Week 6 run 3 - I couldn't do it, feeling really disappointed

[Fen_runner]

I've been gradually progressing through C5K and am gobsmacked that I can actually run at all if I'm honest. However, tried this run this morning and had to give up after 20 mins. I walked for a couple of minutes and then ran the last little bit (on treadmill).

It wasn't being out of puff, it was my legs and it's the first time I've failed to finish a run and am cross with myself.

Rather than repeat W6, my plan is to try again on Wednesday. I'm 'in training' for the Race for Life, so have got a couple of months to graduate and I am determined to do it as I had cancer last year.

I've been lurking on this for a while, so thought it was time I actually posted something!

Anyone got any tips?

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate]

Check your pace, slow it down a bit. Doing it on a treadmill may be harder just from the boredom aspect. Could you do it out in the fresh air with the distractions that come with it?

If your legs felt too tired to continue is your hydration poor?

It's usually just mental, your body wants to give in when only 40% of your actual energy resources have been used, there's always more in the tank than we think.

You certainly don't need to redo w6 just that run until you beat it! 👍😁

[Fen_runner in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

Thank you for the advice - I'm determined not to be beaten. You might be right about the hydration, I do have a bottle with me, but probably don't drink enough of it.

I did my first Parkrun a couple of weeks ago and found that much harder than the treadmill, so my plan is to get to the magical 25 mins and then give it another go as I was pretty much last. The runs don't get me up to 5K, so have started to walk until I get there, so about 45 mins to do 5K at the moment.

Thanks again, I've been reading all the posts and have been well and truly inspired

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate in reply to Fen_runner]

Hydration is far more important in the 24 hours before you run. Sipping as you're running is way too late. Try to ensure a full 2 litres on your rest day to maximise your muscles' readiness.

Women should be getting through 2 to 3 litres a day. I can do up to 6 in the heat in summer but I do have a very physical job. All drinks do count but you want a much higher percentage of water type drinks than tea or coffee.

I have no doubt you can do it... 👍😉

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate in reply to Fen_runner]

Oh and last at parkrun is irrelevant... you've still outstripped everyone still on the couch! ✊

[Fen_runner in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

That's very true! Hmm, hydration might be my problem then, I don't think I drink anything like enough water. I'm a real tea monster, but know that isn't as good as water.

So, tomorrow loads of water and another attempt

[Hidden]

Yeah, don't repeat week 6 just try it again.

I've just done that run myself, and honestly, I was so ready to stop on 20 mins, I basically staggered for the last 5 mins, I wouldn't call it running. If I was feeling slightly off, I would have stopped. I know there's a chance I might stop in week 7, if I do I'll just run it again. You're doing 25 mins not stop running now, that's RUNNING! You'll have days when you can do it and days when you can't. That's how I see it anyway. You're doing great!

[Fen_runner in reply to Hidden]

Thank you

Sounds exactly the same as what happened to me. I've seen from other people that when you get to the end, Laura says that you are now a runner and those are the words I would really like to hear! I do a lot of staggering too

[Hidden in reply to Fen_runner]

Just keep at it fen, I'm telling you.. YOU ARE A RUNNER! 😁💪

[Fen_runner in reply to Hidden]

Thank you

[Buddy34 Graduate]

Just try again go slow and make sure you're well hydrated drink even more 7 days a week now you're on the longer runs you can do this 😊

[Fen_runner in reply to Buddy34]

Thank you Hydration definitely seems to be the key from what everyone is saying, so I will start trying to get into better habits and hopefully I'll get there in the end

[Mcdon Graduate]

Yes I find treadmill harder and I tend to runner slower than outside too think it’s the boredom

[Fen_runner in reply to Mcdon]

I think I'm the other way round, but only ran outside once and I found that really hard. Planning to run Saturday around the village, so will see if it's easier this time. I'm not sure what the difference in speed is as don't have fitbit or anything, but will see if there is an app, so I can tell.

[Jogunlikely Graduate in reply to Fen_runner]

Hi there are loads of free apps you can use. Personally I use runkeeper but many use Strava or Mapmyrun to name a few. I like to use it to give me speed updates every 500m. Then I know if I need to slow down a bit. Do try outside running again as it has so many benefits

Oh any last but by no means least you asked for tips? Mine to you is .. be kind to yourself x you have been through a lot in the last year. You are running, you are making mind and body more robust so be kind to you x

[Fen_runner in reply to Jogunlikely]

Hiya,

Thank you for the app names, I'll try the runkeeper one and see how that works. I will defo try outside again on Saturday,as I love being outside and that gives me Wednesday in the gym to see if I can get to the 25 mins.

Thanks also for the encouragement and you're right, all of that stuff has made me determined to get my life back!

[robew88636 Graduate]

The good news is that you completed 20mins and then start to lose steam. This is not a big concern. Repeat this run (as planned) post doing some knee/ leg exercises and staying hydrated. It should help.

[Fen_runner in reply to robew88636]

Thanks - you guys are all great! Will keep at it until I break the 20 min wall

[DiscoRunner Graduate]

Hydration! Only time I ever had to abandon a run, it turned out to be a hydration issue - plenty of water on rest days and run days. Oh, and slow down!!!

[Fen_runner in reply to DiscoRunner]

Hi DiscoRunner,

Thanks for the advice, quite a few people have said similar things, so lot's of water tomorrow and another try on Wednesday! ... and yes, will take it slower 😀

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your progress.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5... and includes advice on pacing.

No need to repeat the whole week, but essential to get that run under your belt.

Try to see whether there was anything different in the build up to the run. The most crucial variables to optimise, in my opinion, are restedness, hydration and nutrition, but there are a host of other things that may have impacted on your performance.

Enjoy your journey.

[Fen_runner in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you so much for the link, loads of useful information and today, I did it!