I was on week 7 (I think?) and running for 25 mins before I went away on holiday for a week without running (although I did walk 15km a day, some how this did not help ) and when I came back it was hot and humid (I live in Jordan for the moment). Since then I haven’t been able to get back up to 25 or even 20 without stopping several times and I don’t know what to do to get back to where I was before! Maybe it’s the heat a bit, I keep getting a really dry mouth but I think it’s also really in my head... any advice?
Reached a wall...: I was on week 7 (I think... - Couch to 5K
Reached a wall...
If helpful I’ve also struggled from postural tachycardia in the past and heat seems to make that worse
20 minutes is still excellent training so be positive.
Remember to run to the conditions. If it’s very hot slow down and maybe take a small water bottle.
In fact lowering the pace slightly cures the fatigue in most cases.
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 hydration which may be pertinent.
Try to set up the perfect conditions for your next run by being rested, hydrated and suitably fuelled and at the coolest time of day and take it nice and slow at a pace at which you can speak aloud, clear ungasping sentences as you run.
Most of my PBS have come after a break from running and my theory is that we lose the ability to pace conservatively after a break.
Enjoy your journey
Just keep repeating, or do a couple of interval runs.
It took me two years to finish the program as I kept stopping and starting. Also running in the heat is hard especially if it is humid.
Try to run when is coolest, even in the summer here I run in the early morning or evening.
Good luck
Thank you so much all of you! I found this so motivational that when I got on the treadmill yesterday I actually completed the 5km! I have no idea how but plodded through and here we are!