Week 2 struggle

[Panda2012]

I completed week 1 and felt really good about it, I broke a sweat and I found it challenging but not undoable. I have today done my first run of week 2 and it’s only 30 seconds longer on each section of running but I really found it tough! I struggled and it’s made me feel down about the rest of the challenge as I feel like I won’t be able to do it. Did anyone else feel like this at the start? I need some motivation. I’m not thinking of giving up at all, I’m just a bit worried I won’t be able to do this. Even the runs I’m expected to do in one or two more weeks seem impossible to me let alone the end of the challenge.

[Ang33333 Graduate]

Don't give up! Try again and slow right down! It's hot at the moment too. Drink plenty the day before you run and go slow! Slow is good!! 😎

[sparkyjohn Graduate]

Congratulations on finishing week 1. It's not unusual to struggle so don't get down. There's lots of advice on the forum (look for posts from Oldfloss where there's links to great stuff for newbies). You have the right attitude to complete all 9 weeks. Remember it's about building strength and stamina slowly, so what may look formidable now, you will be ready for when the time comes. Enjoy each challenge as it comes. Keep posting.

[Denovo]

It's possible you were running at your limit in week 1, so now the 50% increase in the running intervals is a huge challenge. The secret is to slow down as the running intervals get longer, even if it means your running is slower than your walking. I've been taking the first run of each week really, really cautiously as well as any later run in the week if the structure changes. If you find that you are feeling great towards the end of a session, you always have the option speed up a little for the last couple of minutes.

[Tasha99 Graduate]

Slow down and slow down again. You’ve got this 👌🏽

[LPTT]

Keep going with it! I have always found the first run tough, then by the time you’ve got to the second one, you know you can do it. You’ll start to feel your fitness levels ramp up which will really help you feel good and spur you on.

[BluLeopard]

Well done for a start! I’m also on week 2 and also feeling the pressure of those slightly longer runs, slow it right down is my advice it really helps me to just go as slow as I can. You will smash week 2 and continue to smash the whole thing. We’re all in this together 💪🏻💪🏻

[Alanist Graduate]

Many people have had these same doubts during the early weeks.

It is challenging, with each week being tougher than the previous one, but you will find as you progress through the weeks that you can do this. Take it nice and slowly, keep well hydrated even on your rest days and you will sail through this.

Keep going, you've got this.

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

You struggled but completed it? That’s great... next time out it’ll be a little easier. I only just did W1R1, really thought I was gonna drop at one point. Second was easier, then my leg injury and I expected a struggle on the next, but after a week and a half off my legs had it when I asked of them. Every run makes you stronger and able to either go longer, even if a little slower, or a little faster at the same length. Everybody on this course has commented that they’ve struggled with at least one run, and I’ve yet to hear a graduate say that they breezed all 27 runs.

You’re stronger than when you started, believe in yourself... tell the voice that says “I can’t” to go away. Relax and allow yourself to be amazed. You CAN do this.

[Matilda2903 Graduate]

You can do it! Believe in yourself and keep going and you'll be surprised at what you can do! I never thought I'd run for 60 seconds, when I started, but I managed it and, if I can do it, anyone can! Trust in the program, it's brilliant! Good luck and keep us posted 😀

[telford_mike Graduate]

Don’t worry. You worked really hard to complete the run, and that will have made you stronger. As others have said, slow right down and trust the programme. Good luck!

[Hidden]

People say to slow down but if I did that, I'd be going backwards. I can't see how I can go any slower. My W2R1 was today and my legs felt like lead. I suppose it doesn't help when you're 250lbs, that's like carrying a small kid on your back. LOL.

See how you get on with the next run Panda2012. Remember you have all the time in the world and can repeat anything again if you don't feel totally happy.

I notice on the podcast with Laura that I do (NHS C25K) that she says brisk walk in between each of the runs. "You're having a laugh, girl!" says I crawling along the roadside.

[Tubitha]

Not sure if this will help you at all but I believe I am in the same hole! W2R2 this morning... 7.30am. I can't even claim to be 'carrying a small kid on my back' ( just a few pounds of lard around my middle). I am a chunk beyond retirement age. My legs felt like lead, with each stride a struggle. The only thing propelling me forward was my upper body/arm movement. Slow is too positive a term for my progress. I am sure I was overtaken by a tortoise and three small snails! I didn't stop but my brisk walks were briskless! I feel a miserable failure today and my legs (right knee in particular) and feet/ankles still feel uncomfortable, like they are trying to tell me I am doing something wrong. Encouragement/advice will be warmly welcomed

[Panda2012 in reply to Tubitha]

We can do this together! Take everyone’s advice and just keep going. 💪🏻

[Hidden in reply to Tubitha]

I'm wondering if new trainers might help? I believe it's supposed to feel as if you are walking/running on air with the right pair and my cheapo pair I'm currently wearing certainly don't feel like that.

