Week 6 done and so am I

[Firefly18]

Just finished W6 and felt it was really tough. I've managed fine so far but today was really hard. I feel like this might not be for me and it's the first time I've felt this way. I thought I'd be proud to have got this far but if all the runs from now until the end are going to be like this I can't say I'm feeling optimistic. Someone please tell me these 25 minute runs do become easier! 😟

[Ronsma Graduate]

They do! I was just like you - said I'll never do it. I could barely run for a minute at the start and halfway through the app I really struggled, then things got better. I persevered! Today I ran run 3 of week 9 - my final run! That means I've run 30 minutes 3 times! So proud of myself and feel great - you can do it! Sometimes it's your brain saying no when your body can actually do it - so think positive ! X

[Firefly18 Graduate in reply to Ronsma]

Thank you! You’re right, I think it’s a case of mind over matter. I did do it without stopping but it’s the first run that I haven’t really enjoyed. Plus it was warm today and it’s not usually so that was different. Well done on completing! Hopefully I’ll not be far behind you.

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate in reply to Ronsma]

Congratulations to you Ronsma for completing run 3 of week 9 and graduating 🎓 🏃 😊 from C25K 🎓.

To get your graduation badge and the word GRADUATE 🎓 next to your username leave a message on the March graduate post in the pinned posts on the right side of the healthunlocked C25K home page and tell the administrators that you have ran W9R3 of C25K and graduated 🎓 🏃 😊

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Progress and enjoyment of running does not necessarily follow a steady upward curve.........bad runs happen to everybody, but having followed this forum for the last six years, I believe that they are experienced far more by those who are pushing too hard for either their current state of fitness or preparedness on any particular day.

The next few weeks of the plan can be much easier if you ease back on pace. You will still build stamina and who knows, you might begin to enjoy it.

The benefits of running are vast and wide ranging, so it is well worth persevering with.

You can do this.

[Firefly18 Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you. Maybe I’m just having an off day. I did try to slow down my pace at one point but it’s actually really hard to do that because your feet just fall at the pace they want to go if you know what I mean. Other than walking or sprinting I’m not sure that I can alter my pace at times. I’m not giving up, just want to know that it gets easier. I guess it must because I couldn’t run to the bus stop 6 weeks ago! Maybe it’s psychological because I know the days of walking breaks are over.

[Kertesz in reply to Firefly18]

I was like you - my ‘natural’ pace is quite fast... but the longer the running segments became, the less I enjoyed them. Then Elfe5 suggested I run at a pace at which I felt I could give much more, ie WELL within my limits - she observed that the difference between comfort and killing yourself sometimes isn’t that much. So I ran at a pace that felt like slow motion to me - and every time I felt like I was trying too hard, I reined back. I began to enjoy the run. I mean REALLY enjoy the run. I thought the trade would be that I was going about 2 mins/km slower than my usual pace. But when I checked Strava at the end... my average was only 20 seconds/km slower than my previous run!! I couldn’t believe it (but figure it’s because I had far more energy left towards the end... so stayed steady). I’ve stuck to this technique for the past couple of weeks (I’m about to start week 9) and am enjoying C25K more now than at any other time in the programme! Might be worth a try. X Good luck

[Firefly18 Graduate in reply to Kertesz]

Thanks. I’ll make a real conscious effort to slow down then. The thing is I run with my dog (he’s a biggie) and to be honest I do feel at times that he’s making me go faster than I want to go so maybe I’ll leave him at home (if he lets me!) and see if that makes a difference. Definitely worth taking your advice, thanks for the encouragement

[Kertesz in reply to Firefly18]

Ah, I pity you... my husband/occasional running companion is an ex 20k/marathon runner. I had to bin him (from running only, obvs) for similar reasons to the pressures put on you by your dog!!!! X I hope you find your stride! X

[Firefly18 Graduate in reply to Kertesz]

Jeez! No pressure then! I'd rather the dog x

[Buddy34 Graduate]

They may not feel easier your body eventually gets used to doing them go slow you can do this 😊

[ExiledInBrum Graduate]

I know how you are feeling firefly! I am struggling in week7! Still I pop on here for encouragement and know we can both finish the plan. Good luck!

[Firefly18 Graduate in reply to ExiledInBrum]

Yes! Mind over matter. Think because I've managed OK so far that today has knocked my confidence. We can do it!

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate]

After the euphoria of w5r3 they all felt a bit flat and sluggish to me. I think w8 was hardest...however it's all worth it. You'll find what works for you; you'll find your joy or fun in it and it will all make sense in the end. To top it off you'll have beat all those voices, inner or otherwise telling you that you won't or can't finish it. 👍😉

[Firefly18 Graduate in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

Well said! You're right about the euphoria of W5R3, had it in the bag and found it relatively easy! What a difference a week makes..

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to Firefly18]

One twenty minute run does not a runner make........

[Firefly18 Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

No of course not but at least I felt good after that one.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Slow down.. relax and let the legs begin to find their happy pace. These runs are meant for slow and steady running.

Not easier..but different, and you, you get stronger with each run. Just start slow and stay slow...you will be fine)