Hitting a wall

[jen2708]

At the moment I’m in my 8th week and am a bit stuck on my 25min runs. Each time I run them, around the 18th min I end up walking for a min or two before restarting and finishing the run. I feel I need to combat this before moving onto 28 mins - any tips??

[Now-runner_NeedsAttn Graduate]

That probably means you're trying to run too fast. Why do you stop, out of breath or legs feel tired?

[jen2708]

Bit of both I think. I tend to run at a pace I feel comfortable with which is around 7.20/ km on average - as I run on my own I’ve no idea how that compares

[Johnnylewis Graduate]

I felt this way too. 18min barrier. All I done was slowed down, concentrated on my breathing and talked to myself. It's amazing feeling when you get through it and hit the last 5mins.

[steviej99 Graduate]

Don't think of it as hitting a wall, it's all progress and every run builds your stamina etc. Take a weeks break from the programme and either do nothing or try a slow 20 minute run, walk till you've recovered then a slow 10 minute run. Try that on different days, then a few days break and come back to the programme, you'll smash 25 minutes

[jen2708 in reply to steviej99]

Thanks Steve - I like the idea of 20 followed by a walk and then 10 - that feels like achievable progress to me given at the moment I’m doing 18, a walk and then what ever is left. Thanks for the tip!!!

[Oldlady57]

Slow down Jen, this happened to me. I got to 21 mins & gave up. I was so frustrated with myself!! The guys on here just advised to slow down, which l did. It's sometimes difficult to realise your running faster than usual lol. You'll get it next time I'm sure. There's no such thing as too slow!!👍🏻

[jen2708 in reply to Oldlady57]

Thanks. I looked at my time again from today - my average was 7.20 km - but included my warm up and cool down walking time - during the run period it varied a lot by was usually 6. Something - so I guess I need to slow down - but I seem to find it hard to vary from my ‘natural’ pace - try, try again I guess

[Oldlady57 in reply to jen2708]

I know what you mean, l still struggle with a constant time/rhythm. I can usually hear Oldfloss in my ear saying “slow & steady”. I know my natural pace does not match my abilities👍🏻

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Are you running at an easy conversational pace, as described in the guide to the plan healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

If you cannot speak full ungasping sentences, then you are running too fast.

Don't look at the time, then you will not know when 18 minutes comes around.

Distract yourself with whatever you can. Don't think about running.

[jen2708]

Thanks! I’ve got into a bad habit of frequently checking time - something I know I need to stop and I think that will help.