The longest week ever! : Week 9 turning into a... - Couch to 5K

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The longest week ever!

Jude1963 profile image
Jude1963Graduate
54 Replies

Week 9 turning into a fortnight and a chore. 😞

Not the triumph I’d hoped for.

I can’t get it finished! Done run 1 but ended up calling my second run a “practice” as I pulled up inexplicably at 2km.

Now had a day off work (which is very rare for me) with a poorly tummy.

Tummy feels better now but I’ve still got these two 30 minuters looming ahead of me.

Just don’t feel as enthusiastic as I’d hoped I would.

Need to regain the confidence and energy. Things have gone so well for 8 weeks! What’s going on?

😞

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Jude1963 profile image
Jude1963
Graduate
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54 Replies
GoGo_JoJo profile image
GoGo_JoJoGraduate

It's a mental block. Gremlins are in the headspace... don't give them breeding room.

I know you've got this but you need to believe it 👍

Don't dwell on the time, it's just 2 more runs. One foot in front of the other 😉

Jude1963 profile image
Jude1963Graduate in reply to GoGo_JoJo

Thankyou, it does sound better when you put it like that! 😊

the3rdwife profile image
the3rdwifeGraduate

I felt the same way jude1963. No enthusiasm to finish the last 2 runs untill I completed run 2.

It really is a challenge. Get yourself a new playlist (if you run with music) and press play

Jude1963 profile image
Jude1963Graduate in reply to the3rdwife

I will do that. Thankyou for the advice. I’m getting to the point where the track I’m listening to is determining where I am on my route and that’s pressure! X

the3rdwife profile image
the3rdwifeGraduate in reply to Jude1963

I completed the last run this morning and last night I planned a play list on Spotify trying to match the right songs to how I'll be feeling during the run. "Keep on moving" appeared at the 25 minute mark. 😉

antonioa profile image
antonioaGraduate

Sorry to hear your struggles. A "week" doesn't have to be 7 days. You can do those runs over any reasonable period. I've not been there yet, but I imagine it's like hitting a wall which you can and will get over. Take stock and then go for those runs. You know the reward is waiting for you. Maybe it's the anti- climax of knowing it's coming to and end? But it's not the end!! You're using the 9 weeks to get you to a good level and then, once you're a runner, you'll want to keep it up and run regularly. Get your energy back and then go for it. It's in your grasp. Head up :)

Jude1963 profile image
Jude1963Graduate in reply to antonioa

Thankyou antonioa.

You’re right, there’s an element of anti-climax as much as anything. Before, I was euphoric that I could run for 5 minutes.

Now I know I can do 30.

But it’s tough going!!!

I’ll be back at work tomorrow.

Maybe it was a virus/food poisoning and my body knew.....? which was why I pulled up on Sunday. I was certainly quite ill last night and this morning.

Better now though.

Thankyou for your continued support.

I need it this week!! X

antonioa profile image
antonioaGraduate in reply to Jude1963

Get well soon and here's looking forward to your next successful run :)

Anthie profile image
AnthieGraduate

Don't feel bad! It's quite likely your body is telling you it needs a bit of recovery time, especially if you've caught some virus. If you feel rested but worried about the next two runs, then remember, this is not an exam. I agree that a new playlist might help you get back your mojo but also a change of route? If you have a bit of time: try to find a nice place where to run? And then relax, run and enjoy your environment. Don't think about anything, let yourself carry away by the moves and the music and take your time ;-)

Jude1963 profile image
Jude1963Graduate in reply to Anthie

I did actually change my route and yet I pulled up. The ground was muddy which I’m not used to and there were a few people around the area (local forestry centre) and it somehow put me off... silly I know but I actually pulled up in front of a load of happy families all out for a Sunday walk. I just didn’t feel right and I didn’t want to huff and puff past them. 🙈

I will definitely change my playlist though. That is a good suggestion.

And you’re right. This is not an exam!

