Not great: Hi all, Just went out to do W8R1 and... - Couch to 5K

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Not great

GG63 profile image
GG63Graduate
12 Replies

Hi all,

Just went out to do W8R1 and didn’t manage the 28 mins. Gutted. Calves killing for first 5 mins and short of breath, pushed through and ran for 15. Then I met an incline and just didn’t have it in me 😫 walked for 5 then ran another 5. Then the 5 walk. Sweating like crazy, it’s already hot out there. Can’t think what it might be. Did 25 mins on Saturday was out walking yesterday. Only thing different was I didn’t have a cuppa this morning prior to going- usually have one about an hour before as I run a bit later. Up and straight out this morning due to the heat, just had a few sips of water. Dehydration?

So I didn’t save that run. I’m about a week behind what I should be due to illness and a trip away last week. Thoughts? I’m still about a stone overweight which doesn’t help but I’ve lost a stone and a half since this time last year! Through diet and exercise I’m fighting the menopausal metabolism slowdown but it’s tough folks, it’s tough. Try have hot flushes when you’re already hot from running 😳🤣

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GG63 profile image
GG63
Graduate
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12 Replies
QueenTea profile image
QueenTeaGraduate

I feel your frustration, GG63! As I’ve heard so much on here, think of it as a practice run. I’ve been struggling to run properly since graduating a few weeks ago partly due to a possible pulled muscle. At least you got out there and gave it a go. Amazing weight loss as well. I still have 2.5 stone to lose & also trying to manage menopausal metabolism- realising I do not actually need to eat as much as I used to. I can’t leave the house without a cuppa & I take a small water bottle with me too. I’m sure the next run will be different unless we all melt in this heat 🌞

Essexdigger profile image
EssexdiggerGraduate

Hi GG, sounds like you are doing brilliantly to me, and your instinct about dehydration rings a bell with me. My worst run ever was with a hangover so dehydrated - huge mistake!

The dreaded flushes and metabolism issues - I’m with you there, but look at what we are doing! Running!!

Keep going, you really can do this, but drink plenty!! (Water that is)

davelinks profile image
davelinksGraduate

Water, stretching and running too fast come to mind, check them all!

sallenson profile image
sallensonGraduate

Hey! It was a practice run, that's all. You'll be fine next time. We're all human, we all get off days. But you're a runner now, so you can shake off the odd occasion when it doesn't go so well. You've been brilliant all the way through.

I couldn't even think of running without a cuppa first. I'd be a complete and utter mess. Drink plenty today and tomorrow, slow it down on the next session, get out a bit earlier if you can and you'll nail this.. :-) xx

KittyW profile image
KittyWGraduate

I’m so relieved to read your post. Just back from same run, foolishly thought an extra 3 minutes from last week would be fine, but for the first time since starting the programme I had to stop several times, which I found so disheartening. I’m hoping it’s just the heat, but maybe that sneaky 3 minutes has let my head get in the way too. Next time we’ll nail it! Best of luck xx

GG63 profile image
GG63Graduate in reply to KittyW

Thanks everyone, so good to share the highs and lows with real honesty and back up. Kitty who’d have thought 3 minutes would be such an obstacle? I’m also blaming the heat!

ccarter100 profile image
ccarter100

You can do it! This is just a temporary set back. Do plenty of hydration, tell the h-mones to stuff it, and get lots of rest. You will ace the next one.

Well done for trying!!

You could have just sat at home in the sunshine. But no! You donned your running trainers and got in to gear and pushed yourself.

That’s pure dedication!!

Keep it up and you will get there 👍

GG63 profile image
GG63Graduate in reply to

Thank you 😊

oldwheezer69 profile image
oldwheezer69Graduate

The advice on here is that for runs of up to 5k you shouldn't need to take water with you.... However I am overweight, menopausal and get really really hot when I run (think beetroot) so I have a drink before I set out and then I take a running belt with my phone (music) and a small 12oz water bottle which I put water or lucozade in for little sips if I get too hot. If I get dehydrated everything seizes up and I totally lose energy, so I just drink as and when I need to now. Draw a line under this one, call it a practice run and get ready to go out and smash it next time! 😀

Gran4z profile image
Gran4zGraduate

You're not behind where you should be, there are no shoulds/should nots here, you take each week as it comes, repeating runs if you need to till you're ready for the next.

I graduated about 10 days ago, sometimes I just go out and do my own thing, sometimes I repeat week 9 runs. All good stuff and builds up stamina.

Also very important, keep well hydrated. Plenty of water on run days, but also on those rest days - it's vital. Keep going, you'll get there, well done.

Fabulous450 profile image
Fabulous450Graduate

Thoughts GG63! You have done so brilliantly and you’re at W8! That’s a big achievement. 👏🏽👏🏽 You were so close. It’s possible and you can do it. Every run is such a different experience and I imagine that it’s the same, even after graduation, but our delays are not denials. The most important thing is that you got out there and you gave it your best shot! Next time you will smash it. ❤️

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