Struggling to move Week 9

[Kiraice]

Greetings

Been doing good to get to week 9, had to skip a few runs and now did week 8 run a few times, struggling to give week 9 a go any ideas?

Thanks in advance

[robew88636 Graduate]

W8 was a struggle for me as well. Try varying the pace during the run. Since you have not mentioned if it is just a mental block or a physical thing, I would say try W9 at a slower pace than the usual. Once you feel confident during the run, pick up pace and enjoy.

All the best.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your progress.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5... and explains the recommended easy conversational pace which will make it all the possible.

If you have been skipping runs then maybe you have not done adequate groundwork to prepare you for the runs you are now attempting.

A training plan is not just a list of runs to take your pick from. The gradual progression conditions your body for what is coming. We are all capable of doing more, on a one off basis, than we are conditioned to do, but not without increased injury risk.

Sticking to the plan, which has had countless thousands, if not millions, of graduates over the last twenty years certainly makes progress easier and safer.

Try a slower pace, one at which you can speak clear ungasping sentences as you run.

[Kiraice in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you!! Will give it a go

[Granspeed Graduate]

A lot of us have found it helpful to watch a YouTube video on Japanese slow running technique. Google it & it should turn up easily. 😊 Good luck with it all. You’ll get there!

[Kiraice in reply to Granspeed]

Thank you!

[backintime Graduate]

if you can run week 8 a few times, week 9 is just 2 minutes more, try slowing it down and eeeking out those extra 2 minutes

[Kiraice in reply to backintime]

Thanks I been trying to sync myself up for 2mins extra 😬

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

You HAD to skip a few runs? Why? There’s no prizes for sticking to a schedule and even if you have a 5k event booked next week there’s no disgrace in walking some of it.

This is about health, fitness and extending your life expectancy... there’s no pressing urgency in getting there, all that matters is that you will do. If you’ve skipped runs I’d go back and do them, or go back a week or two and allow the body to develop if they were early runs that you skipped.

You’re gonna run those 30 minute runs... we will cheer whenever you do them, and you’ll be just as proud of yourself if you do it next month or next year. Happy running.

[Kiraice]

Thank you all for your kind words and wisdom- I did Week 9 30mins today, road run changed my route and my music ☺️ looking forward to the next run!!!!