Wk 7 difficulties

[Abicon]

I'm really struggling with this week. I ran r1 kind of ok but not entirely running for absolutely the full 25 mins (a couple of 30 second breaks for cramp) but 2nd run on Saturday and 3rd run today were both a bit of a disaster. Cramp got me in the 2nd run so have done lots of stretching and drinking (water) and giving myself some rest days but today I just couldn't keep going for some reason and so ended up doing a kind of off-plan interval session which felt much more comfortable. Maybe it's the heat?

So should I go back a couple of weeks and build up again, or just keep trying to achieve the full 25 mins? It's a bit disappointing to keep trying and not managing it (I'm being very careful not to use the f word!). I know that whatever I am doing is better than not going out but this is the first week where I've really doubted my ability and determination. Any thoughts/tips?

[alisonx Graduate]

Hi Abicon - week 7 is a bugger and gets a lot of us! Don't be too hard on yourself here. The heat could definitely be a factor, but also i fear you may have self doubt crept in following run 1 not going to plan.

You absolutely can do this, and you will. Look how far you have come. I would say go back to w6 r3 and get your confidence back (you know you can do this one without a hitch!) and then give w7 another go - but this time with the belief you can do it!

I also got plagued by cramp in week 7 - but for me i could run it would be the hours afterwards that i suffered It will pass - just keep with the gentle stretches. I hope it passes for you soon.

Good luck - let us know how you get on!

[Jax33]

I had the same problem wk 6 run 3! Just couldn’t do it!!! Was so disappointed in myself, couldn’t get my breathing right and my legs weren’t having any of it!!! Abandoned it after 11 mins! Tried again after a few minutes walking but no. Don’t know if it was the heat, but has knocked me back so having a couple of days off and then going to repeat the week!

[Madwife60 Graduate]

I’m start w7 next week and I share your worries. I really found the heat exhausting which can’t help. I just keep telling myself this is not a race and 6 weeks ago I couldn’t run for a minute never mind 25. If I have to do W7 for the next 3 weeks so be it. Who cares other than me. Keep going and I’m sure you’ll get there in the end. I can’t stop because the thought of starting again at week 1 is too awful😄

[Lillybeth30mins Graduate]

I think it might be more of a mental block for you because of the “practice” runs??

My feeling is: couple of rest days (or more, if required) and make sure you have everything set up right for your next run.... decide now when it’s going to be and decide you’re going to look forward to it(!)

Plenty of fluids the day before, get your kit ready so you keep seeing it, get your playlist/podcast all ready to go, and make sure you go out feeling positive.... and lastly, don’t forget to come on here and brag about it! 😁

Good luck!🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

Liz x

[Updcreative Graduate]

Hi Abicon, I’m also on w7 and have stitches and a few aches but not cramp. Where is the cramp located for you? Is it glutes or feet or your quads? Maybe physio could quickly solve it?

[Abicon Graduate]

Thanks peeps - it makes a big difference getting support and feedback and encouragement! I’m going to go out again later today and do a wk6 runnwith a view to doing W7 on Sunday which is my best friends birthday and the reason I’m doing this as she died from breast cancer earlier in the year having told me quite clearly that you have to just get onand do the things you’ve been putting off doing. So for once, I’m doing as I’m told!!

[JennyH10 Graduate]

Hi Abicon, I really struggled without the walking breaks at first too, my w6r3 and w7r1 weren’t that great and I had to take a couple of walking breaks to catch my breath but you’re right the heat has a massive impact on how you feel during a run.

I think the program has got you ready for this but you’re doubting yourself so I recommend doing what oldfloss said to me and going even slower, even if you’re going so slow you don’t that’s possible! It really helped me. I’ve just got in from w7r2 and while it wasn’t easy and it was super slow I didn’t have to stop!

I’m really sorry to hear about your friend too, it’s my birthday on Sunday also and I’ll be going out for my w7r3 thinking of her very wise advice to you carpe diem x

[Jay66UK Graduate]

Biggest tip has to be slow down. You really can run much slower than you think and the slower pace might help your cramp stay away.

Keep trying - there is no limit to how many times you can try! Good luck on your next run.