W7R2 - First Failure

[The_Real_BFG]

Not sure what happened today having already managed two 25 minute runs even if both were struggles, I thought this would be fine but my calves starting hurting very early and ended up solid and so painful I had to stop only half way through. I have noticed that runs of the same length of time seem to be harded the second time around which I find bizarre. I guess I'll see how my calves feel Thursday and try again but unlike most of you on here I still don't like running and certainly haven't reached any epiphany moment.

[Sp81 Graduate]

I had the same issues last week.

I added an extra rest day and tried again with a fresh start and support from this page.

I managed week 8 run 1 today.

[Jell6 Graduate]

Not a fail, all runs are helping to build your running legs.

Make sure you are well hydrated before you next go out, and go slower, maybe take an extra rest day.

You have done 2 x 25 minutes so you know you can do this 😊

[Laurzmum Graduate]

Its never a failure! Thats when you don’t go out. Can’t give you any advice about calf pain but would suggest to make sure your properly hydrated the days before your run. Helped me loads to do that.

[MichelleS1963]

Fantastic that you have run 25 mins twice. An inspiration to me... I'm still dragging myself through the 5 mins. Keep going👍👍

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Your first failure was quite some time ago... and your last failure was before W1R1... when we cross a start line, pick up some weights, start to move into a first yoga pose, leave the house for a walk etc etc, that’s a victory, so there’s no failure. We are almost all here because for a while we failed to move, to try... there’s no failure in trying. You scored a few victories before you got to that start line today. You decided to run, you never used to... you laced up those shoes... you got up and you went to that start line... and then you crossed it. Celebrate the victories... you got half way through... how many 13 minute runs have you done recently? Be proud of the fact you can do that now, even on a “bad” run.

Is your hydration as good as it could be? The calves really can suffer if you’re not properly hydrated. Slow down a little, avoid landing the feet toe first (aim for flat and under the body.)

As for liking running... well, actually I love it... but I didn’t. I fancied running just like when I first saw my wife... I flirted with it... we dated... but it took a while to love it... heck, I hated a lot of the runs on the plan at the time. The love will grow, relax, run within yourself and let it happen. Just last Saturday I went for a warmup jog before parkrun... a mile in about 14 minutes... and as I was doing it I thought back to how tough 10 minutes was less than a year ago, and I grinned a stupid grin.

Always keep in mind where you’ve come from... you may not love or even like the actual run, but when you’ve done you can allow yourself to love the feeling that you just did that. It can be 5 minutes, 5k, 5 miles... no matter, you ran that run because you could. Today you ran over 10 minutes... you raised your fitness for next time, you dug in deep and it didn’t quite work out the way you wanted... but a few weeks ago you’d couldn’t have got anywhere near today’s early finish line... celebrate the differences, the victories.

After a run that sucks, the next one is normally much smoother... enjoy.

[Hidden in reply to UnfitNoMore]

What an excellent post. Thank you.

[backintime Graduate]

What the others said. Not a failure. You added kms in your legs and stamina improved.

Water water water and slow down.

I still don't like running, for running itself. I like the after run, I like the challenge and I enjoy the health benefits (physically and mentally) but if those benefits weren't there it's not something I would do for the pleasure of just doing it. I am told it will come. I hope it does. But I will carry on regardless because I can see improvements in lots of areas of my life. (better sleep, better lung capacity, body shape, circulation....).

Hang in there. You can do it.

[IAmCharliemouse Graduate in reply to backintime]

When I started running in the park, and we had those couple of weeks of nice weather recently, those were the runs I loved. I totally got it. Just me, the path, the trees and the birds. Never thought I’d be there. But it does happen.

[IAmCharliemouse Graduate]

I noticed during the early weeks that the second run seemed to be hardest. Whether that’s psychological or just coincidence.

However, I completely agree about the water. The toughest later runs have been ones where I realised my hydration hadn’t been great during the day. In fact today was one of those. I completed week 8 run 2, but it felt tougher than run 1.

Good luck!

[Shabrynco Graduate]

Don't worry about "bad" runs, I have many and I am now running 5km albeit in 40 minutes. Be proud of what you have achieved so far! I struggle to get up and go out for my runs, I don't enjoy them, however if i miss one i do feel guilty! Keep going, you got this! P.S. i only managed 1.5 miles of my 3 mile run yesterday, it happens! Have a good day and keep up the hard work.

[Setters Graduate]

Agree with you, I felt the same first longer run was fine, second a struggle then third ok, think I felt that first time I tried I didn’t know what it would be like but was determined to do it, but the second time I knew what the extra minutes were like so my head was telling me this would be hard, then the third time I knew I’d done it twice so third time was no problem, if that makes sense. Have found running much more brain led than I would have ever thought. I definitely get target itis , if I plan to do a 5k, then 4-5 segment is hard, but if I plan to do 10k, then it’s not an issue. Fascinating!

[Novice1955]

Not a failure....Just a set back. Like you I never have experienced the elation of running. Keep telling myself to go out and enjoy rather than endure but it's hard. Are you warming up properly with a brisk walk?

