Failed Run

[ooders]

Hi folks

So, I wrote a slightly joyous post yesterday about my experiences of week six, and how great everything felt. So, almost inevitably that was followed by a stinker this morning. You couldn't make it up! It's left me feeling really rather despondent.

I'm trying to console myself with the fact that at week seven, I've completed every run so far - until this morning. I should have listened to my body, but I've placed myself under pressure by having my very first 5k booked for the end of my ninth week - a few lapses earlier in the programme have left me with almost no wiggle-room.

I say failed, and that's why I'm posting. It was a 25-minute run, and I did get to the end - but twice I slowed down to a brisk walking pace, for around a minute each time. So it wasn't a complete failure - although I'm really struggling not to see it as such. But it's still a failure/hiccup, right? Do you think I should I repeat the run - bearing in mind my tight schedule and the fact that it's the second or four identical, 25-minute runs? Am I making a mountain out of a molehill? Am I being too harsh on myself? I'd really appreciate your thoughts.

[LeeU Graduate]

Ok, forum rules dictate that anyone using the F word must buy the biscuits.

There is no such thing as a failed run, you went out and practiced the run. I would give it a couple of days and then give it another go, try slowing down a little and see how that goes.

[ooders in reply to LeeU]

I'm fine with that - what would everybody like (ginger nuts? Digestives?) and where do I send them?

PS - thanks!

[SlowLoris]

"Do you think I should I repeat the run - bearing in mind my tight schedule and the fact that it's the second or four identical, 25-minute runs?"

Yes

"Am I making a mountain out of a molehill?"

Yes

"Am I being too harsh on myself?"

Yes

Always complete the runs and follow the program. You're near the end now.

Having said that, you don't have to do each stage in exactly seven days. After 'week' six I ran on alternate days unless something came up to make me take a couple of days off in a row.

If you didn't complete a run that time is not wasted. It's still a good training run. It's very likely (in fact I'd put money on it) that you set off a bit too quick. Don't start looking for a 5K pace! Very small changes in pace make a huge difference. Just slow it down slightly next time.

Stop worrying about the 5K you have entered. By the end of this program you will be running for 30 minutes. That is the objective, not to reach 5K. When you do your 5K just run for 30 minutes and then see how far you get, it doesn't matter if you end up with a couple of walk breaks.

You are a long distance runner! It will keep getting better.

[ooders in reply to SlowLoris]

Thank you!

[Buddy34 Graduate]

Just see it as a practice run have a rest day and try again. You can do it 😊

[Mrsrun Graduate]

A failure you are not..... You have come so far.... Sit and remember your first few weeks ... Did you think you could run for so long with a few brisk walks then?..... You are achieving so much....

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

The middle runs of weeks 7 8 & 9 we dropped back to a walk once or twice in each one and felt despondent but because the next run was identical we carried on and slowed down a bit and had a good run the next time

It’s a funny thing about slowing down we say let’s go really slow speed doesn’t matter but our speed is slowly getting faster

Good luck and be proud you ran so no fail

[Teemack]

I did the same thing and wasn’t going to do the run as I knew I’d do better ‘when I was ready’. Eventually, thought to hell with it and tried to run as steadily as I could and then I’d have a target by the time I graduated. Even the ‘stinker’ days are better than the couch... and you’ve put some more miles in your legs

[Comfortnotspeed]

You are being your own harshest critic. I’m sure you just had a bad day. Trust the program. If you walk part of the 5k you’re going to do; cool. That’s still great 👍

[Vintage61 Graduate]

I’ve had a bad run today and it’s disappointing.....BUT not a fail. You’re out there doing the do and have come so far. Good luck and trust the program. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