That was tough

[Meedeb]

Hello everyone - completed W8R2 today and it was super tough. Should have graduated last weekend but over the course of C25K some of the weeks I’ve only managed two runs a week due to work commitments. Be that as it may so far I’ve managed to complete each run so pleased with that.

I did R1 on Wednesday this week and it was ok ish tough but today was hectic. Really exhausted at the end of it. My body was screaming stop and I nearly did but I had 8 mins to go and thought ok just another 4 min. Keep going. Keep it slow and breathe. Honestly if I went any slower I would have been going backward but hecksters that was tough. Anyone else feel runs are a struggle. Someone suggested strength and flex podcasts to help with running on one of the posts. I’ve downloaded them and will start this week. Yikes I really hope the runs get easier cause for the first time I’m not looking forward to the next one.

Happy running 🏃🏼‍♀️ and thanks for listening x

[purplewalker Graduate]

You’re doing great but if it was easy we’d all be marathon runners! Keep going at the slowest pace you can as long as you don’t stop but hey if you do you can rest and go again another day . It’s not a boot camp- take it at your own pace and over as long as you need . Good luck!

[Meedeb Graduate in reply to purplewalker]

Thanks - you’re right we would be! 🏃‍♀️😁 just gotta keep it slow and steady.

[backintime Graduate]

How was your hydration ? Esoecially with the heat, a lack of water can make you sluggish. You need to drink water everyday, not just on run days.

But sometimes we just have a bad run. The stars don't align or something in the air, the gremlins, call it what you will, but sometimes it just doesn't flow.

However, as you saw, you learn to talk yourself through the bad moments and push through. You can try slowing down when you have those few minutes of wanting to stop maybe ?

[Meedeb Graduate in reply to backintime]

Think I could have been better hydrated. My mouth was dry for most of the run. Thanks for the encouragement 😁

[Martianchild Graduate]

When Jo Whiley tells me to slow down for my cool down walk I honestly think the brisk walk is quicker than my running which to be fair is realy just controlled stumbling..... I've managed to stick to each week - I go out at stupid o'clock before work and start week 9 tomorrow. You're doing brilliantly 😀

[Meedeb Graduate in reply to Martianchild]

😂 love it - controlled stumbling that perfectly describes my gait 😂 glad I’m not alone. Thanks so much for your kind words.

[Bluepup1 Graduate in reply to Meedeb]

I’m probably the same - the way I’ve tried to describe my ‘running’ is a joggy shuffle lol!

As for week 8 - I found that to be one of, if not the hardest, so you’re definitely not on your own!

Do what you can and take as long as you need, repeating runs or weeks if you feel you need to (the only race is with yourself) - you’re nearly home! 🤗 x

[Meedeb Graduate in reply to Bluepup1]

Thanks Bluepup1 - 11 weeks ago I barely got through 60 secs! Thanks for the encouragement. Love this forum!

[Bluepup1 Graduate in reply to Meedeb]

YW! x

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

We all get runs that suck. Ok... the runs are tough... but you’re proving to be tougher. Mental strength is part of this... so if you’re down because you’re struggling physically, be very proud that you’re acing it mentally! Strength and Flex is great and makes it a little easier... but you’re doing great right now. After the plan it’s all about consolidating by running 30 minutes until it’s easy/comfortable, and that will happen.

[Meedeb Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Thanks Unfitnomore. I do feel stronger mentally than physically for sure. Looking forward to running comfortably 😎🏃🏼‍♀️

[MuddledGardener Graduate]

Weird! My runs in week 8 were really difficult too! I start week 9 tomorrow, and plan to go reeeeally slowly. I shall embrace my inner snail to the fullest! 😁

[Meedeb Graduate in reply to MuddledGardener]

Keep me posted!!!!! 🏃🏼‍♀️😁

[MuddledGardener Graduate in reply to Meedeb]

Will do!

[IAmCharliemouse Graduate]

First thing to say, well done! These last weeks are tough. You're nearly at your goal duration. You started and you finished. Those are two wins.

Secondly, there is no 'should'. Sure, if you can stick to the 3 runs a week, but life gets in the way. You can't go faster than 3 times in a week without breaking the cardinal rule of no consecutive days, so that's pretty much the optimal case.

And finally, yeah some runs suck. You can look back at my posts. I had bad runs in weeks 7, 8 and 9. Some felt bad and unsatisfying. Some were really slow. And some were both.

As backintime said, you've got to think about hydration, especially as it's getting warmer. Make sure you stay topped up with water all through the day. If your mouth was dry, I would guess you were dehydrated. I've found it makes a huge difference when it comes to 'heavy legs' and getting stitches.

Take it easy on yourself, and I hope the next one goes better.

[IAmCharliemouse Graduate in reply to IAmCharliemouse]

Oh yeah, and I've done a couple of Strength and Flex sessions. I like it, but it's slightly more awkward to find somewhere to do them near me. You need somewhere to sit, and some walls or railings at the right height.

I want to do them, as my upper body strength and overall flexibility definitely need work.

[Meedeb Graduate in reply to IAmCharliemouse]

Mine too - keep me posted how you get on. I’m going to give it a bash.

[Meedeb Graduate in reply to IAmCharliemouse]

Thanks for the that. Really appreciate your comments. Such a great forum. Ja definitely dehydrated. My legs are heavy tonight - I’m sure the next run will be fine, hydrate hydrate hydrate and stretch 😎😁🏃🏼‍♀️