W7R2 - when does it get easier?

[Murielbez]

I painfully completed the second run tonight. I didn't give up but I was really close three times. I find it is getting harder not easier. Feels like the elation of week 5 when I completed 20' is gone and why was it easier to go from 10' to 20' without a break than to do 25' three times in a row? Am I doing something wrong?

[LUHAN Graduate]

Are you having one day rest between each run or more? I find I need at least 2 days between the longer runs xxx (I'm by no means an expert on this though) x

[Murielbez Graduate in reply to LUHAN]

Hello yes I do but I run after work and I think I am more tired than when I started and was running in the AM

[LUHAN Graduate in reply to Murielbez]

I also am having to run in the evening now and I definitely feel a difference. You are doing great....nearly there xxx

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Well done.

There’s a couple of things going on. First, forget the running, look at the whole workout... those 10 minute runs were separated by a brisk walk... that’s cardio too... the 2x10 is harder than the 20.

Secondly, if you read a lot here you will see reference to the 10% rule for adding mileage. This is based on weekly miles, not individual runs. So, if you look at the last 7 days all the time, you’ll see that in week 7, while the actual run is the same, the last 7 days count is rising with each run... and that can feel tough, especially in the middle runs. You’re doing great... and in a couple of weeks you’ll be graduating... after that consolidating is the best thing to do, the runs stay the same, the weekly mileage doesn’t increase and your body gets a rest from the relentless progression that is C25K... it’s a clever plan, it’s a safe plan, but nobody ever said it was easy! Keep going all the way to that podium... you got this.

[Murielbez Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

No I hadn't seen the 10% rule but I just did the maths and I see what you mean now, week 6 is 63' total run and week 7 is 75' and if I look at run 1-2 then 38' versus 50'! So indeed it is probably why it doesn't get easier because it IS harder. So yes I should (I hope) see some stabilisation after week 9 and at least it gives me a goal. Really great point and advice. Thank you so much.

[UnfitNoMore Graduate in reply to Murielbez]

It’s a sneaky little build up that the brain doesn’t see unless you know how to look at it... most future plans you’ll spot it a mile off, and many have weeks where you run less than the week before.

[Myankles in reply to UnfitNoMore]

OMG 😮 a light bulb 💡 has just illuminated above my head. That make complete sense. I’ve been looking at each run in isolation. Thank you 😊 thank you for that. Yay my mind can run knowing it should feel a little harder !!

[UnfitNoMore Graduate in reply to Myankles]

Running is just like the rest of life... what you did in the last few days will influence today.

[Murielbez Graduate in reply to Myankles]

was the same for me! Had never thought about it this way!

[Skeg Graduate]

Doubt if you're doing anything wrong. Looking back the elation of W5 could be why I found W6 challenging. From what I've read here most seem to have a tougher patch somewhere on the journey then it goes ok. If you think you need an extra day(s) rest do so. Relax you're doing fine.

[Murielbez Graduate in reply to Skeg]

Thank you so much!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Relax...slow down..you're doing nothing wrong...Each week is different...it has to be...it moves us on and disciplines our running.

Slow...steady and relaxed...just move on gently...let the legs begin to find their happy pace.

[backintime Graduate]

It gets a bit harder but I always find it useful to see how I don't even think about running a minute now but how hard w1r1 felt at the time. The progress through c25k is huge. It's a very good plan but 25 minutes non stop is 25 times more than you could run non stop 7 weeks ago. That's why sometimes (in my opinion) it seems hard, but the programme prepares you for it

[Murielbez Graduate in reply to backintime]

Very true!

[Dexy5 Graduate]

I found the intervals harder after the straight run too , but it’s all part of this magical plan. You are doing great. Really 🏃‍♀️👏🏻👏🏻

[Murielbez Graduate in reply to Dexy5]

Thank you!