[Tubitha in reply to Hidden]

It is a consideration. My trainers may not be the best but they are quite new and do feel quite supportive and very comfortable. They don't feel like they are part of the problem but I may be wrong! Thank you for your support!

[Knitruntalk Graduate]

I too have just completed W2 R1 and found I was going slower on the walks than in week 1 and I really struggled with my breathing, I cannot get into a rhythm, hence the slower walk as I try and catch my breath. I have been running at around 8pm so am going to try early morning for the next run as it might be cooler

[Pagy in reply to Knitruntalk]

I find early morning best, it's cooler, emptier(don't like lots of traffic/other runners) and I get up and go no drink or breakfast, just fruit when I get home normally a banana

[mrsa77]

Well done! I found it so hard at first. Honestly I was so unfit. It took until w3/4 to feel comfortable. Keep at it, you can do it.

[Dralimc Graduate]

God yes, this was totally me. Week 5 I actually started feeling a bit more comfortable. I’m now up to 5k, at age 51, not run since about 11, and 30 years of back and joint pain. I now love running, and feel best in years. Keep going, we’ve all been there. I still have bad runs sometimes but the pay off makes it all worthwhile.

[Angel74uk Graduate]

Hi Panda2012, that sounds a lot like me. Before every new run, I thought “I can’t run that long”, but I did it each week. I’m up to Week 8 now and running for 25 minutes which I never ever thought I would do in a million years! I still find it hard before each run, thinking I won’t be able to do it, but I somehow manage it. Take it easy, take it slow, you are doing brilliantly. We all doubt ourselves sometimes but you are stronger than you think and need to give yourself a pat on the back 😊😊

[MummyToMany]

I've just done W2R1, and took it dead slow. I repeated week 1, just to convince myself that I was ready to move forward. I think as long as we're trying it's better than sitting around wishing! You're doing great, and the weather will cool off, so hoping you'll find next run better!

[glentoran99 Graduate]

I was exactly the same, felt like the very first run again. Run 2 tonight hope it’s better

[Pebbles18]

Hi , I am at the same stage as you and am finding it much tougher too. I thought it would be better today as it’s raining but I had to slow down at parts . Also feel dizzy sometimes so not sure what that is either .

Don’t lose heart - hopefully next run will be a better ! Best wishes liz

[Dralimc Graduate in reply to Pebbles18]

Make sure you keep hydrated, minimum 2 litres water day before your run, if possible 3. I nearly got heatstroke in week 4 because I was under hydrated.

[Panda2012]

I am overwhelmed by everyone’s comments and support! Thank you all so much. I think from what you’re all saying that I’m going too fast. I really wanted to push myself but if it means I can barely complete the run it’s not worth it. It’s about completing the challenge and taking it a bit slower might help. I’ll keep you all updated as I’m sure I’ll post again. Thank you!! 😁

[Pagy]

Do you play music? Something upbeat I downloaded "That's what I call Ibiza" I find it takes my mind off of the time I'm running, just completed week 3 day 2 😰

[Panda2012 in reply to Pagy]

I do plau music, even the most upbeat songs that are my favourites don’t take my mind off it. They certainly help though!

[Tubitha]

Me again! W2R3 despite my worst fears and scattered aches continuing since the last run I did it! My aches are no worse and my mindset is uplifted. Have taken advice from others here and kept slow and steady. It turned out to be nowhere near as bad as I had anticipated. ( I had prepared my head for continuing to walk -briskly!- if the running action failed completely). I shall not be moving on to week 3 but instead repeat week 2. Surely it can only get better now? I am sitting here gulping water and feeling rather good about myself. I do hope you feel you are 'getting there' too?

[Hidden in reply to Tubitha]

Well done Tubitha! My W2R2 is coming up in an hour... My feet were aching all last night in bed. This is going to be interesting...

[Tubitha in reply to Hidden]

Go ( but steady!) shubbie!

[Hidden in reply to Tubitha]

It worked Tubitha! I managed to do W2R2 without any hiccups! I let out a big "yeah!" when Laura told me to stop for the final time.

[Tubitha in reply to Hidden]

Yippee! Delighted. I have been baking, accompanied by some very loud music (no near neighbours!). I still feel so uplifted by today's success. Hope your raised spirits last the day too.