Week 6 run 3

[Pete73]

I’m very pleased to have completed a 25 min run but it was my worst run so far. My legs felt heavy from the start, my breathing was all over the place and my pace was slow. From the very start I knew I was going to struggle but I never stopped and I still managed 4.6k. That was my first bad run and I’m hoping they don’t happen often, does anyone else find they have bad runs? Are there ways to prevent them?

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

We have good runs, we have bad runs but as all of your runs up to now have been good, perhaps that run 3 of week 6 was a one off, run 3 of week 6 is the first of 4/25 minute runs, I am sure the other three will be better.

Hydrate by drinking plenty of water the day before you run and take the run slower than you did today, officially you are now a runner, so hopefully you'll be able to run the other 3 /25 minute runs without your legs feeling so heavy and your breathing not being all over the place. 😊 🏃

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

I don't describe "less than brilliant" runs as bad..........there is always something to learn.

Everything going on in your life can impact on running performance and/or pleasure. Restedness, hydration and nutrition are at the top of my list of variables, but absolutely everything can influence the outcome.........so try to identify those negative variables and try to avoid them in future, or at least lower your expectations, if preparation has not been spot on.

Well done for pushing through.

[loopmyloop Graduate]

Hi Pete - I'm a returner to the couchto5k forum - graduated 3 years ago, but am back again -now in week 9. I've done the program at least 6 times since 2012, and wk 6 always ends up being the most difficult week of all - I have no idea why, but always the hardest! Getting through it is your best way of dealing with it, as the challenge becomes very mental at that point. I also think it's when you start getting tired and may need to start figuring out some new strategies. Is there an optimum time of day for you to run? Have you eaten? Drunk enough water? Slept well? Had a rest day? I had a similar experience the other day on a 5k flat circuit, found it really difficult - which is bonkers as this time round my regular circuit is uphill and quite a challenge some days. I'm doing parkrun for the first time tomorrow am, so it will be interesting to see how that goes. I don't know the course, so can't mentally run to milestones to keep myself going, and I'm not sure how up n down it is. I'm actually quite nervous precisely for the reason you mention in your post! So only thing is make sure you're sticking to the routines that work for you, and keep the faith! All the best!

[Pete73 in reply to loopmyloop]

Thanks for that reply, it’s actually made me feel a bit better, I hope you have a good run tomorrow and that the route isn’t too hilly, good luck!

[Kertesz in reply to loopmyloop]

This is a really helpful post - thanks for sharing those key variables - really useful to think about prior to every run!!

[SlowLoris]

Everyone has difficult runs. They’re very good mental training. Remember it and remember you completed it. I find easing the pace a smidge works wonders.

[Pete73 in reply to SlowLoris]

Easing the pace wasn’t an option, actually increasing the pace wasn’t an option either lol I’m just glad it’s over.

[ButtercupKid Graduate]

We all have frustrating runs. If you can identify any of the causes, it’ll help you do better in the future. As Nelson Mandela said, “I never lose. Sometimes I win, and sometimes I learn.” So don’t lose heart ! All the best with the next one x

[Tasha99 Graduate]

Everyone definitely has bad runs. Totally normal. Mine are often linked to not hydrating enough the day before 👍🏽

[Buddy34 Graduate]

Yes I think we all have a rubbish run now and again, but you did it 😊