Week 4 Run 1 - advice please

[Jandys]

So, I did wk4 r1 this morning. I completed it BUT it was SO hard. The last minute of the first 5 min run, I could barely put one foot in front of the other. Only my son running beside me and encouraging me kept me going. I was almost crying with the effort (sorry to sound over-dramatic). At the end of the second 5 minute run, I think I was moving so slowly a 90year old with a simmer frame could have overtaken me. My question is: do I just try and carry on with week 4 or should I repeat week 3 in the hope that I build up my stamina? Btw, I’m 60, so no spring chicken! Thanks for ‘listening’.

[telford_mike Graduate]

You completed it, so keep going! I remember those feelings, but you’re getting stronger with every run, and the harder you’re having to work, the more beneficial the run will be. Each run prepares you for the next. Are you sure you’re drinking enough water incidentally? Good luck and keep going!

[Jandys Graduate in reply to telford_mike]

Thanks for your reply and encouragement telford_mike. I try to drink plenty of water but I’ll make a note of how much so I can check I’m properly hydrated. Fingers crossed the next run will be better!

[Hidden in reply to Jandys]

I've heard people (people, people, who are these faceless "people" ??)

say to hydrate a lot the day BEFORE you run. Maybe? Can't hurt!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Every day... the day before or the day of the run is not enough

[Jundal Graduate]

Keep on going, each run builds on the last. Trust me, I felt the same way with some of the runs!

[Jandys Graduate in reply to Jundal]

Thanks Jundal! Good to know others struggle with some runs too.

[Jundal Graduate in reply to Jandys]

Struggled? I honestly thought I was going to die on some! Or at worse, go home and tell my wife I was a failure!

[Jandys Graduate in reply to Jundal]

I can relate to that! I think I’d rather die than fail 😂 That’s what made me feel tearful, I think. I can see you’ve graduated from the programme, so thanks for taking the time to encourage a beginner!

[Jundal Graduate in reply to Jandys]

The only thing between me and you is time. You can do this, regardless of what your legs tell you. 🤗

[cheekychipmunks Graduate]

You did it! 👏👏👏 You found it hard but you managed to complete the run, so your body will remember that effort and will be prepared for the next one. 😀

Really the only reason to repeat a run is if you don’t conplete it fully. You can if you like, of course, but there’s no need.

Maybe slow down even more if you’re struggling next time. Embrace your inner snail and have fun! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🙌🙌

[Jandys Graduate in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Thanks cheekychipmunks. I’ll push on through and hope it gets easier at some point. I’ve been really determined, but today nearly beat me!

[cheekychipmunks Graduate in reply to Jandys]

Great attitude! The word ‘nearly’ is key! You will find it gets easier, promise! 👍🏻👍🏻😀😀

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Great job... yes the son being there helped your focus, but you drove yourself to the finish line. You beat a tough run, get on the next one. If you’re not ready for it, that’s the one to repeat, but the last run makes you stronger each time, so you could be in for a pleasant surprise next time out.

[Jandys Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Thanks UnfitNoMore! Fingers crossed for that pleasant surprise 😊

[Hidden]

Oh, I would stick with this week. Each time it will build on the last.

Slow is good. You can do it!

Also, I kind of adore your son. Good guy.

[Jandys Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thanks TurtleWithoutAShell. I’m inspired by everyone’s comments to plough on. As for my son, I kind of adore him too 😊

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Huge well done..now slow down... and before you say you are already as slow as you can be... there is always slower!

Start to pop in some non impact exercise on some rest days too... that will help. Try walking or yoga, strength and flex.. swimming or cycling

Loads of us more seasoned runners here... I started at 65.. still here at 68

You can do this... and we will help

[Jandys Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks Oldfloss! Good to know there are others that fit into the ‘more mature’ category. I’m definitely inspired to keep going now. Onwards and upwards 😊

[Pebbles18]

Hi there, I am same stage as you and am also really struggling with week 4. So much so I had to walk at bits when I was supposed to be jogging. I am trying to adjust my route so I am not jogging up gradients but

I contemplated going back to week 3 . but from reading above comments will keep going . Hopefully we will be better next time ! At least you didn’t give up !

[Jandys Graduate in reply to Pebbles18]

Hi Pebbles18! Let’s keep going together. I’ll report back after tomorrow’s run - hopefully it will get easier. After all, we’ve already got three completed weeks behind us 😊

[Pebbles18 in reply to Jandys]

Yes that would be great, we can motivate each other ! Do you run in the morning? I do, as I like to get it out of the way however wonder if I would be more energised in the evening. I would also love to run in a nice setting like a park or in the country. Getting fed up of pounding the streets lol !