I will do it in my own time! 👍🏼

Thankyou for your support. 😊

Anthie profile image
AnthieGraduate in reply to Jude1963

It was not silly, it wasn't the right time and muddy ground is definitely a struggle. Don't worry, you'll make it to the end soon ;-)

Tbae profile image
Tbae

Easy to say just remind yourself of all the routines,but of course do that.

You’ve got this.

If it is gremlins you have two of Oldfloss’s tools, they do not like to run , so run for your life , if that does not work squash them under your feet that are gently kissing the ground.

Use your handbrake, slow and steady , to settle you into your groove and breathing.

Do not complicate your breathing , just do it your own natural way and get the oxygen you need to run.Shoulders relaxed and head up and looking forward to open up your chest,posture and natural breathing and slow enough that all is tension free harmony.

Stay positive and enjoy.

Quality sleep a given, your tiredness could be food and water hydration🤔only , or the common enemy tension. Relax everything, no tension.

As the Mentor says fear no run only enjoy and believe it.

As you said he is not the party pooper🙈😂😂

Loved that.😂😂😂

You have a party on your next run 9.2. 👏👏🌟I have got mine on Wed. 👍

Jude1963 profile image
Jude1963Graduate in reply to Tbae

Good luck with your run.

We can do this.

Thankyou for your continued support.

😊

Tbae profile image
Tbae in reply to Jude1963

A little mental arithmetic I used on myself this morning in 9.1🤔😂😂

When MJ said that is the first 5 mins completed I instead of saying 25 more to do, sure enough, I said to myself l have done the 5 walk + 5 Run +5 finishing walk, I know I can do, so that is 15 mins/25 = 60% of it done.Gosh I am over half way, I am flying.🤔😂😂😂Just a bit of nonesense.Enjoy your party.👏👏

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate

Excitement...slow and steady... relax into the runs... cruise towards the podium. Nothing to prove now... just enjoy:)

Jude1963 profile image
Jude1963Graduate in reply to Oldfloss

I’ll keep you posted. 😊

SlowLoris profile image
SlowLoris

It's still a triumph. Even more so if it's hard. Very little that's worthwhile comes easily.

And remember, it doesn't stop at week 9. It just keeps getting better.

Jude1963 profile image
Jude1963Graduate in reply to SlowLoris

That helps. Thankyou! X

Rutheybabe profile image
Rutheybabe

I have been like that with week 8 done 1 run, but knee playing up. And like you been doing religiously every week, we got this we can do it x

Jude1963 profile image
Jude1963Graduate in reply to Rutheybabe

We will do it!!! (Eventually!)

Oh dear- I was staying in a different place overnight when my final run was due( last Friday morning) and it was great to ‘ finish’ C25k on a high. Could you run somewhere different? Adding the new playlist idea is a very good one- I had a disastrous run in week 7 and I’m sure it was mostly due to the wrong music . I really hope you get back to it - good luck

Jude1963 profile image
Jude1963Graduate in reply to

I’m going to try a 23 minute track that I love then I’ll listen to the sound of my own steady breathing for the last 7 minutes. Just got to get over this bout of food poisoning first or whatever it is I’ve got. 🤢x

in reply to Jude1963

Well done! Feeling ill changes everything so waiting is a good plan. I’m so impressed with anyone who does this challenge- I still remember run 1 week 1 and not believing how long a minute was(!) and now look .

Jude1963 profile image
Jude1963Graduate in reply to

I am impressed too. Anyone that completes this has worked so hard for all the right reasons. Themselves!!

I will wait because I want to feel good. I’ve done one 31 minute run which was just over 4K . So I know I can do it. I just have two more to graduate then I will work towards 5 k.

Mulberry59 profile image
Mulberry59Graduate

My week 9 was similar to yours. The rest of the programme had gone very smoothly but I had setback after setback with week 9 and then run 3 of week 9. I set off on saturday but the rain became torrential and after 3.5km/20mins had to be rescued by my usband in the car. Finally finished yesterday - but also go caught in torrential rain, husband was out, so finished the run wet through but happy. Not ideal, but did it. Now going to re-do week 9 a couple of times before moving on. Good luck.

