W2R2 Hardest yet!

[Rigpig]

Not going to lie, this morning wasn't that great. My feet, knees and ankles were stiff at the warm up but got better as I progressed but by the time I started the 5th running segment I was really tired. The last run was very slow and the brisk walk to cool down was more like a stagger! I finished it though and didn't stop but this was by far the most exhausting one I've done as I have found it relatively easy up until now. Must say I'm a bit worried now for the weeks ahead so if a run like this is normal I'd like to hear other peoples experiences.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

If it is tough............SLOW DOWWWWNNNN!!!!

it really is as simple as that.

You should be able to speak clear ungasping sentences as you run.

Stretching immediately after every run, while muscles are still warm and supple, pulls out tensions, avoids carrying them into the next run and improves recovery.

Well done, but make it easy on yourself.

[Rigpig Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

You're right of course, I tend to start off a bit fast and get slower as the run progresses. "Run slow" shall be my mantra for the next one! Thank you

[Grannyhugs Graduate in reply to Rigpig]

Could you repeat that very good mantra a few times, it really will make all the difference, take care

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

Jus take Ian’s advice and you will get there, it’s not easy increasing fitness, slow and steady and have fun

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Welcome .. well done... take the advice and do head across to the Strength and Flex forum for some great exercises for those feet and ankles

[Rigpig Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks I have joined that forum, just not really visited it much yet.

[Grannyhugs Graduate in reply to Rigpig]

🤣

[RunningMigster Graduate]

That slowing down thing is a lesson that really takes a long time to fully sink in. Or at least it did for me.

But dont worry at all. Every run is different.

You'll have good runs and bad runs, even if you think nothing is different.

You'll be fine, just slow down and trust in the program.

[Rigpig Graduate]

I've been pretty good at it so far but this morning wasn't great, I'll keep that thought front and center for my next run on Saturday morning

[Run46 Graduate in reply to Rigpig]

And yet you completed it regardless...that's what us runners are made of, well done 👍

[Rigpig Graduate in reply to Run46]

Didn't think of stopping once. I'm in this for me and am totally committed to graduation and beyond

[MJP458]

Hiya

I’m on week 4 now and almost felt like giving up in week 2. The advise that was drummed into me from this group was slow down and watch the Japanese slow running video on you tube and am now running for 5 minutes at a time, slow and steady. We can do this!!

Michael

[MJP458 in reply to MJP458]

Oh yeah and drink ya water 😂

[Rigpig Graduate in reply to MJP458]

Thank you! I'm drinking 2.5 litres per day and have been for a couple of weeks. I've also watched the slow running video and follow it as best I can, I think It's definitely that I start a bit too fast that's the problem. Lesson learned this morning and will try to slow down on Saturday morning

[Enxo Graduate in reply to Rigpig]

Have faith in yourself- you will do it. Defo slow right down, really shorten your steps - speed up at the end if you’ve still got the energy.

[Minsy]

I found R1 of Wk2 tough so went back to do Wk1r2 & 3. I will do Wk2r3 this evening. I feel more positive about it now. If it’s tough step back one or two runs. Best to do it your way than feel you want to stop

[Pinky_1]

Hi. I felt exactly the same on wk 1, run 3 as if I was wading through treacle! I did finish it but must admit had a few tears as I didn’t understand why I had been ok with runs 1 and 2 then have an uphill battle on run 3. Just going to put that one down to experience and crack on with week 2 run 1 tonight and hopefully all will be better but like you I am nervous. Good luck with your next run 🏃‍♂️. 😊

[Rigpig Graduate in reply to Pinky_1]

That’s the thing, all previous runs had seemed relatively easy. Anyway, I’m feeling positive again after all of these supportive messages and looking forward to my next run. It’s a rest day tomorrow and I think I need it 🙂

[MPB1973 Graduate]

Well done getting out there and running, no pain no gain, your doing a great job it does get better as you progress, just keep going 🏃‍♂️

[Rigpig Graduate]

There’s no stopping me! 😄

[14646KevinS]

Same here mate, after week 1, me knee feels dodgy

[Noodle1991 Graduate]

You’ve done really really well to get to this stage. When I started couch25K, I never believed I would complete it. I’m now on week 7 and running non stop for 25 minutes. The programme works so don’t think too far ahead. You will be ready by the time you get to each stage and the most important thing is to run slowly and pace yourself. Watch ‘slow running man’ on you tube for inspiration.

