Thoroughly fed up !

[Jules1968]

So today I had to do my job related fitness test. Having failed it for the first time ever in December I’ve been doing C25k to improve my fitness and get my confidence back . On Tuesday I completed week 7 and set off this morning for an anxious 18 mile car journey in horrendous conditions to HQ feeling fairly confident that I had it in the bag. How wrong I was , the dreaded beep test was again too much . I failed 5 shuttles short of the finish. I was barely sweating or out of breath but my ankles and knees did not want me to go fast enough and on missing a beep my confidence went and I pulled myself up. I’m gutted that I could not push myself that bit more. One of the trainers said there were no issues with my fitness but most likely technique and suggested I arrange practice sessions. This blip has properly set me back 😕

[Irishprincess Graduate]

Sorry to read that, I'm sure you're disappointed. But you've reached week 8 so you must be fitter than you were in December and if you stick to the programme and build in some strengthening exercises in between runs then you'll continue to get stronger. The fact the trainer said there were no issues with your fitness must surely be good news? And you have the option to have practice sessions! Yeah 🙂

Please don't let this set you back. You've done brilliantly up to now and you're so close to graduation you should start thinking about your graduation speech 😏 You will get there. Keep the faith.

[ju-ju- Graduate]

I’m so sorry you must be gutted.... now that your fitness is up, the practice sessions will be the thing that nails it 😎

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Oh gosh. It must be really disappointing, but, as her majesty, Irishprincess says, you are stronger and fitter too,

Maybe subconsciously, you were not as confident as you felt, and the journey you had will not have helped.

Chin up... look at the positive side..keep running, and take advantage of the practice sessions for your technique... You are going to do this.. and next time... take us lot along with you...

[lagatachocolate Graduate]

Hi Jules, it certainly sounds like you’ve got the stamina sorted. Have you considered incorporating some ankle/knee/general leg strength and flexibility into the mix and ensuring your footwear is providing the support you need.

I’m sure you can do this!

[Hidden]

Bah! Ignore it. You can run for 25 minutes non stop - how many people can do that? Hugs, and just carry on.

[Hidden]

Oh what a blow that must have been. Running sometimes is as much in the head as the legs and by now your stamina will be improving no end.

Please don’t be disheartened, you have taken positive steps to work on your fitness and committed 7 weeks of very hard work to get where you are. As ju-ju- says it is the practice sessions that will nail it.

Also post graduation the ‘speed’ interval podcasts will help no end, as they are very ‘sprint’ oriented.

Big hugs and best wishes for your upcoming graduation (cos it’s a shoo in) and finger’s crossed that beeping beep test passes you with flying colours next time

[AnUladh Graduate]

I used to have to do the bleep test quarterly when I was a SC (6 years + ago now) and only barely made it a few times! You undoubtedly have the fitness, its just a totally different type of run with the regular stop & turn so no surprise that knees & ankles were feeling it. With a bit of practice you'll absolutely nail it next time around, no doubt about that whatsoever

[Jules1968]

Thank you so much guys you are all awesome and the support means so much. I got back on it on Sunday and completed 8/1 which cheered me up no end. I’m thinking if I get the next couple of runs in the bag and then work on a bit of speed there is no reason I cannot get it nailed next time . 💪💪💪