W8r2- worst run ever!: I have had the toughest... - Couch to 5K

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W8r2- worst run ever!

PaulaGullett profile image
PaulaGullettGraduate
32 Replies

I have had the toughest run ever this evening. 5 mins into the run I thought I lacked energy and every minute seemed like 5. I did manage but wondered if I should have stopped as felt so bad after finishing. Can’t understand why I’m not used to these long runs. Really knocked my confidence and felt like crying 😢

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PaulaGullett profile image
PaulaGullett
Graduate
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32 Replies
SANDI_runs profile image
SANDI_runsGraduate

That was my worst run too. But things have been much better for me with your next 2 runs. Don't let it knock you.

PaulaGullett profile image
PaulaGullettGraduate in reply to SANDI_runs

Thanks. I was quite looking forward to ticking another one off. I know others have bad runs for no apparent reason but don’t think it could have gone any worse. X

SANDI_runs profile image
SANDI_runsGraduate in reply to PaulaGullett

Oh dear. I read your original post as w4r2. I've not got as far as wk8 yet. Still we all have bad runs and have to focus on the positives and just move on to the next run. Hope wk8r3 is better for you xx

UnfitNoMore profile image
UnfitNoMoreGraduate

You should flip that on its head... you didn’t feel great, you lacked energy, you considered stopping... and you got through that run. For me that shows the kind of will to do this that will take you far. 8 weeks ago a minute was daunting... 30 minutes was impossible. Now you’re struggling on a 28 minute run? Go Paula! That’s huge progress, you will succeed and with that ability to dig so deep and get to the finish you’ll be unstoppable.

PaulaGullett profile image
PaulaGullettGraduate in reply to UnfitNoMore

Aah thanks so much. Feel rubbish tonight but will prepare better for Friday. Off work so will run in the morning. X

UnfitNoMore profile image
UnfitNoMoreGraduate in reply to PaulaGullett

Well, I’m proud of you tonight... so there 😛

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate

Nooo don’t feel bad Paula. My W8R2 was by far my worst run too. I didn’t give in, but crikey I felt like it. Gremlins all over the place.

Chalk it up as one of those runs and move on. Bet you’ll find R3 is a whole lot better! 😀

Good luck. 🏃‍♀️😀🏃‍♀️

PaulaGullett profile image
PaulaGullettGraduate in reply to cheekychipmunks

Thanks I’ll feel better tomorrow ... it’s bren my 1st “ what on earth am I doing moments “ Made me realise you can’t take any run for granted. X

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate in reply to PaulaGullett

Very true, but fortunately the good runs tend to outnumber the bad ones, in my experience anyway! Hopefully yours too!

😀🏃‍♀️

Oldfool profile image
OldfoolGraduate

I found Wk8R2 horrible, I don't know why! Today I completed WK9R3 and you will do the same. We all have bad runs don't worry about it, you did it, move on to run3 with confidence.

PaulaGullett profile image
PaulaGullettGraduate in reply to Oldfool

... and well done you! Bet that was emotional x

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate in reply to Oldfool

Congratulations Oldfool! Hope you’re basking in your well deserved glory! Great achievement! 😀

PaulaGullett profile image
PaulaGullettGraduate

Thanks, I hope you’re right. Tomorrow’s another day! 😢

Tasha99 profile image
Tasha99Graduate

You did it though! You should be beaming! Everyone has a bad run once in a while. Tonight was one of yours but you didn’t let the demons win. You should be proud!

PaulaGullett profile image
PaulaGullettGraduate in reply to Tasha99

I barely managed though! Felt quite unwell after finishing. Thanks for the positivity, I will win in the end! X

Tasha99 profile image
Tasha99Graduate in reply to PaulaGullett

It’s just one of those runs. The next one will make you feel back on track 👌🏽

Clarefromclare profile image
ClarefromclareGraduate

Oh gosh, I’ve just had a really tough wk7 r2 , thought I wasn’t gonna make through but we keep on .....the relief when you hear just 60 seconds left! 🙌, well done!!

