Struggling with W6R2

[Gillian-harte]

Just attempted W6R2 and for the first time in the whole program I didn't finish all the runs ended up walking for a minute or so near the end of the 2nd leg and I'm so disappointed in myself. Any advice on how to push through the 2nd 10 minutes? I'm going to do this again before moving on and I'm determined to finish it this time!

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Ok... chin up... when did you last run 10 and then 9? I thought so! Don’t beat yourself up over it... celebrate the fact you did 19 minutes of running today... that’s a victory. Also, that’s the most running you’ve done so far in intervals, and so the run that will give you the most fitness of any run to date. Those 19 minutes will make you so much stronger. So, have a nice rest day, then come back... take the first 10 slower than you did, and the second you start the same, then run that minute you didn’t quite get today... kick its ass.

Every time you cross a start line, you’re a victory. Sometimes a run doesn’t go as planned, but you ran... and that always makes you a better runner.

[Gillian-harte in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Thanks for the words of encouragement! You're right, we should be proud any time we actually step outside and give it a go. I really had to force myself out in the first place today so I just think I wasn't in the right headspace from the outset. I'm at least proud that I did go out and try instead of staying in on the sofa! Next time I'll smash it 💪

[UnfitNoMore Graduate in reply to Gillian-harte]

Absolutely... even more kudos for getting out there when you didn’t feel like it.

[Sunshineandelephants]

No advice but just wanted to say that 19 minutes over the two intervals is still a fantastic achievement! Well done, I’m sure next run you’ll get it

[Pubcarking Graduate]

Week 6 is the worst week it completely toys with your emotions it's a sneaky bastard. Do it again you'll smash it plus after this it's at least 25 minutes of pure running none of this stop start business you're gonna love it.

[Runnected]

If it's any comfort, week 6 is recognised as a tough week. Personally, I struggled with day 2 and had to do day 3 twice to be confident moving into week 7. Look at it as nearing the top of a metaphorical hill - it'll be easier the other side!

[Bassman999 Graduate]

Very strange, I did the same run this morning and found it hard going. At one point I was beginning to wonder if I had actually done the previous 5 weeks training! Managed to get through it but not without some effort.

[Buddy34 Graduate]

Don't be disappointed you did really well I thought that run was hard as well just try again take your time you'll get it next time and don't worry about repeating runs it happens for a lot of us good luck😊😊

[Irish-John Graduate]

Just keep on keeping on with the programme

We all have days where we don't finish a run - no apparent reason most of the time either. I was happily running 10ks for a while, went out one day looking forward to my run and about two k in simply stopped and walked home because I just didn't want to run!

We are humans, not machines after all

So - no worries, just take it slowly and and steady, and enjoyable on at least some level and you will soon have "graduate" beside your name. It will happen for you, believe me.

Wishing you many happy miles in your future ☺

[ButtercupKid Graduate]

You’re doing great - remember what it was like when you first started week 1 ! Always remember the First Rule of C25k: The only run you fail is the run you don’t go for ! Enjoy that repeat - we all know you can do it x

[Apple297]

I did this one last night and found it really hard going, but couldn’t work out why (esp. as i’m an ex runner getting back into it). It doesn’t help that it is dark, cold and wet in the evenings. My incentive was that I can do the W6R3 long run in the light on Sunday and choose a more interesting route.

Don’t worry about days like these, sometimes runs are just hard - the flip side is that some runs will feel amazing.

[MelsieJay Graduate]

Ditto to all the above plus find a funny podcast to distract you and the time flies.

I absolutley love Fortunately with Jane

Garvey and Fi Glover. I look an idiot laughing my head off but it makes

me feel happy and the time flies by!

[Hokitika Graduate]

Don't beat yourself up- I've slowed down, walked & even stopped to get my breath! Important thing is you finished run, so good job. Things will get better, maybe give yourself an extra rest day or change your route (I've done both, stil slow down!) Good luck.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Be kind to yourself.. you are doing wonderfully... Just slow down when you head out again for this run.. relax. breathe gently and try to land lightly...

You will do this

[Gonnatri Graduate]

Like lots of others have said, don’t see this as a failure... you still ran for 19 minutes which is way more than you were doing a few weeks ago.

The only advice I can give about the next run is to go into it believing that you will finish it and maybe slow it down a touch.

[Bright-spark Graduate]

At least you did it, I was due to do the same run today but I overslept and now won't get to do it, reall cross with myself . You're bound to do it next time, good luck!

[Eibh]

No advice. That's the one I do this afternoon so not looking forward. But we can repeat it. .. if I can't do second 10 then I will try again in few days before moving on... all part of us upping our endurance I guess. No fun at times but you have done amazing to get to where you are. Don't lose sight of that fab fact x

[Whippet58]

I've just completed W6R2. I'm no expert but I had a 4 day lay-off due to circumstances and felt the longer lay off helped my body recover so the run was not so hard on the areas that usually ache.

As I say I'm no expert so others may have an alternative view. Finally don't beat yourself up, it is a suggested program and it shouldn't be prescriptive. Go back to the previous run that did successfully to give yourself some confidence back.

[Poppypieces Graduate]

I am a couple of runs ahead of you but I still have W6R2 etched in my memory! It is a difficult one and I struggled. The first 10 seems easyish then you walk and have to do another 10 and that’s when my legs went to jelly. I just kept plodding on going ever slower and trying to think of something other than running or breathing, such as what to have for tea or what’s on tv. Just take it steady and have another go and I’m sure you’ll do it on your second attempt. I find, as others have, that it’s easier doing the runs with no walk gap and you’re almost at that point now. Good luck, keep at it and let us know how you get on.

[Bilbao_Jus]

I did this one today and also found it hard going in the second stint. Interesting to read that this is recognised as one of the tough weeks so dig in and keep going. W6D3 planned for Sunday so let’s see 👍

[Bartontiger Graduate in reply to Bilbao_Jus]

I found D3 easier with it not having the breaks. Just keep to a very steady pace.

[Rustigranny]

Keep going a couple of times i had to repeat an easier run until i gained confidence to move on. Sometimes it can be energy levels. Make sure you eat some good stuff the night before. All the best.

[Bartontiger Graduate]

I'm at a similar position as now due to run W7R1. That run was very difficult and found the next 25 minute run a bit easier. Just take your time and repeat if necessary.