[SamNotSammy]

I can’t say I’ve found any of it easy. I’m in my third week of running yet I’m still doing week 1. I am improving though. I can tell during my 90second walks I’m getting my breath back quicker. I’m just doing the best I can. It will come in time.

[Morgan007 in reply to SamNotSammy]

We've struggled with week 2 You've kept going even tho it's hard, so good for you

[Leosmit Graduate]

Totally with you on that - I found the first weeks tough. Then I read on this to slow down and once you think you’ve slowed down, slow some more. That really helped me. I’m now on week 5 and find the slowness thing makes me slightly more confident. Good job though sticking at it.

[MikeJones68 Graduate]

This was me this time 2 years ago. I can remember getting home after one session, sitting at the dining room table and not being able to get up again! I was determined to complete the programe though.

As Tim says, slow it down. Going off too fast is not a good idea, better to start at a jog and only go faster if you feel up to it later in the run. Stick with the program as it works wonders and you will be amazed at the results. This time 2 years ago I struggled with the 5 minute run sections, but now I can run 10k no problem at all and have done a 10 mile race. Others that graduated at the same time as me have gone on to do half and full marathons.

Don't give up, it will get easier and before too long you will discover the physical and mental rewards that running brings.

[Rigpig Graduate in reply to MikeJones68]

Awesome, thanks 😊

[Alast]

Well done for getting yourself out there & doing what you've done. I'm only slightly further on in the programme than you are but have experienced similar problems along the way. I think that C25K is like everything else in life, sometimes it seems easy, but other times it's not so, for no apparent reason! I'd been constantly reading the 'go slow and then slow down some more' advice and really thought I was taking it but when I got to Week 4, I couldn't manage either of the 5 minute runs to start with. Two of my attempts became practice runs and although each time I thought I'd slowed down enough, I clearly hadn't as I still couldn't make the distance. When I finally managed to complete the run I found that my running speed was effectively no quicker than my walking pace, but I was running (both feet were off the ground at the same time) so I wasn't cheating, I had completed the run.

[Rigpig Graduate in reply to Alast]

I’m coming to that conclusion. Feeling much better today reading all of these positive messages. Looking forward to a rest day today and a good run tomorrow to finish off Week 2 👍

[silverflowers Graduate]

I am at the same stage as you and struggling with my week 2 run 2 as well. I have slowed down as much as I can and can still barely make the 90 seconds of running. I'm hoping that run 3 will be better, but if I have to repeat some of the runs then I will just have to accept it. We just have to keep going and keep trying. Every effort we make is a step towards a fitter healthier life and we mustn't be discouraged when it's hard sometimes. Much more experienced people than me on this forum have told us to have faith in the programme and in ourselves. You can do it!

[Rigpig Graduate in reply to silverflowers]

I'm feeling a lot more positive today. All these supportive messages have cheered me up no end and I'm looking forward to W2R3 tomorrow!

I think the hardest part is starting and making that commitment to ourselves, once that out the way it 's just a matter of time and if it takes a bit more time then that's just fine.

This is perhaps the most supportive and helpful bunch of people I have ever had the pleasure of associating with. The internet can be a mean and nasty place at times but there isn't the slightest whiff of it here

[johnm12 Graduate]

Just to echo others. Definitely slow down a bit. I found that really helped and as I got on with the programme I just got a bit quicker. Also I stopped being a bloke and just started enjoying being out in the fresh air. The programme is great, we have all been there too!

Also if you feel a bit achey then take an extra day rest or just go for a walk.

Most importantly keep enjoying it!