[The_Real_BFG Graduate in reply to Novice1955]

Yes the annoying think is on a run day I make sure I drink more water, I do dynamic stretches before the run especially focusing on my calves and then warm up walk.

[backintime Graduate in reply to The_Real_BFG]

Try drinking more water every day, at least 2 litres, even 3.

[The_Real_BFG Graduate in reply to backintime]

Does tea count towards the fluid count or is it just water?

[backintime Graduate in reply to The_Real_BFG]

Tbh I have no idea, I don't drink tea or coffee as I don't like it lol. So for me it is always water, the occasional coke zero or a glass of wine : )

[Chocomom Graduate in reply to The_Real_BFG]

Tea and coffee count against your water consumption because of the caffeine in them. They actually contribute to dehydration.

[Jasp7]

It can be demoralising but keep going, you’ll get there. I’ve had to stop for over a week as I’ve damaged my ankle. So I’m just about to start week 8 but it will have to wait till I’m fit again. Was well p...d off, just wanted to graduate!

[Legs10]

Hi, read this with interest, I’m a week behind you, like you don’t really like running, so far I have been afraid of failing which keeps me going, but I think Thai the point , I think of it as a training session and think to myself your supposed to be tired at the end of it,

Anyway chin up I’m sure your feeling better in your self and there is a go feeling of achievement at the end of the run,

Like you I had picked up a small injury so stopped until it was sorted.

All the best keep going

[Hidden]

You did the right thing to post here. You can usually find the answer and always get a helping hand.

[Threesome]

Hang in there

[Hatman Graduate]

Did I read that correctly, BFG? On a run day you drink more water? I run early morning, so don’t usually drink more than just half a glass before a run. You may be running in the evening, but the idea of hydration , imho, is to spread out water intake, over the days before running, not just run day. That way, when you do your dynamic stretches, which I admire you for doing, in addition to the warm up walk!, your body is well lubricated with plenty of liquid in all the blood vessels, lymph glands, cartilages and tendons to help them keep up with you.

Not a fail! Not yet completed!

Just think back to the beginning of April, when you first ran for a minute at a time. One minute. Didn’t you, like me, find that a struggle?

Now look at you. Complaining that you are not happy because you didn’t run 20 minutes very well.

You still in the gym? Perhaps it’s time to change the scenery?

Cup of water per hour for the rest of the day? Then each day?

Don’t rush your muscles, but I do hope that you are back soon. Up in Admin land, they are sorting out a ‘Graduate’ badge for a few runs time.

Keep up the good work.

[The_Real_BFG Graduate in reply to Hatman]

I will have to read more about Hydration to understand it mind you the bottle of wine and several large G&T's Monday night might not have helped.

Yes still running in the gym as I find it easier and I then have the pleasure of the Jacuzzi and steam room once finished. It also means that I can set the speed reliably and don't have to try and work out a route in an unfamiliar area as I work away during the week.

[backintime Graduate in reply to The_Real_BFG]

I run early morning but I have to avoid alcohol the day before a run or my legs feel really heavy. Alcohol dehydrates me. I didn't notice it really until I started running

[Zippy17726]

When I got to week 6run 3 , I did the 20 min run and found it almost impossible.

Then the week 7run 1 I had to attempt 3 times and it was only when I saw my neighbour who said ‘you can do this!’ That I did it!!

Don’t let it build into a mental block. You are doing so well and have already completed two of the 25 min runs so make sure you’re rested and hydrated and go and do it!

Good luck

[ALZMum Graduate]

Well done you for persevering and getting to week 7. It’s almost as if you’ve written a post for me as our journey sounds similar! I’ve had calf strains twice and have taken some time to recover. The last one was week 7 so I rested from running for about 10 days and then went and did a 5k. I’ve now completed Week 8 Run 1 with energy to spare at the end.

I upped my water intake, slowed my pace and stretched out muscles daily. It has all helped. You can don it. Some days will be better than others but that’s normal.

Keep going.

[Bluepup1 Graduate]

As others have said you haven’t failed, it’s all part of the learning curve! If it’s any consolation s/thing very similar happened to me in wk 7 (last wk) W6R3 was a breeze (n I did it on quite a warm day without stopping - bizarre!) in comparison - had to stop and start but it’s not put me off, quite the opposite (even though I’m not happy for having to walk)

We’re all diff so what 1 person thinks is easy or hard another will feel the opposite. We all have good n bad days so, try not to feel too downhearted and think ‘tortoise n the hare’ as you will get there 🤗 x

[Moonkittens]

No such thing as failure!! You got out there and tried,cant ask for more than that. Get out again on another day and see what happens Rome wasnt built in a day,and dont compare yourself to anyone else,this is your challenge

[Primrose50]

We are at the same point in the programme. And I too don’t like running.....yet?? I do like the challenge though. Mine is to reach the end but I’m not limiting success to doing it in 9 weeks and expect it to be longer. One bad run is surely to be expected in a minimum of 27! Well done for all you have achieved and good luck for the next few weeks.

[Ozbeth]

I have experienced the same thing! Did 2x 25 min runs fine and then ‘failed’ a couple.. by only getting to around 20 mins.. so annoying! But the great folks on here have much encouragement and great advice, so my next run is Friday... I will do it!!!