Week 9 run 1, Fail!: I couldn't manage it, and... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

132,651 members158,708 posts

Week 9 run 1, Fail!

Hannah337 profile image
Hannah337Graduate
31 Replies

I couldn't manage it, and right now it feels alien to me that I've run 28 minutes without stopping three times last week. It was all going well, really well actually enjoying the first half. Then at minute 16-17 I just hit a wall and couldn't go on any longer. I walked for a bit, then jogged maybe 90 seconds to 2 minutes more and I couldn't do any more.

I know that it's the stopping for me. If I stop, I won't get going again, so once I'd stopped at halfway through there was little chance of me getting back to it. I feel so down about this, because surely following the program I should be able to do this? I hate feeling like I've failed and this is what knocked me out last time, though it was on week 6, so at least I've got further this time I guess.

Written by
Hannah337 profile image
Hannah337
Graduate
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
31 Replies
Redjacq profile image
RedjacqGraduate

You didn’t fail. You just need to keep practicing this time until it feels better.

I suspect that maybe you weren’t hydrated enough from the day before- or more tired than usual? Maybe you had something going on in your head- a worry or concern that translated itself into your running.

In any case blow that run a big raspberry and tell yourself that you will achieve your goal. We can only fail if we don’t try. ❤️

Hannah337 profile image
Hannah337Graduate in reply to Redjacq

Yeah, it's just a bit disheartening. I should remember that I'd have been thrilled with this run a month ago! Thank you!

QueenTea profile image
QueenTeaGraduate

It’s not a fail - just an unexpected practice run. I had exactly the same thing & just redid that run. I also struggled with my final run & I do think it depends on other factors. Yes, we definitely improve as we go along, but lack of sleep, aches & pains & just life stuff does impact on our fitness. I’m sure the next run will be as you want it to be. 😉

Hannah337 profile image
Hannah337Graduate in reply to QueenTea

Thanks Queentea. x

Bukovina profile image
Bukovina

Don’t give up!Do another run!It’s never easy!

Hannah337 profile image
Hannah337Graduate in reply to Bukovina

Yeah, I'll go out there again, it's just a bit tough. Thanks though!

TallulahTot profile image
TallulahTot

You are amazing for getting this far and you can smash this run, it's just going to take a second attempt. As others have said, some days our mojo isn't as good as others and you had one of those days. Get back on the horse and you'll feel even happier with the achievement as it was that much harder

Hannah337 profile image
Hannah337Graduate in reply to TallulahTot

Yeah, I will go out running again, it's just a bit blah. But thank you!

F1ipperation profile image
F1ipperationGraduate

You’ve got this far- you can do it!! Slow and Steady, keep trying. Don’t give up 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

Hannah337 profile image
Hannah337Graduate in reply to F1ipperation

Thank you!

jannyscotland profile image
jannyscotlandGraduate

You can do this!!! Dont give up. I have faith that every single one of us can smash this at our own paces 😊👊🏻!

Hannah337 profile image
Hannah337Graduate in reply to jannyscotland

Thanks!

Fb75 profile image
Fb75Graduate

It’s all in your mind! Believe me I was exactly the same at week 9. Suddenly couldn’t even do 15mins. You really have to believe.

Just take each 5 mins at a time. First 5 are settling in and warming up. Next 5 get you to 10 which is a third of the way through. Next 5 get you half way. Next 5 and my goodness you’re two thirds of the way there. Next five then there’s only 5 to go!

You can do this. All these practice runs means you can. I’ve nailed it now, because I believe I can. I’ve done it time and time again so I KNOW I can!! Keep going!

Hannah337 profile image
Hannah337Graduate in reply to Fb75

I like that mentality, thank you!

Sybilw profile image
SybilwGraduate

Do you know what I read? You ran 28 minutes 3 times last week. That’s amazing!! You’ll get over this blip.

Hannah337 profile image
Hannah337Graduate in reply to Sybilw

That's true! Thank you!

GoGo_JoJo profile image
GoGo_JoJoGraduate

Sounds like the gremlins have taken over. Have a serious word and remind them it's you in control and you'll decide what you do or don't do, thank you very much!

Any "can't do" or "can't finish" are purely them... set them straight! 👍😁

Hannah337 profile image
Hannah337Graduate in reply to GoGo_JoJo

Yeah, clearly just a tough one. The first part of it was so good that I think it lulled me into a false sense of security!

