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.
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Hannah337
Graduate
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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. ❤️
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. 😉
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
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!
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! 👍😁
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 👍🏼
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
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
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! 😊
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.
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!
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.
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Week 9 Run 1 ☀️
Week 9 Run 1 - Kept going 👀
Week 9 Run 1
Week 9 Run 1
Week 9 run 3 Graduation run done ❤️🍾🏅😀
