W4r2 I’m struggling to run this week

[Scruff55]

Struggling

W4r2. I’m struggling to get through week 4. Seem to be finding it really hard this week. Need to keep going maybe need to redo this week unfortunately has anyone else found W4 hard

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

I found weeks 1 through 7 pretty tough to be honest. Yes, we can all do C25K but nobody ever said it was easy. There’s nothing wrong with struggling, my mind goes back to the British girl who crawled over the line in London last month... she had a tough run and a half, but she did it... and she set a PB. The run was tough... you were tougher... that run is now history. The only thing keeping you from week 5 is fear of failure... but there’s no failure possible if you try. Sure, you may not complete a run... but every step before that moment makes you stronger, fitter and a better runner... so that’s 3 victories every run (actually it’s a lot more but no matter) and only one possible defeat... the worst result is a 3-1 win. When you meet the impossible run, then it’s time to repeat and work on it. There’s nothing at all wrong with finishing on empty... that tank is growing fast. Keep finding out just how awesome you are... how good does it feel beating a tough run?

[Hidden]

Hi Scruff55. Don't worry, we all have a sticky patch at some stage during the weeks. Did you complete all the walk/run stages of W4R2? If you did, then I would advise you to keep moving forward and do W4R3. If not, then repeat that run until you get it then go on to W4R3. Even a tricky run still builds your strength and stamina, even though it doesn't feel that way at the time. It's important to keep moving forwards in the program, so that you can keep achieving those goals. Keep going, we're all behind you cheering you on. 😊

[Debston Graduate]

To be honest, I found Week 4 a tough one but I did complete all the runs - just! I carried on to Week 5 and never looked back. I think my confidence grew and I started to trust the programme a bit more and really believe I could do it. It's up to you but I'd say, so long as you manage to complete each run, there's no need to repeat - just keep onwards and upwards.

[Scruff55 Graduate in reply to Debston]

Thanks I suppose so long as you complete the run then you so build up stamina

[Debston Graduate in reply to Scruff55]

Absolutely! It just doesn't always feel that way! And each new week can look a bit daunting because it's more than you've done previously. But your body is ready, even if your mind hasn't quite caught up yet. Good luck for Week 5 and if you need to repeat any runs, that's not a problem either.

[CharlieChurch]

In the past I've had to redo weeks, it's not uncommon. There is a fine line between pushing ourselves to achieve or to overface. Its ok to repeat a week, it's your journey and it's better to repeat than to give up.

[Jogunlikely Graduate]

If you are completing each run as prescribed then I would urge you to move onto the next one rather than repeat. I'm due to do my graduation run today but never thought it was going to happen all those weeks ago when I could barely breath during wk1. I have taken longer than 9 weeks as id take 2 rest days between runs if I felt I needed it.

The best bits of advice given to me where 1) make sure you are properly hydrated. Sip water, squash etc throughout every day not just run days. It really does help

2) go slow. Even if you think you are slow I bet you can go slower remember you are aiming for a pace where you can hold a conversation. For me this was slower than my brisk walking. Embrace your inner snail 🐌🙂

Good luck with your next run and keep us posted. You're doing grand, believe in you, we do 👍

[Scruff55 Graduate in reply to Jogunlikely]

Thank you for the support

[Lifluf in reply to Jogunlikely]

What a lovely expression - I have been feeling bad about going really slowly but, from now on, I am going to embrace my inner snail. Thanks

[Jogunlikely Graduate in reply to Lifluf]

🙂👍🐌

[Spammachine Graduate]

I repeated week 4 and due to illness, I repeated week 6 too! I've just started week 9 and the long runs are starting to become enjoyable. It is tough, especially in the earlier weeks. Don't worry about repeating weeks if that's what you feel you need to do. You'll get to the end and be running for 30 minutes before you know it :).

[Lindsey-joy Graduate]

I have just finished week 5 and of all the weeks i found week 4 the hardest. I have no idea why. I was seriously considering repeating it before moving on but i was convinced otherwise by some people on here and on I trotted. I actually found week 5 easier. I can't tell you why, it's just my personal experience but it's worth persevering onto the next run. If you find you cant complete it then repeat that one. You will probably surprise yourself. I did!

[HayleyR1974]

Yes really struggled this morning and felt exhausted at the time. We are out trying and that’s amazing!