[Jandys Graduate in reply to Pebbles18]

I’m lucky enough to have a running/dog walking track round my local park. It’s got one fairly short slope, which is a killer, but otherwise is fairly flat. I prefer to run in the morning - just a couple of glasses of water and a banana before I go - then breakfast when I get home. It’s usually the coolest part of the day too. Tomorrow, I’ve got to run later though. Also haven’t run in the rain yet!

[Pebbles18 in reply to Jandys]

Yes I am the same, i like to have my breakfast when I get home - gives me something to aim for ! Hope that your run tomorrow goes well.

I have my rest day tomorrow but usually do a metafit class on you tube first. I am coming up for 56 and trying to keep the spare tyre off while still being able to eat chocolate lol ! Its not easy though. I thought that I was quite fit until I started running....

[Amy09]

Hi Jandys, I’m about to go and do week 4 run 1....little nervous about it....but so want to improve my fitness. Catch you later...if I survive

[Jandys Graduate in reply to Amy09]

Hi Amy09, I’m sorry if my tale of woe put you off! It’s just my experience. I’ve read lots of other stories on the forum of people who really enjoyed week 4. I hope your run went well - do let me know 😊

[Amy09 in reply to Jandys]

I did it on treadmill, and on second 5 minutes was relieved when the end came, but having completed once, like you, I know I can do it. My next ‘run’ is Wednesday. You running tomorrow?

[Jandys Graduate in reply to Amy09]

Well done, Amy09! I’m out again tomorrow for run 2. Not sure what time yet as I’ve got to wait for my running buddy (youngest son) to get back from his mate’s. After reading all the encouraging posts on here, I’m feeling much more positive! Good luck for Wednesday 😉

[Archer1 Graduate]

You have done so well to get this far don't be too hard on yourself. Give it a few days and try again x

[Jandys Graduate in reply to Archer1]

Thanks Archer1. At least I’m not aching today. I’ll be going out for run two tomorrow 😊

[Granniemand Graduate]

I've just completed week 4 today and I think it's been the hardest one yet. I'm dripping with sweat when I get home. Every push moves us closer to the the next week. Keep pushing! You've got this x

[Jandys Graduate in reply to Granniemand]

Well done on completing Week 4 Granniemand. Off out again tomorrow, so hoping run 2 might not be as tricky 😊

[Toffee3]

Ifound week 4 difficult and ended up repeating r2 and r3 as I couldn't manage the final 5 minutes. Now I'm just about to start wk6 r3, so keep going because the feeling of completing a full 20 minute run makes you quickly forget week 4

[Jandys Graduate in reply to Toffee3]

Thanks for the encouragement, Toffee3 👍

[glentoran99 Graduate]

Keep going! I’ve found the first run each week almost impossible. The plan works

[Jandys Graduate in reply to glentoran99]

Thanks, glentoran99! I’m going to give it my best shot again tomorrow 😊

[glentoran99 Graduate in reply to Jandys]

Def keep at it. I’ve found myself swearing at my ‘coach’ jo Wiley and even counting the last minute in my head. You will find some runs harder than others, I’ve found the last run of a week hard and thinking no chance I can step it up but I do and getting stronger

[Jandys Graduate in reply to glentoran99]

Ha ha! I’ve done the counting too. Anything to take my mind off the pain 😂

[glentoran99 Graduate in reply to Jandys]

I’m pretty much at the same stage too. Did second run today was def better than First. Struggled to end of 1st 5 mins but managed the 2nd 5 mins ok

[PipF]

How did you get on with the 2nd run? I’ve just completed the first and wowser it was a big step up! At times didn’t think I could carry on but somehow managed it. Hope it went well!

[Jandys Graduate in reply to PipF]

Well done for completing the run PipF. It’s hard isn’t it? I took all the advice on the forum and really slowed down for run 2. Also been drinking plenty of water to make sure I’m hydrated. In contrast, run 2 was so much better. It felt like a real breakthrough for me. I was on a real high afterwards. Run 3 today - I hope the momentum continues. Good luck with your next run

[PipF in reply to Jandys]

Just done, it felt good at the end! Did a different route just for variety. Looking forward to next weeks challenge particularly run 3 but that is next Saturday ... hope all goes well for today’s run.