Well, I don’t know what’s going on, but the toxic ten seem to be becoming more toxic with each run. I’m well-hydrated, no alcohol, and pretty well-rested, and going slowly, but the beginning is still so difficult. I was so full of beans after last week’s 20 minute run. Why am I not feeling it now? So disappointed. I did manage to increase my stride and speed slightly at the end, as usual, but the joy wasn’t there, only relief that it was over.
My new running shoes were left at home, as I felt I needed to break them in. The right insole felt a little odd, so I will wear them to walk around the house until I feel more comfortable in them.
However, I will NOT give in. I WILL complete this programme. I WILL become an accomplished runner.
Watch this space.
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MuddledGardener
Graduate
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Well done on finishing W6 - it’s takes me a few minutes to get into rhythm and then it’s still tough. 😂 really it’s not a breeze yet at all. Next run will be better I’m sure.
You’re doing just great, I was supposed to get out for W7R1 tonight but worked so late again. Will get out tomorrow morning me thinks.
Love your positivity - we can do this! 🏃🏼♀️ happy running.
You will! Some runs are just like that..my toxic ten can be anything up to 20 minutes or not there at all ! Relax... take it slow and steady and you will be fine
Let the legs find their happy pace as you head into the longer runs... start slow and stay slow... the legs know what to do.. don't force anything... just go with them
Yup, you will! We have all the faith in you! Slow it down, don’t overthink the run and just enjoy the fact that you are RUNNING! Whoohoo! Sometimes a run is hard and we never figure out why but don’t dwell on it. Start your next run as a new run and try to start slower (it is really hard to slow down, but once you master starting out slow, you can achieve any distance you set your mind to!)
That’s exactly what I do for the first 15mins of a run,I listen to indie music and I listen to a band called Air as it’s chilled then the music changes to louder and faster songs. It really helps to keep me slow as I’m always tempted to run faster. You’re doing brilliantly so keep going x
I have a theory. That you don’t get chance to work out how to breathe properly until you get past C25K week 6 and run for long enough to sort it out. Seems quite a reasonable theory to me, but at the beginning of the week my teeth, lips and gums all stuck together five minutes in, and took ages to sort. Next time out , I was running into the wind, and had no trouble. Perhaps the answer is to run into the wind, with your mouth open for ten minutes each run? All these years I have been breathing automatically , yet suddenly it’s difficult? I haven’t been doing 30 minute runs for long yet, but those first few minutes can be a different nuisance each time. Has anyone managed to find a way round the breathing problem referred to as the toxic ten? Like you MG, I’m well watered, rested, not aware of any medical problems. Is it something new runners “grow out of “? Is there a way to avoid this feeling? In view of Old Floss’ request for inter co-operation, perhaps I should post this in the 10K posts, see if there is a more experienced runner with a positive suggestion please for us learners?
We all still get the toxic ten, but with experience you can reduce the impact by starting your run gently, having done a good warm up, knowing you can push through it helps, relaxing your shoulders opening your chest, breathing out long slow breaths...then before you know it, you feel fine...start slow and let it build is the secret. xx
I’m still trying to get my breathing sorted, (I’m slightly asthmatic so that could be the issue?) which causes my legs to tire - I’m in W7 so would’ve thought I’d have the breathing routine more sorted by now, instead it feels like I’ve taken a step back so it’s good to know I’m not on my own, so thank you for posting 🤗
Why aren't you feeling it today, compared to your 20 minute run last week? Possibly because your run today required you to add an extra 25% on to your Week 5, Run 3? Wouldn't you expect that to feel like a definite step up? But YOU DID IT!!! You're doing brilliantly - keep on keeping on!
hang on in there my C25K running bud...we would not be human if we had perfect runs every time (I wish) but just listen t what you said and how you felt on your 20min run..keep a running log and those full of beans comments will boost you on the days you have a bad one. It is a roller coaster but keep going and face each one afreshxx
Thank you! I’m doing all those things, but my breathing has always been a problem.
Even when I was running half marathons with comparative ease I always found the first 1-2 Miles hard going. It just takes time to relax into your run. At this point I would find my rhythm; the muscle aches would stop and I didn’t even think about my breathing. It is actually enjoyable! Some days it just seems harder for no apparent reason.
Hi. Have you thought of having more rest days than 1?
That definitely helps me. If I don't feel like running or have no time, it is easier the next day. Here it is said that two weeks is the time where you should repeat a run.
As you may be new to running, your body may need more rest days.
Would you consider to have let's say 3-4 rest days? On your rest days you can do other types of exercises. They will, beside the overall benefits, make you stronger for the next run.
After having enough rest, you can analyse your breathing, as you last said, you sometimes wheez.
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W6R3 and graduated?
W6R3 done ✅ but no Wow factor! ☹️ 
W6R3 completed! :)
W6R3 ✅✅✅
Week 8 Run 2 - A run of two halves
