I am stuck at week 7 can’t get past 25 min .... any advice?
Stuck: I am stuck at week 7 can’t get past 2... - Couch to 5K
Stuck
![Marble402 profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/05fdcce3423423ed429f1e669332a340_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
![Marble402 profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/05fdcce3423423ed429f1e669332a340_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
![Buddy34 profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/e08785ae53ff79fd7e4b23dae08aa3f3_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
The only way to continue is slow down . You may think you're already going slow but if you really try you can slow down even more. Even try more than one rest day and make sure your well hydrated. Don't worry sometimes we have to repeat a run or a week . I did when it came to wk7 and wk8 but you'll get there in the end. Good luck 😊
![DiscoRunner profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/931caa97619bf429e0224f57cb6ceae0_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
However slowly you think you’re running, perhaps you could try the Japanese slow jogging technique. It’s more than just slow - it’s a low impact style of running designed to avoid injury, but also because of its slow pace sorts the breathing out and doesn’t exhaust you. The key to it is the soft landing and short stride. Here’s the short film. I first saw this in w6 and wish I’d seen it earlier - it changed everything for me and I still run this way because I love it! Worth watching a few times, and even practice the landing with the film on.
m.youtube.com/watch?v=9L2b2...
It does actually make the running pleasurable, and here’s an interesting titbit - you use the same calories running 5k slowly or fast - it’s the distance not the speed that counts. So after graduation/consolidation you can add duration to one run until you hit the magic 5k. Takes me about 45 to 50 mins. And I love these long gentle runs. Hope this helps!
![Redcat19 profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/00e7511d1756df5d7b2120400f9d6983_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
You can run for 25 minutes, 28 minutes is just 3 minutes more. For me the longer runs were a mental challenge, physically you can do this. Slow down a little, give it another go and tell yourself you CAN do this! Let us know how you get on.
HiMarble402, well! I know how you’re feeling. I spent 2 months on week 7.
But here I am now a graduate. Did my 3rd run of week 9 and finished 10 minutes ago to bells ringing and fireworks cracking
Now what I did was increase the 25 mins by 2 mins. I spent quite awhile and didn’t worry about 9 weeks just doing 27 mins as my final goal.
But then, 28, 29, and suddenly I was there. Like me, you will do it. I’m, 76 and just can’t believe what I’ve achieved.
Good luck and let me know when that golden cup appears. Wildlife walker
Hi Wildlife - did you just slip in a modest graduation announcement there??? Fantastic - really well done. I remember your first post wondering whether it was worth starting... have a great celebration 🎉 🍾🎉🍾
Firstly Congratulations to you on your 👨🎓 . I can’t wait for myself to reach it. At this point I can only imagine the feeling of total satisfaction . I will keep going as I have set myself this goal and will succeed 🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️
![Katnap profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/b4ee6252d15cffdb81f7b1d7f4437149_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
Longer running times are sometimes a bigger mental challenge than a physical one.
Thousands have gone before you and thousands will follow. Persevere and you will succeed. Good luck 👍😊👍
🐱 Katnap 🐱
![IannodaTruffe profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/3f4bb9be0d77359f644e07c022a99698_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
When you say stuck, do you mean that you cannot run for the required 25 minutes?
Did you manage W6R3?
If so, it is probably a mental block.
As Buddy34 says, slow down, don't think about time or running.........find a good distraction.......try podcasts, or giving yourself a running commentary about everything you can see, feel and hear as you run.
This might help healthunlocked.com/couchto5...
You can do this.
![islandrunner profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/00d8e6d711d04b201ab7883865630314_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
How about next time you try it. Do the 25 mins, brisk walk for a couple of mins, then run for a couple of extra mins. If you can do that fine, then it's just a mind battle. At least then you'll know you DO actually have a few extra mins in the tank.
First time around on this C25K, I used to do that, so that I'd know for the next week that it *was* actually possible, just needed to get my head in gear.
Thank you for your tips, your right need to get my head in gear and Lee my energy level up .... I’ll keep going 🏃♀️