Jude1963 profile image
Jude1963Graduate in reply to Mulberry59

Congratulations Mulberry! You must be very proud though. Well done.

I’ll join you when I can!!! 💪🏽😊

Doris-1950 profile image
Doris-1950Graduate

I’m relieved to hear someone else has had this problem ! Rather a disappointment...... think it’s the daunting thought of 30mins running something that was so alien only a few weeks ago . You’ll do it.... take your time .... doesn’t have to happen in a week .

Jude1963 profile image
Jude1963Graduate in reply to Doris-1950

Yes, glad I’m not alone! Thanks. 😊

Jayparr profile image
JayparrGraduate

You done amazing

I always make sure I've eaten before and had drink as if I don't my legs get very heavy and and breathing struggles

But I run on treadmill at moment but helps if go very slow so can control what my legs are doing and breathing

And just think I want to get to finish and don't think about distance.

Music important

I use wireless ear peace so no wires and run in good sport bra and vest which helps when getting too hot

Keep telling my self to relax

You get there xxx

Jude1963 profile image
Jude1963Graduate in reply to Jayparr

Thanks for the advice Jayparr. I’ll bear it in mind. X

seaspaniel profile image
seaspanielGraduate

You are already a proper runner. So this is only a minor wobble. It's not a matter of if but when. Varying your route and/or playlist can be helpful. And 30 minutes is less time than I've spent waiting in a queue. Good luck.

Jude1963 profile image
Jude1963Graduate in reply to seaspaniel

Haha! That’s a good way of looking at it! 👍🏼

Hi just do week 8 again to boost your confidence you can do this. I’m at the end of week 2 and struggling as I am so unfit. (My father tells me elephants weren’t meant to run) seeing you at week 9 gives me strength to keep going because if you are struggling it’s ok for me to struggle too. You inspire me!

Keep going😁

Steve

Jude1963 profile image
Jude1963Graduate in reply to

It’s great that I inspire you. Lots of people on here have inspired me too. We’ll get there! 👍🏼

Jayparr profile image
JayparrGraduate in reply to

Hi you doing great

It's not easy it's lot to do with your mind.

I did c25k in 2016 and that was hard as wasn't very fit

But over 18 months I went back to being unfit and over weight.

Bit this time I've learnt to keep it very steady just keep relaxed keep breathing steady if struggling slow down even more.

Keep going u can do it

Jay x

I've just (yesterday) graduated, so week 9 is very familiar territory. I had a mantra running through my head 'other people have done this' in time with my steps and it really helped me pound out the last 10 minutes of my final run. I also chose music that was slightly annoying, which was a great distraction. good luck!

Jude1963 profile image
Jude1963Graduate in reply to

Well done maisielane! I hope to do the same soon! X

MikeJones68 profile image
MikeJones68Graduate

I feel your pain. It took me more than 3 weeks to complete week 9 after having no issues up to that point. Run 1 had me hopping to a halt with calf pain which put me out of action for what seemed forever. A week later I managed run 1, but then I had to abandon run 2 when i could feel the pain returning.

Almost 3 weeks later I managed run 2 and 3 without too much trouble and haven't looked back since, and I even managed 10k last week!

Don't get disheartened. These things happen. You can still do it!

Jude1963 profile image
Jude1963Graduate in reply to MikeJones68

That makes me feel more positive. Thankyou Mike! 😊

MikeJones68 profile image
MikeJones68Graduate in reply to Jude1963

That's what this forum is for. The lovely people on here helped me through it :)

Jude1963 profile image
Jude1963Graduate in reply to MikeJones68

I agree. 😊

RuthL profile image
RuthLGraduate

Sounds like you were poorly, and that’s why you couldn’t finish the run. Take your time. Like many others on here, it took me 2 weeks to complete week 9 - mainly because the weather was so bad 😆

Jude1963 profile image
Jude1963Graduate in reply to RuthL

Yes I’m beginning to feel not so bad as I’m sure I’ll get there eventually just like you all did. Well done! 😊

Whatsapp profile image
WhatsappGraduate

I got injured at the end of week 8. It was two weeks until I could run again. I went out there with no expectation, but just to go for as long as I could. I completed the 30 mins. Don't look back, you have come this far.

