Mmmm 28 mins..: So I’m on week 8. Just starting... - Couch to 5K

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Mmmm 28 mins..

Lfd72 profile image
Lfd72Graduate
12 Replies

So I’m on week 8. Just starting to repeat it as i don’t seem to be able to run 28 mins full stop .... so trying to work out is it psychological( happened with 5 mins) or will my body just not do it (!) i don’t stop as such i just find myself walking for about 20sec at min 14 and 23 ( that when my app tells me in half way and 5 min to go). Anyone else having this???

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Lfd72 profile image
Lfd72
Graduate
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12 Replies
Buddy34 profile image
Buddy34Graduate

I struggled with a few runs including wk8. I was always told to go slower and yes you probably think you already are as I did but you can find a slower pace again. Then when you get to the bit where you want to walk tell yourself no and push yourself to run . Some of it really is all in the mind. Good luck 😊

Lfd72 profile image
Lfd72Graduate in reply toBuddy34

Thanks Buddy. Gonna give the mental strength thing a go. Might even switch off the app so that i can just keep going not know how much I have to go. Will also look at my pace. Cheers

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

What makes you slow to a walk?

Breathlessness?

Muscle aches?

Slowing down from the start is the best way to pace yourself.

You can do this.

Lfd72 profile image
Lfd72Graduate in reply toIannodaTruffe

Thank you Iannofatruffle(!) No muscle or breathing issues. Gonna keep at. Who ever thought in week 2 i would ever get to wk 8.

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor in reply toLfd72

Stop thinking about running and find some distraction....... podcasts, music or maybe giving a running commentary on everything you can see, feel, hear and taste as you run.

GoGo_JoJo profile image
GoGo_JoJoGraduate

If you're running at a pace where you can still breathe comfortably without straining, and your legs are not hurting or shaking then it is likely to be psychological.

It might help to think about the fact that (and I'm trying to find the article to back it up) the mind gives up when just 40% of our actual energy has been used.

This isn't the original one but its one related to running specifically

runnersfirst.co.uk/40-perce...

Also I've read and found myself that smiling when you feel most on the point of giving up helps to activate muscles that reduce the exhaustion trigger. 👍🏻😁

Lfd72 profile image
Lfd72Graduate in reply toGoGo_JoJo

Wow thank you .... yep no muscle ache or breathing difficulties i think its brain. Obviously feel a bit tired but when I’m told I’m half way i think my brain goes ....’what i have to do that again’ and at 5mins to go the brain just says enough. Will give the article a read and start smiling a bit mire. fingers crossed. Thank you

GoGo_JoJo profile image
GoGo_JoJoGraduate in reply toLfd72

Yes, try actually saying to yourself "I get to do 5 more mins" when that thought comes up and just keep grinning! 👍🏻😁

Positive mental attitude is powerful!

Vicjo profile image
VicjoGraduate

Keep going- you’ll soon get it! Week 9 is so close!

backintime profile image
backintimeGraduate

Did you run all of week 7? If you did 25 minutes then you just have one more song to go - maybe try and time it that it is one of your more inspirational songs and just put one foot in front of the other for 3 small minutes.

If you can do 25 you can do 28!

If you are dropping to a walk when the app prompts you about the time/distance then I would think it is psychological

BuffyLaL profile image
BuffyLaLGraduate

I struggled to get the app to work for whatever reason around Week 7 but I thought oh well this is okay, I'll just time myself 25 mins... I actually preferred it! I wasn't constantly waiting for Jo to tell me I was halfway or I'm only 5 mins in or I've got 10 mins left etc, etc.

I just use my fitbit to time myself now (on final week yay!) and get sucked into my music/podcast. Glance at my watch in my own time. For me (everyone is different and have different motivators) it was really motivating as I'd surprise myself (oh I'm 20 mins in, that went quickly).

I'm much more focused on just putting one foot in front of the other, instead of anxiously awaiting a prompt in my ear.

Congratulations on getting this far, you are almost there :D You are still 20+ min runs ahead of everyone still on the sofa.... Keep it up, you're doing great!

Parky88 profile image
Parky88Graduate

Also struggling with week 8. I totally think its mental as first time round I did it no problem but run 2 i have not finished twice now. Know I can do it though (and so do you, it's only 3 minutes more than the previous week!) so just going to push through, keep trying until I do it! Good luck and let us know how you get on 😁

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