PaulaGullett profile image
PaulaGullettGraduate in reply to Clarefromclare

It’s really not easy, is it? I know most people have bad runs so this was mine. Well done you, keep going - we’ll get there!

Clarefromclare profile image
ClarefromclareGraduate in reply to PaulaGullett

Guess it’s not supposed to be easy .....otherwise everyone would be doing it ☺️

Hotheels profile image
HotheelsGraduate

Ah....sorry you had a tough one today, luvvie xx

Might not be relevant but have you considered whether you are resting enough between runs?

Running when you're tired (for whatever reason) is definitely not much fun, whichever way you look at it.

I know that getting closer to graduation is exciting and you get into a mindset of finishing by a certain date. Taking 2 or 3 rest days before feeling ready to tackle the next run is totally allowed.

Listen to what your body is telling you.

I normally feel very lethargic during the run up to my period, so remember to be gentle to myself during this time.

The race to get to the finish line is only with yourself.....so there is no hurry. Do it in your own time, at your own pace.

If all of the above do not apply in your case, please ignore!! 😊

Some runs are great, some are good and others are plain crappy.....the main thing is that you stuck to it....and persevered!! That makes you a true hero!!!🤩

Chin up....you're the REAL deal!!!

Good luck ☘for W8R3.....I have no doubt you'll do just fine!!!

Go PaulaGullett !!!!👊👊👊👊 You've got this!!🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️❤❤❤

PaulaGullett profile image
PaulaGullettGraduate in reply to Hotheels

Thanks for the motivation! I had 2 days rest. Maybe not enough water or tired from work... try r3 tomorrow 🏃‍♀️😜

WynB profile image
WynBGraduate in reply to PaulaGullett

For what it's worth, lack of water the day before is a total killer for me.

Sounds like you are doing great , the next one will be less ugh I'm sure!

PaulaGullett profile image
PaulaGullettGraduate in reply to WynB

Thanks... hope so 🤞

Gran4z profile image
Gran4zGraduate

Tough one, but you did it, and you know you can however horrible you’re feeling. So be confident in yourself, you can do it, just take it slow and steady. Well done Paula, just chalk it up as one of those days best forgotten and enjoy the next one 🙂

PaulaGullett profile image
PaulaGullettGraduate in reply to Gran4z

Thanks I will ... good advice x

Jalk profile image
Jalk

What determination you have, well done for completing a tough run.

Wish there was a formula for determining why a run was hard but it seems to be random.

The important thing is you're doing it

PaulaGullett profile image
PaulaGullettGraduate in reply to Jalk

Formula - all down to science I suppose. Thanks 🙏

newrunnerbrewood profile image
newrunnerbrewood

Is it possible that you’ve picked up a very minor virus or something similar? Whatever it was I’m sure it’s nothing to worry about and W8r3 will be a goodun. Just have some rest and recuperation in the meantime- you really deserve it.

PaulaGullett profile image
PaulaGullettGraduate in reply to newrunnerbrewood

I think you’re probably right as had very bad stomach pains when i finished. Fine today though and feeling happier! Onwards and upwards! X

newrunnerbrewood profile image
newrunnerbrewood in reply to PaulaGullett

Pleased your feeling better.

Oh gosh. Cry if you have a victory (Week 5 Day 3, anyone?) Maaaaybe cry if you have to quit or can't make it. But please don't cry when you did it!

Go you!

I wish I had something helpful to say, but honestly I am a day behind you and each one feels like a fluke. It's not getting easier and I feel like I'm not doing well somehow. So I understand, I really do.

Every day I read about people "smashing" this and "crushing" that and I wonder what the verb is for what I'm doing. Haha.

Good luck with day 3 and enjoy the hell out of your rest days!

PaulaGullett profile image
PaulaGullettGraduate

Thanks and that’s so true! It’s the pressure you put on yourself and the disappointment you feel when you think you’ve cracked it and then realise you haven’t.its my r3 today 😳

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