[Oldlady57]

Your doing fab Murielbez!! Remember how W1R1 felt not so many weeks ago? Now your running for 25minutes!! Your doing nothing wrong it’s just your progression & some runs are easier/better than others. Your nearly at your goal, keep going & see you on the virtual podium really soon 👍🏻

[Murielbez Graduate in reply to Oldlady57]

Thank you for the support! Run three tomorrow and off to Week 8!

[Rogerk01 Graduate]

I had 2 failed attempts at W7 R1, I restarted W7 and slowed it down after some advice on here about the Japanese slow running technique, and then conquered W7. I am now on W8 R2 and while it isn’t easy, I am finding it achievable and my pace has creeped up a bit too. Perhaps change your route, as distracting the mind seems quite helpful.

[Goslow Graduate in reply to Rogerk01]

Hello, can you please tell what the the Japanese slow running is I’m on w5r2 and struggling 🏃‍♀️

[Chill50plus Graduate in reply to Goslow]

Hi, I was given this link which shows what Japanese slow running is all about.

m.youtube.com/watch?v=9L2b2...(Not working as expected?)

[Goslow Graduate in reply to Chill50plus]

Thank you so much, just watched it 😃 I'll give it a go

[BeckyB48]

Hi Murielbez, I am about to start the last week tomorrow and I can honestly say that it hasn’t got any easier but I feel so elated once I’ve completed each run and actually look forward to the next one. It feels a lot like childbirth? You soon forget how hard it was!! I’m not sure I will ever really enjoy running but it has made me feel so much fitter? Just scared now that I won’t have the motivation to continue once all done? Any tips you lot?

[Murielbez Graduate in reply to BeckyB48]

Thank you for the support! It's true that I feel good after the run and I can also see I am building some mental endurance which helps my well being overall. I am at this stage like you where I doubt I will ever enjoy running but who knows? It might come, we just don't know it yet.

[Elisabeth3 Graduate in reply to Murielbez]

There are programs after the C25K. Parkrun is also good.

[Elisabeth3 Graduate in reply to BeckyB48]

There are programs after the C25K.

Parkrun is another good event.

[Runrunner Graduate]

Hi! I totally understand you. I am in week 9 only one run left to go. And i was knackered in week 8 and couldnt figure out why? It was the running. The jump to 25 and then to 28 was a killer. Last run of week 8 and beginning of week 9 got better. So yes, i think its a bigger jump than what we realise.

[Murielbez Graduate in reply to Runrunner]

am also tired as hell and take cheeky naps if I train during the week end but I sleep really well. I have been told it's normal. Was it much more difficult to run 28' then? argh!

[Runrunner Graduate in reply to Murielbez]

It is get better. I found end of week 8 better than week7. I think it is just getting used to longer runs.

[Dalmorangie Graduate]

Is it the mornings? I finds I’m much better/in the zone then

[Murielbez Graduate in reply to Dalmorangie]

I can'r run mornings as I went back to work (I was running in the morning week 1 to 5). I honestly find it much harder to train at night but on the bright side it really put my mind at rest and I dont think about work so much

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate]

You're in the toughest part, I found 7 and 8 hard and it is hard...but the payoff is worth it.

The elation from w5r3 gets you through w6 but you feel in no man's land for the next couple of weeks, there is less input from the mentors so you need to pick your best grooves to push you through.

It doesn't always feel like it but you're doing great 👍🏻😁

[Murielbez Graduate in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

Thank you very much! and thank you for the support.

[Molzena Graduate]

I get exactly the same as you on this week after week 6. But I felt it started to get easier straight away. I’m on week 9 now

[Murielbez Graduate in reply to Molzena]

Thank you very much!

[Tasha99 Graduate]

It doesn’t get easier - you just get further for your efforts 🤣

Everyone has bad runs - they make the good ones sweeter

Slow down and slow down again

[Murielbez Graduate in reply to Tasha99]

Thank you! I am doing the last run tomorrow and hopefully it won't be so bad!