First really difficult run - how do you keep g... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

134,118 members159,475 posts

First really difficult run - how do you keep going?

AnnaKarenina profile image
6 Replies

It had to happen. Last night I experienced my first difficult run. I am on W4, r2 and I felt like I had never run before. I knew something was amiss during the warm-up walk when I just felt tired, grumpy and slow. It didn't get any better. I pushed through and did complete all the elements, but boy was it hard. Really horrible in fact. I knew this would be my experience sooner or later, but it was still wretched dragging my sorry bod through the streets feeling exhausted within the first few minutes. How do you keep going on difficult runs?

Written by
AnnaKarenina profile image
AnnaKarenina
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
6 Replies
RevRunner profile image
RevRunnerGraduate

Same way you have just done! If you want something enough, you grit your teeth and come through.

Well done - give yourself a couple of days rest and go for the next one. In my experience, if you take it in a relaxed way you’ll be surprised how well it’ll go.

Everyone has the bad ones once in a while but they make you stronger in the long run (!)

😉

Loops67 profile image
Loops67Graduate

Yeah - exactly what RevRunner said. Some days there’s just no getting away from a ropey run. But the next one - that you naturally then dread - is usually way better and so motivating. Hang in there girl! You got this.

Leadfoot profile image
LeadfootGraduate

Well done fighting through!

If it helps, i sometimes think of my body like a kid throwing a tantrum when it doesn't get exactly what it wants, so those hard runs are a teaching opportunity in a way. You're aclimatizing yourself to a new activity, and teaching your body how to react in that situation.

EW85 profile image
EW85

I felt like this with wk 4 run 1. Everything hurt. Keep going you have this! Keep a good pace slowly slowly. Well done for completing it!

AnnaKarenina profile image
AnnaKarenina

Thank you everyone for the advice and support. Apprehensive about r2, but I will keep on keeping on with your wisdom ringing in my ears!

Bluescorpion profile image
Bluescorpion

Well done, you did it anyway!!! Be impressed with yourself for getting that far and just doing it. I am meant to be doing this same level run today, but managed to tweak my lower back half an hour ago, so sitting here taking pain killers and feeling useless. Don't let your struggle put you off completely. If the run was genuinely too hard, how about repeating last week so your body and mind can cope? Good luck xx

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Difficult run

I felt a bit out of sorts on this morning's run. I had new earphones that didn't stay in, music...
Evol profile image
Graduate

First consolidation run - kept going

My last two runs of week nine felt difficult. This could’ve been because of the heat or the time...
Cath075 profile image
Graduate

Do I keep going?

So I ran my 1st 5k today in 37mins 😁😁😁 I graduated on 22nd June running 4k and have only ran...
Blue_runner profile image
Graduate

First run done ... just

I knew it would be tough but I struggled through it. On the 4th run I started thinking I might not...
Lottie_C profile image
Graduate

Can I really do this??!!!!

Well, today I started week 8, I knew it would be tough but from the start it was unbearable!! I...
PatButcher profile image
Graduate

Moderation team

See all
MissUnderstanding profile image
MissUnderstandingAdministrator
Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministrator
Annieapple profile image
AnnieappleAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.