeadInTheClouds Graduate]

Noooo, that’s the 3rd time I’ve seen the ‘F’ word on here today..!!

There is no such thing as ‘fail’... It was just a run that didn’t go according to plan.

I’ve never done treadmill running, for many reasons - including what you’ve mentioned above.

Week 6 is notorious for making many of us (including myself) think WTF..?? It is probably the most mentally challenging.

Have you checked if there is a beginners running group in your area who can take you through to 5k and give you company and moral support at the same time..??

Whatever the terrain, if you take things nice and slowly (REALLY slowly), you can achieve this... honestly.

[SlowLoris]

Much harder to switch to outdoors when it's cold and dark

BUT

you are allowed to deviate from the program and do what suits you - like try a short outdoor run after an indoor warm up - see if you like it.

[Hidden]

You can do it. No-one who can get to week 6 is incapable of finishing. This is a mental thing and I am not surprised you are bored on a treadmill. You have my admiration that you got this far.

I think you have two choices. Either try running outdoors and you will find it harder. You could maybe go back to week 5 and build up from there.

Or you find ways to make the treadmill less dull. I have the same issue with running in the dark and my solution is podcasts to listen to. Bit trie to combine with C25k maybe unless you are using the app and can download speech podcasts or listen to the radio.

Don't give up. You are doing great and nearly there.

[AnnieW55]

And if you do stay indoors try putting a 1-2% incline on as that will help to simulate outdoor running. If you can find somewhere outside (how about the weekend?) where you feel safe to run make sure you go slowly. Treadmillers often find outside difficult at first as they have to regulate the pace, there is no display to see pace, which is where the go slow advice really helps. Hint, just make sure you are making the running motion, speed not required 😉. Apart from that and the weather, the main difference between the two is that the 'mill moves below your feet and outside doesn't - you have to propel yourself along.

@BartonWalker had a good idea. Why not try a short, no pressure, non-programme run just to see?

[Ianson Graduate]

Okay, here's the thing.... you have run weeks 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 and completed run 1 of week 6 and run 2 of week 6 and you've just given run 3 a good go! What's the problem? You've got this! Running outside and those darn hills? I spent my first few weeks running round rugby pitches - flat as can be! Other than accidentally facing one hill, I have deliberately avoided inclines. Now, if I come across them, I just go slower and slower until it's done. Blow me if I didn't deliberately do a 'hill' the other week - madness - but I got through it. You really can do this. There's no rush. Please don't feel disappointed in yourself - you've got this far - the podium is in reach - it really, really is.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

No such word as 'f***' on here. you have come this far..so either finish it in the gym.. or.. take a little exploratory jog outside!

High viz gear... a head torch and warm togs...try it. It is very different, so really take it slowly...but see how you go?

[rolysmate Graduate]

You've come all this way so you just have to carry on, this was just a blip and a trial run for the main event

[ruralfrance Graduate]

There's tons of good advice here, Hannahstarkid. Don't give up. You can do this. Keep posting. Where there's a will there's a way!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

The only way I could conceivably run on a treadmill would be if I was totally distracted by some forms of sensory stimulation.

Music alone would not be enough.

As a radio fan, podcasts, where the imagery is in your head, might do, but I think I would have to have something visual to get immersed in too.

All runners, as they increase duration, need to find their own distractions from the actual passing of time. Outdoors that is easy with ever changing surroundings, but obviously more of a challenge on the dreadmill.

You have come too far to give up.

[mrrun Graduate]

You cannot give up now, that would make no sense whatsoever. A complete waste. Go, you can do this!

As for treadmill, l only ran a few times, courtesy of sports physio requirements (more about it in a separate post) but for me to run on it regularly l would need a major stimulus, epic scale boredom crusher.

Perhaps a full ballet ensamble with an orchestra thrown on, fireworks and possibly an Air Force display above my sorry head. Then l would probably not fall asleep and get crushed.

Outside you get fresh air, your own rules, different scenery, in two words, total freedom.

Try!

[hannahstarkid]

Thanks for the support guys! Gonna try an outside run tomorrow morning and see if that’s any better. I’ve come too far to give up now!!

[Elfe5 Graduate in reply to hannahstarkid]

That's great - go you! Let us know how you get on and we will cheer for you. 😄

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to hannahstarkid]

Great, but don't be despondent if you don't get as far as you hoped. The transition to outside is hard work.......the ground doesn't move for you.

Keep your pace really slow, as it will be tough for you to pace yourself at first, but ultimately you will have all the joy of running in the great outdoors.

We're rooting for you!!

[LiisaM Graduate]

Perhaps you could run back and forth outside in a defined area? I do this in a safe area because of neighborhood dogs. Would that help? I do that on my "walking" days. Or use a fan on yourself blowing toward or near your treadmill? Or watch a travel video of some sort while running on the treadmill if you must? Or position the treadmill so that you can see outside a window while exercising? Just my thoughts.... I hope you find a solution. Keep in touch with all of us!

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

You can do it hannahstarkid...

In case you don't fancy outside just want to add..

I did some of my week 9 runs on the treadmill...as it was winter and I wanted to keep up with the program.. so 30ins...

Get yourself a great new playlist, cover up the control panel so you're not watching the clock and run. Its 25 mins which you are ready for and will be able to do. Put your playlist on shuffle, get into a rythmn, think how great you will feel when you complete the run..

Go on you can do it😊...Good luck.x

[hannahstarkid]

So I bought some new trainers yesterday and went outside this morning for the first time. And boy was it tough!! I really struggled to regulate my speed and got so frustrated that I turned off the app!! So I ran when I could and walked when I needed to and actually managed to go further than I have before! Running outside really is a totally different kettle of fish but I enjoyed it a lot more and felt energised when I got back home despite not completing the podcast (again). I’m gonna get myself some high vis gear this afternoon and take a break from c25k while I build up my stamina and work on my pacing for outdoor running. Thank you so much to all you guys for your support and encouragement, I really needed it!!

[veggiegirl1906]

I'm currently on week 7 and I also am doing C25K on a treadmill since it's about 7pm by the time I get home from work in the evenings and I feel a bit unsafe running at night time where I live so I go on a treadmill at the gym.

I completely understand about the getting bored part. I've found a few things that help me get less bored (although some runs I still stare at the clock waiting for the minutes to go by)

- download some podcasts/ audiobooks onto your phone, so you can listen in the gaps that the c25k app isnt talking in

- if your gym has tv make sure you go on a treadmill closest to the tv. I currently am very into eastenders since c25k since it tends to be on when i'm in the gym

- if your gym doesnt have a tv you could maybe download films / tv / watch netflix or youtube videos whilst running

Keep it up, it will be worth it when you graduate! and then when it starts getting lighter in the evenings you can run outside and you'll be amazed at how far you've come

[veggiegirl1906 in reply to veggiegirl1906]

I do prefer running outside and I get that it is more challenging than treadmill running but for me it is the only viable option since I feel running in the dark where I live is unsafe