Wk 8 run 2 and lost my confidence

[Shyfox]

I have made it to week 8 and I tried to go for run 2 yesterday and after 20 mins I couldn't run anymore. Normally I can push myself no matter how tired I get but I genuinely felt like I had nothing left.

Ive had a lapse in my mental health and I'm feeling quite low so I'm wondering whether it was that. I want to try run 2 again but I'm so worried that I won't be able to complete it again.

Any advice? Anyone else had this problem? I know some runs go better than others but I've never had to stop before and I just feel so disappointed in myself.

[Rua8 Graduate]

Owww, don’t be disappointed. You’re in week 8 of a 9 week programme, you are doing absolutely brilliantly! 🎉🎊

Never lose sight of the bigger picture. Pat yourself on the back and stop feeling like you failed. You definitely havent! 😊 Sorry to hear about your mental health issues, I would not be at all surprised that that’s what caused you to have no energy. I don’t know if repeating is a good idea, or moving on regardless. Maybe someone else can weigh in on that

[Gilliano666 Graduate]

Sorry to hear about your dip in confidence, but if I were you, I would get back out there and enjoy your next run without putting yourself under pressure. Im new to running, but have been a gym goer for many years and on the odd occasion, I've turned up and left without completing my work out as I simply didn't have enough energy or stamina. I did feel a bit defeated at first, but we're only human and we have good days and bad. I'm sure you will get through the final stages 😊👍

[_SimonT_ Graduate]

Hi Shyfox!

I’m just about to start the big long runs. Is week 8 28 minutes?

If so you still managed most of that run and shouldn’t feel down at all. I’ve been on holiday this week and spent more time on this forum than I should! What I’ve seen is that many people do not have a straight forward linear progression through all the runs. Lots of people don’t manage a run or take a step back to previous runs.

What is important is that you don’t think bad of yourself. Remember your goals and reasons for starting the program. I would guess they are not really about running 30 minutes but getting fit, active and healthy. If you think in those terms and compare yourself to week 1 I bet you are light years ahead of where you were.

This is wk 8 R2 which means you have succeeded once and you can succeed again!

Once you can separate this run from feeling bad about it you can look at it objectively. Were there any specific reasons you couldn’t finish? Had you eaten / drank / slept properly? Was it too hot / humid? Had something upset you just before the run? Or was it just one of those ‘I’m not feeling it today’ times?

Any of those can be corrected or changed for next time. If it’s too hot - don’t run! Etc.

You have got this far which is amazing! I am hoping I can join you soonish. You’re not any less fit or able. Chalk it up to experience, maybe take 2 days rest (I always feel loads better after a 2 day break) and try again!

I wish you all the best! You can do it!!

[DianeWW]

Hi I did wk8 run 2 and struggled, no idea why, but because of that I haven't run for 10 days now and worried about trying again. Ive decided I'm not going to quit so going out tomorrow morning before it gets hot and going to try wk 8 run 3,if I can't finish it I figure I will have run further than I would have done had l not gone out. My advice don't get yourself in to the mess I have and go out for your next scheduled run.

[Rua8 Graduate in reply to DianeWW]

Don’t worry, I took a week off at one point and I did ok on the return run. You will be fine. Maybe go slower, and focus not on how far you get but just on completing the time. Slow as you need to. Maybe do a different route so that you don’t see your usual markers that tell you how far you’ve gone by what time. A change of scenery might also help. Let us know how it goes, and good luck tomorrow morning! You can do it

[DianeWW in reply to Rua8]

Ah thank you for your support, I think I will try the change of route suggestion as I can't measure myself against anything that way. Great idea!!

[DianeWW in reply to DianeWW]

Did it! Wk8 r3 😆slow and steady and a different route. Shyfox when would your next run normally be? You can do it, don't give up x

[DianeWW in reply to DianeWW]

Ah just seen you've done it well and done!

[Shyfox Graduate in reply to DianeWW]

Well done!

[Jay66UK Graduate]

Just supporting what everyone’s said already. Don’t be too hard on yourself.

Some of my runs were really difficult and there were several times when I nearly gave up.

Struggling with your mental health makes this much harder. Allow for that. Love yourself for what you are doing for your health and fitness but forgive yourself for not being superhuman.

Our minds were designed to be footbridges and in modern life we drive lorries over them all day long. Sometimes it’s all too much.

I hope your next run is better - how about having 2 rest days this time?

And keep an eye on the weather - the humidity and temperature can make a huge difference to how a run goes.

Wishing you peace.

[Lizzienzeb Graduate]

Stick with it, some runs are just hard; for no apparent reason it seems. You’re doing great!

[Shyfox Graduate]

I've just tried again and I did it! Even increased my speed for the last five minutes to a proper run. I think the frustration of not completing it last time gave me the energy to really go for it.

Thank you so much everyone for being so kind and giving me the boost I needed. You're all lovely x

[Nakimbugwe Graduate]

Well done, so pleased for you. I've just come in from this run after a 4 day break due to a dip in motivation. With the end in sight I was determined to do it and stop making excuses, and tho it wasn't a great run, at least I've done it. We are nearly there Shyfox!