Wk 8 run2 where’s the elation

[Memebaby]

Have just ran wk 8 run 2. I’ve followed the programme religiously from first week and I achieved today’s wk 8 run 2 ... but it’s still so hard for me. I am literally having a mental battle with myself the whole way fighting waves of panic sometimes that I can’t do this and will have to stop. I haven’t stopped yet and get through but it’s not what I would call enjoyable just hard hard slog. I wonder if I’m cut out for this. The last couple of runs I used Strava just to try and give me some encouragement and today I increased my pace by a minute a mile. I wasn’t trying to. I was spending my time arguing with myself not to stop 😀so I guess I am fitter but I wish I enjoyed it more and started to find it easier like so many others do .

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Great job completing

Slow down maybe? As it gets easier you get the time to enjoy it, after graduation you get to consolidate and the recommended way is to run it until it’s comfortable... my love for it grew so much once I’d done that.

[Buddy34 Graduate]

First of all good for you getting to wk8 r2 that's an achievement in itself . Maybe have a more positive attitude if possible that's what works for me I have to tell myself I can do it it seems to work . Good luck 😊😊😊

[THPP]

Massive respect for reaching week 8! Would maybe suggest that instead of beating yourself up mentally all the way round, just put on some nice music and try and lose yourself in that. Your legs and lungs are patently up to the task in hand, else you wouldn't be a mere four runs away from graduating! Enjoy!!

[Irish-John Graduate]

Or - take a mental health break and have fun as well. Next run - see how SLOWLY you can run WITHOUT breaking into a "walking step"

Sounds nuts - but apart from being fun it is not only a harrd thing to do, you will learn a lot about what you're body actually does when you are running, and how it's hard to fully master the art of "slow and steady"

Wishing you many happy miles in your future ☺

[Hidden]

It is getting easier but you aren't noticing because all the runs are progressive, even when you are seemingly repeating the same run 3 times. If I told you to go and do a week 3 or 4 run you would smash it but I imagine it didn't feel like that when you did those weeks first time round. Stick with the plan, don't overthink the process, and yes probably slow down a bit. You may never enjoy running - but it will keep getting easier if you stick with it.

[Sonzi Graduate]

You’re being too hard on yourself! Look how far you’ve come in the last few weeks! Anyway what’s the worst that can happen if you don’t complete a run once or twice? You just try again next time! I’m always doubting I’ll finish too! You’re not the only one I promise! ( just done W9R1 this morning and the best part was Laura telling me I’d finished ! )

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

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

If you run slower it will be more enjoyable and equally, if not more, effective at building stamina.

I would bet that you care going too fast.

[Scobs Graduate]

😮 I’m exactly the same . I’ve finished couch to 5k. And even now it’s a struggle to do 30 mins. I keep thinking if I stop now no one will know and I can pretend I’ve done it 😞

[She_wolf]

I'm so glad you've said this as I feel exactly the same. I've just completed wk6 r3 and still dont enjoy it. It's not about pace or fear I'm just not getting the love others seem to feel. But I will carry on as I know I need to do it.