At some point during this programme everyone hits a mental blip, and week 9 is hard because the finish line is in sight, you know you can do it, and you feel you should be enjoying it. But at the end of the day, as has been said, its just a couple more runs. You have already changed your life, so just tap in to how good you feel about yourself on the days when you have run.

I have plenty of days where I don't feel like running. I have given in to the gremlins and not gone a few times. I regretted it every time. However, now I don't let the gremlins win; I run, and I have never regretted it once.

See you at graduation!

Jude1963 profile image
Jude1963Graduate in reply to Whatsapp

Thankyou. That’s a very inspiring message. I’m still not totally over my tummy bug so I’m taking advice and waiting for a green light that I hope will pop on in my head soon. Then I will triumph!!!!! 💪🏽😊

CatMo13 profile image
CatMo13Graduate

Hey Jude, I consider you my virtual running buddy on here as we’ve been through the weeks together! You’ve got so much support and advice it’s great eh ! Good luck with the rest of week 9 - I know you can do it ! I have one run to go 😬x

Jude1963 profile image
Jude1963Graduate in reply to CatMo13

Wow! Only one run left CatMo!!!

You’ve nailed this! Good luck. You’ll be fine.

Yes, I cannot believe how much support I have got from my little grumbling session on here.

I have to do this now!!

I’m still not 100% recovered from the tummy bug so I’ve put off tonight’s run in favour of feeling better tomorrow.

But when I do run it’ll be for all the people on here!!! And you!

I’ll try not to let you down. 🙈😂😊x

CatMo13 profile image
CatMo13Graduate in reply to Jude1963

Arh that’s so lovely! Haha yes just a little grumble and all that attention you get 😂 I will wait to see how you get on. If I don’t do my final run on Thursday as planned, I will have to wait a month as have my eye operation on Friday 😳

Jude1963 profile image
Jude1963Graduate in reply to CatMo13

Oh! What are you having done to your eye?

Jude1963 profile image
Jude1963Graduate in reply to Jude1963

Hang on. I’ve just read your previous messages. A cataract op.

I’m sure it will be very worthwhile as they are very successful operations.

There’s me grumbling about a tummy bug preventing my completion!

You make sure you recover fully and take it easy on that post op run. X

CatMo13 profile image
CatMo13Graduate in reply to Jude1963

Have to have lens replaced as have cataract... hopefully will be okay 😊

Jude1963 profile image
Jude1963Graduate in reply to CatMo13

It will be. My auntie has had both lenses replaced. Says it’s the best thing she’s done. Good luck for Thursday’s run. Take it easy. X

Rumour profile image
RumourGraduate

Hey Jude (sorry!)

We have just started week one again as the snow and a couple of other things ruined our progress. But what we have decided, is to not move on untill WE think we are good to go. At the end of week one, if we still feel totalled we will redo it. No point in movingto a tougher week and getting disheartened by the lack of progress.

The point is, you have only yourself to please. No one with a whip to make you go, so relax and give it a go. If it doesn't work, try another day. Wishing you all the best and congratulations on getting this far xx

Jude1963 profile image
Jude1963Graduate in reply to Rumour

Haha! Yes, I get a lot of “Hey Jude’s” but I like that so no worries!

Yes, a good point. My only audience is myself. Ok, and you lot on here. But no one here is counting my days. All we want is graduation one day. Just to show willpower and determination pays off. It’s a great program. If it got me off my couch then it must be good!

Good luck with your runs. X

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