Millsie-J profile image
Millsie-JGraduate

We never fail on this forum, just a practice run, all of which help build those running legs🏃🏼‍♀️🏃🏻

I would suggest trying a new route, keep it flat if you can. A pretty route is good, I have a ‘go to’ riverside run for my treat runs! It’s a little drive there but worth it, I used it for my graduation run couple of years ago.

Make sure you are well hydrated. Start slow, stay slow, then stay slow again. Use markers to keep you going when those gremlins tell you to stop.....for example ....I will run to that tree then see how I feel, i shall keep running until that bridge etc.

A word about those gremlins that wheedle their way into your thoughts........ditch them at the first corner, literally knock them off your shoulder and tread them in...... You are a runner, you can do this 👍🏼

Hannah337 profile image
Hannah337Graduate in reply to Millsie-J

Yeah, I think I was comfortable so I pushed too hard, even when telling myself not to! I'm sure Tuesday will be better! Thanks!

Millsie-J profile image
Millsie-JGraduate in reply to Hannah337

Just set the goal of running for 30 mins, distance can come later. You will do it 💪🏼

Jay66UK profile image
Jay66UKGraduate

Loads of supportive virtual hugs sent your way.

When the heat of the disappointment cools down, think about what happened physically and mentally that made you stop. You know from W8 that you can run further than you did today.

My guess is that being so close to the end triggered some kind of self-doubt and your gremlins got to take control and make you stop.

Take an extra rest day if you need it and have another go. And resolve to keep having another go until it’s done, which should tell the gremlins that the more they interrupt the more running you are going to do!

Be gentle on yourself - you’ve made fantastic progress and you know you can run - but come back running x

ToughBean profile image
ToughBean

You’ve got this Hannah! And well done for running those 16-17 minutes- they still count!!! And getting to week 9 is an incredible achievement. I’m just at the beginning of week 7 and getting used to longer runs. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with mixing some shorter runs in every once in a while :)

You’re doing really well 🤩

Scooter69 profile image
Scooter69Graduate

Not a fail - a practice run! We’ve all had loads of those. Confident you will get there.

Hannah337 profile image
Hannah337Graduate in reply to Scooter69

Thanks! Yeah Tuesday will be better hopefully!

Flaraflarkin profile image
FlaraflarkinGraduate

Hannah337 you know what this is!!? The gremlins know you're so close to reaching the end now, this is their final push at trying to wreck it for you! Kick them off the kerb and get back out there because as everyone is telling you, you can definitely do this! This is your W9 test 👊🙌💪 You go girl! 😊

Hannah337 profile image
Hannah337Graduate in reply to Flaraflarkin

Pesky gremlins! Thanks

sallenson profile image
sallensonGraduate

Aww, hon. I'm feeling your pain. My W9R1 was a bit of a monster too. But we're going to get out there and show it who's boss okay? Between the two of us we've got this beaten flat, fried, and stuffed into a sandwich.

C'mon. Let's sort this okay?

Hannah337 profile image
Hannah337Graduate in reply to sallenson

Yep, let's sort it indeed! Will go out and give it a good crack on Tuesday. I'm feeling much better about it than I did, because while 17 minutes isn't what I was meant to be running, it's 16 more than a couple of months ago!

jimmyjinxy profile image
jimmyjinxy

There’s no such thing as a failed run. You went outside and you ran didn’t you? Short or long a run is a run and in itself is another notch on your bedpost. You’re out there getting it while a lot of people aren’t! Rest, regroup and charge back out there. Consider this, it may be worth repeating last week and see if that drives your stamina up to beat week 9. The C25K isn’t meant to be a 9 week program, it’s a however many week you need program! But hey, where you’re at right now is my current goal so you’re doing great.

Hannah337 profile image
Hannah337Graduate in reply to jimmyjinxy

Thanks. Yeah, it's tough when you think it's going to be "easier" than it is! I'll get back to it on Tuesday and hope for better!

You may also like...

Week 9 run 1 fail - stopped after 20 mins

Today was Day 1 of week 9 of Couch to 5k. Last week instead of 28 mins x 3 I did 2 30 min runs and 1

Failed at week 9 run 1

what stopped me completing the entire run. Got about ten minutes into it and had to stop, couldn't...

week 9 run 1 fail 😞

programme but first run of week 9 today and I had to stop at 27 mins - first time in the whole...

First failed run @ Week 9 run 1 :(

hurt so much I had to stop to catch my breath. The first time I've had to stop since starting the...

Week 8 Run 1 (Fail) :(

If all else fails Ill go back to my 25mins for a week and start over on week 8 next week. Its a...