Worst run ever.

[nickye89]

I posted a little while ago about how I’ve been ill and had to take a little time off from the programme (my last run of C25K was 17 days ago). I have not been sedentary in this time, however. Two days after W9 R1, I did the British 10K with lots and lots of walking breaks. I’ve done one Parkrun in the “time off” and I’m also a hockey player and have done two sessions of summer league in this time. I had just two runs left of the C25K programme before graduation when I stopped 17 days ago.

Fast forward to today, when I attempted my first run back after this “break”, hoping for W9R2. I managed a very disappointing 7 and a half minutes, with 1km in this time before my lungs gave up and my legs stopped working, bringing me to a walk. I feel so angry with myself that I couldn’t keep going, and so took myself home. Is there something wrong with me? Why am I struggling this much? I was literally two runs from finishing the programme, and prior to that, my last 4 runs have all been over 30 minutes anyway! I’m so frustrated with this fail. I’ll never get there at this rate!

[Flaraflarkin Graduate]

Understandably it's frustrating for you, but it sounds like you're being harsh on yourself ~ you've not been well, and after 17days away from the programme coming back at W9 is tough. W9 is full on, maybe your energy levels aren't quite back up there yet after your being ill? Be kind to yourself, focus on how far you've come rather than what you haven't yet achieved 😊 Maybe do a couple of shorter runs to ease back into it. You are still very near the end of the programme, it may just take a few days longer than you'd thought? Life throws stuff at us; it's how we deal with it that can make it worse. Don't look at this as a failure. You'll be back out there and smashing it 🙌👊🙌

[katsheare Graduate]

Agree with Flara. It sounds like your body may need more recovery than you gave it. Also all the basics: make sure you’re hydrated, don’t push too hard right out of the gate, and remember: some runs are better than others. You’ve struggled once, next time slow your pace and see if that helps. Your frustration isn’t wrong, but don’t let it overwhelm you. You’ve totally got this!