W5 R3 Failed

[Lead_Legs_Hustler]

After seeing loads of people on here worrying about W5R3 and then managing to complete it, I am so disappointed that I had to take a minute’s break at the half way point (stopped the clock so I still did twenty minutes). I also did an extra minute or so afterwards to make me feel a bit better about having to stop. Now that I’m feeling a little more level-headed (I was quite emotional at the time) I can see that it was still a heck of an achievement for me. I’m sure others have had to do the same and we shouldn’t beat ourselves up if we need more than one attempt at it. I’m going to give myself a few days rest and give it another go (hopefully on a less wet and windy day!).

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

You have got it!

Just ease back on the pace and find some distraction.......... many use podcasts or music. I used to give myself a floridly verbose commentary on everything I could see, smell, hear and feel as I ran........ anything but think about running.

Every run is training for the next one.

[Lead_Legs_Hustler in reply to IannodaTruffe]

I’ve been looking for different things to think about when running (we’re running out of “rivers/countries/brands beginning with....”) so your commentary technique might be my next big thing....thanks!

[Oldgirlruns Graduate]

You didn’t fail LLH - use it as a practice for next time. Take it slow, stay hydrated- on a different day in different conditions the run will be different as well! And you’ve got this far haven’t you? Good luck, you can do this!

[Lead_Legs_Hustler in reply to Oldgirlruns]

Thanks Oldgirlruns . I normally get a fabulous high when I finish a run...but it just didn’t happen this time. It hasn’t put me off - I’ll be back out in a couple of days. X

[tiggs1 Graduate]

This was not a fail.... it was a rehearsal for the big event As others have said take a rest day, slow it down and if you need to slow it down again.... 20 minutes is a long time even witha VERY short break in the middle considering the 60 seconds you were running only a few weeks ago so don't beat yourself up over this.

You can do this

[Lead_Legs_Hustler in reply to tiggs1]

Thank you tiggs1 . Such lovely words of encouragement. I started to wonder this morning if running with my husband and 23 y.o. son wasn’t such a great idea as I probably felt as though slowing down too much would frustrate them (not that they would ever say anything - they have been such great support). Also, don’t you find slowing down hurts the calves more‽

[tiggs1 Graduate in reply to Lead_Legs_Hustler]

Slowing down was the best thing I ever learnt to do and helped with the aches and pains I had been experiencing. It meant I could focus on ensuring my feet were landing under my body, I could control my breathing and get into a good rhythm and I started to enjoy running.

With only 4 runs until graduation i am still in shock that i can now run for longer than 60 seconds as in the early weeks I was finding it so tough but that was because I was running too fast.

My aim is to be able to run for the whole 30 mins by Week 9 and not worry about how far that gets me or how fast I do it in. I can then work on improving the other things

Good luck!

[Lead_Legs_Hustler in reply to tiggs1]

I suspect my running technique could be tweaked for improvements, for sure. Just four runs left? Good luck - sounds like you’ve learned a lot along the way. Keep it up!

[Granspeed Graduate in reply to Lead_Legs_Hustler]

I am another confirmed slow runner, like higgs1. Have you watched the YouTube video on Japanese Slow Running Technique? It’s not only slow but also a low impact style, which might help those sore calves. 😊

[Lead_Legs_Hustler in reply to Granspeed]

Hi Granspeed . I watched it back at w1/w2 but I could do with watching again - thanks for the reminder. X

[Buddy34 Graduate]

Definitely not a fail , you were still out and running. I had a look back at my wk5r3 and I did it in 3 attempts. As you say have a few rest days and try again. Good luck 😊

[Lead_Legs_Hustler in reply to Buddy34]

Hi Buddy34 . That piece of info is really helpful - thanks. As I’ve read on here a number of times (and as I kept repeating to myself yesterday) - the only failed run is the one you don’t go on. X

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

The F word is never used here on C25K, put that down to a practice run, definitely not a failure.

Take a extra day off, drink plenty of water the day before you run it again, perhaps you could run it a little slower than you did today, good luck. 👍 🏃

[Lead_Legs_Hustler in reply to AlMorr]

AlMorr - good advice to see it as a practice run - yeah. Thanks and I’m sure I’ll be posting on here when I nail it!

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate in reply to Lead_Legs_Hustler]

👍

[Annieapple Administrator Graduate]

Each time you put on your trainers & attempt a run you are making progress!! 👏 Repeating a run ensures you are fit enough for the next one! Well done! 👍

[Lead_Legs_Hustler in reply to Annieapple]

Thanks Annieapple . You are so right about the progress. Just looking back to that first week knowing there wouldn’t have been a chance of getting round one side of the reservoir let alone the full perimeter like now. This ‘blip’ is just another chance to learn, I guess. Thank you for the encouragement. X

[Tulipcat Graduate]

The gentle art of jeffing is slowing to a brisk recovery walk in a run. Jeff Galloway (whose technique this is) claims it increases the finishing pace of a marathon by 13%. It is not a failure to walk in the middle of a run: it's a technique that helps build your stamina.

Copy and paste this into a browser to find out more!

icanrunclub.co.uk/blog/2017...

[Lead_Legs_Hustler]

Tulipcat that is a very interesting read and a great way to think about recovery breaks. Thank you for sharing. X

[Vicjo Graduate]

You still got out there and did it! I did that run 3 times before I felt really ready to move onwards to the next week! Keep going- you’re a star!

[Lead_Legs_Hustler in reply to Vicjo]

Many thanks, Vicjo - that gives me great comfort. You can sometimes feel like you’re the only one not able to do it. Thanks again. X