New here - week 7

[NotoriousGRB]

Hi!

This is my second attempt at C25k, the first, about 7 years ago, I don't think I got further than week 2. I was a typical drinking/smoking twenty something and just didn't have the motivation, or the lungs! This time around, and having had two children and given up smoking, I've been really gratified to find I've progressed really well, and even enjoyed early morning runs as some rare "me-time". Plus I'm lucky that I've got some very beautiful scenery to run through!

Before the half term break I'd reached week 7. I'd completed the final run of week 6, although I fully admit I was very wobbly-legged and pink afterward. But I just couldn't manage it on my next run a day or two later, or again the run after that - I seemed to buckle at about 12 minutes. I decided to take a week off while the kids were at home, and ran with a friend a few times not aiming for a particular time/distance. She recently ran a marathon and recommended going back a bit in the plan, so now I'm repeating week 6 to try to build myself back up. I did week 6 run 1 last night with no problems which was really encouraging! But I've heard this is a common issue... Has anyone else got any tips for smashing through week 7? I really want to join my local parkrun soon but don't want to do it until I'm confident I'll be able to run the course.

Thanks for any advice!

[misswobble Graduate]

Just take it slow Slow and steady. No rush, no pressure, no need to push and things will fall into place.

Once week 6 is in the bag the hardest bit is done

Good luck and have fun 👍😃

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate]

Yep, ease up both the mental pressure on yourself and slow down a tad. Find yourself some great sing along music and if you can sing along at least to parts then you're going slowly enough. If you can't gasp out any of it you're pushing too hard. 👍😁

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your progress.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Enjoy your journey

[Debston Graduate]

Just a side note, don't let Parkrun wait until you feel confident you can run the whole 5k course. It's brilliant and you will love it, just go along and do your 5 minutes warm up walk, run your 25 minutes and then walk the rest as a cool down. Plenty of people walk the whole thing so you won't look at all out of place!

[NotoriousGRB Graduate]

Thanks for all the feedback! Slow and steady sounds a plan!