Struggling with week 7!

[QueenTea]

Hello, just started week 7 & really finding it hard. Had to repeat run 1 & had two 30 second walk breaks - wonder if I’ll ever run continuously for 25 mins. Any tips for perseverence gratefully received! Thanks

[ramsgaterunner79]

I was the same. Have you tried slowing down your pace at the beginning and/or when you’re feeling tired? I tend to plod for the first half and then pick up the pace on the second so I can finish. There’s also podcasts on stepping stones that encourage stamina that you could try. I just kept plodding and got there in the end. Good luck with it 😁

[QueenTea Graduate in reply to ramsgaterunner79]

Thanks - I’m worried if I slow down the pace I’ll come to a halt😹 speed is not my strong point. I’m going to try run 2 on Wednesday & hoping to do the whole run, albeit slowly. I will try to up the pace in the middle & then slow down a bit at the end. Have you finished the whole nine weeks?

[ramsgaterunner79 in reply to QueenTea]

One run to go and then finished. Had to delay last run for hubby’s shifts and lack of childcare but looking forward to completing. There have been times when I feel like the dog walkers are quicker than I am but I just figure it’s about getting to the end and as confidence and stamina increase so will pace. I’m the worst one for acknowledging what went wrong rather than what worked but I’ve changed tac and just stopped over thinking it all. Since then it’s been much better and I’m enjoying it more. Good luck with it all and happy running x

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Just slow down... (and there is no such thing as too slow). If it is still a struggle.. slow down more.

The longer runs are made for relaxing into... and if we start slow and stay slow they are a joy.

Have you upped your rest day exercise? Stamina and strength are so, so important as the runs get longer..our bides need to keep up with the legs Check out my reply to Flowell maybe?

You will do the runs.. of course you will You just need to believe it

[QueenTea Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks for the encouragement. I’ve been doing the strength & flex podcast on rest days & I also do Pilates & salsa once a week. I’m 56 & after a couple of years with no exercise due to work & studies, decided that I had to try to increase physical activity before I hit 60. You’re right about slowing down - will do that on Wednesday. Feel much better for actually getting out & doing some this morning.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to QueenTea]

Well one you.. all sounding very positive