Advice please

[Delilah123]

Just tried to run 25 mins but it was just SO difficult. I never really felt strong or got into a rhythm. Only did 23 mins. (And yes I did slow down). My question is should I repeat this run on Friday and see if I do better or perhaps repeat all of week 6? If 30 mins is next I really don't think I could do it... Help please thank you very much!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Rest up with some gentle exercises,,, then relax and head out again... think snail on a go slow. Just relax... the runs are perfect for slow and steady...let the newly forming running legs find their happy pace... start slow and stay slow... just know you will do this

[davelinks Graduate]

You've been building up over the weeks to be able to go to the next stage, you have no problems physically? so it's in the mind, you say you THINK you can't do it, so it is most likely in the mind! you need to push on through that toughness the gremlins are little liars! you'll be ok, go through it..you can always slow down more, near to running on the spot if need be, it'll give a little recovery..

You've come such a long way, so, go for it! you can do it!😊

[Islerunner]

Me too, Delilah. Just did the 25 min run and it was so hard. Legs still feel weird 2 hours after. 😫😫

[pugmumma Graduate]

See how you feel after the next run. You might find that fine (I often have a bad run in the week and then feel fine the next one). Then you can decide if you want to do more of week 6 before moving to week 7?

[Jazio Graduate]

I stopped after 18 mins in the second of the 4 lots of 25 mins..... I took a day off and repeated the run and it was fine. The next two 25 min runs I slowed my pace and completed them ok. I’m just a little ahead of you having completed my first 28 min run today. Also I started listening to music in my 25 min runs and that helped me keep going.... finally I have tried to vary my routes which I think also helps. Good luck you are doing well

[Delilah123]

Thanks so much for taking the time to reply folks. Yes I agree it's definitely in the mind. But my body felt weak too. Maybe I'll put it down to an off day and just try 25 mins again on Friday. If that goes badly ill repeat w6. I will continue!

Thanks for the supportive messages - they really help.

[Delilah123 in reply to Delilah123]

Didn't do Friday cos I thought a cold was coming but went out on Saturday as felt fine. Giving myself an extra day really worked: I did the 25 and even did the last minute quicker! So the lesson here is not to overthink it, get extra rest if not feeling up to it and lastly not minding too much if full time isn't achieved. Just chill a bit more!

[Buddy34 Graduate]

You did 23 minutes that more than you were doing all those weeks ago, only repeat the run you didn't fully complete no need to do the full week again good luck you can do this 😊

[ButtercupKid Graduate]

Hey, there’s no “only” about 23 minutes ! Think back to week 1: I bet you never thought 23 minutes was a remote possibility then. When you next go out, don’t stress about achieving 25 minutes: just aim to get past 23. The change in mental focus will reduce your muscle tension and help your breathing. You can do this, and we’re all right here with you x

[Delilah123 in reply to ButtercupKid]

Very good advice. Taken. Thanks

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to Delilah123]

Hope it worked ! 😄

[Delilah123 in reply to ButtercupKid]

Yes it did and although the next 25 min run wasn't exactly easy, I did do it and then the next 25 mins were better and the last better still. I mean really good. I felt like a runner! But just as I was about to start week 8 (and actually looking forward to the run, if I'm honest, for the first time) I went and sprained my ankle. Grrr. This is why im back on the forum - I'm lying down with nothing else to do!

[Aspire24 Graduate in reply to Delilah123]

You’re now keeping me company. Damaged my ankle W8R1 10 days ago. It’s just feeling better now but thinking I should wait till weekend to be doubly sure. That will be 2 weeks off after a bad run so checking in here for advice and motivation as such a strong crowd

[Delilah123 in reply to Aspire24]

Oh no poor you! Well I guess we'll look back on this as a temporary set back. Let me know what advice you get as to when you start back... And at what level? Good luck!

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to Delilah123]

Noooo ! Injury added to insult ! Hope you’re back on your feet very soon x

[Jell6 Graduate]

You only need to repeat the run that you didn't complete.

When you complete run 3, week 7 is just 3 more of those, and you will know that you can do it.🤩

[Granspeed Graduate]

Don’t worry about repeating W6; not necessary. Follow all the good advice about getting through the 25 minutes of r3, and when you’ve done it, you will be ready to move on to W7. You’ll be pleasantly surprised when you get there, I bet. 👏🏼😊🏃🏼‍♀️👍

[Delilah123 in reply to Granspeed]

Yes great. Thanks 😊