I CAN do this!

[Fatbutfit]

So I've been struggling to get past 20 minutes and onto 25. I've redone W6R1 AND 2 but W6R3 eludes me, it's my nemesis. Despite me telling myself I can do it, my last couple of runs I've faltered at about 18 minutes, though yesterday restarted after a 2 minute walk and got to 25.

This morning in the gym - where I don't usually run, I do other cardio and weights - one of the trainers asked me how things are (I've been going there 5 months, have lost over 2 stone) and I mentioned to her about my 20 minute running 'wall'. She suggested I try to run 21 minutes on the treadmill. I'd already done over an hour by then but gave it a go - and she pushed me to 30 minutes! I think this was only about 3.5k as I was plodding, I CAN run faster but not for long. I'm so chuffed i got over this hurdle. I'm aware treadmill running is a lot easier but I'll mix it up with my outdoors runs, and will try new routes as I think boredom sets in.

[Tiggercnk Graduate]

Well done - proves it’s a mental block. I don’t know why you say treadmill running is a lot easier though? I actually find it MUCH harder than outdoors as there’s nothing to focus on other than those minutes!

[Fatbutfit in reply to Tiggercnk]

I was on one with a TV with subtitles on, it kept my mind occupied, but I think the spring of the belt makes it easier. Maybe it's because I'm big, and my legs have to work VERY hard to lift me 😉

[Ramjam66 Graduate]

If you've done 30 mins on the treadmill, believe me you can do 25 on the road.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Stop thinking about running and find distractions.

You CAN do this.

[Tonkabella]

Ok so now you've done it on the Treadmill you can def do it outside. Forget about speed.... I'm slower than a snail but as long as I do the required time I'm happy. Try putting a podcast on to listen to..... a story or even the news, just keep you mind off running but keep your legs going You can do this..... honestly you CAN 🏃🏽‍♀️😊

[micey2 Graduate]

It took me three weeks of repeating runs 1 & 2 of w6 before I tackled run 3 so I understand exactly where you’re coming from but it is most certainly a mental thing and you’ve gone way past on the treadmill so you are capable. Don’t knock running on the treadmill, I used it once to get a run in and found it much harder than running outside. And you did it after an hour in the gym! Amazing 🌟🌟

[Teemack]

Congrats! I have run 3 coming up on Monday and it’ll be on a treadmill. I find it tougher than outdoors as the minutes are slowly ticking down in front of you. I’m also sure I slow down more outdoors so it’s easier to do the longer duration runs. Looking forward to the sense of achievement when it’s done - whichever week that is!

[Fatbutfit in reply to Teemack]

Hi Teenmack, Turn the clock off on the treadmill and I find time goes quicker, and use one with a TV if possible? And set your speed as slow as you can.

I'm back off to go an outdoor run now, without the app, telling myself I can do it but not beating myself up if I don't.