Wk8 R1 - out of control

[RunningMigster]

When I started C25k, I thought week 8 was stupid. Surely if you can run for 25 minutes, then you can run for 30 minutes? Of course, i also thought i could start at week 2 (until i did wk1 r1).

However after each 25 min run, I confess, I was a tad worried about this run. I never seemed to have much in the tank after 25 minutes.

So, I decided to start out really slow today. It felt hard, but 5 minutes soon past. The next 10 minutes seemed to go on forever though. I slowed right down as I approached my nemesis the hill and tried to pick up pace to get the hill out of the way.

I was really struggling. I even contemplated calling this my first practice run. But with my wife's words in my ears 'dont think about it, your legs know what to do, just think about other things', I kept going.

And so I finished it. I was recovered by the end of my 5 minute walk and my legs are fine, but my goodness I found it tough.

It was only when I'd had my shower and got myself ready for the day, that I checked my stats on RunKeeper. I expected it to be one of my slowest runs. I didnt care, I completed it and that's all that matters. It turned out to be my fastest average pace, completing just over 4km. I was really shocked. Still am. But I'm left wondering what on earth is going on. It felt slow and I deliberately went slower still, just to ensure I could make 28 minutes. Through weeks 5, 6 and 7 I felt I'd got a steady, consistent, natural pace without thinking about it. Maybe today is a one off. But of course, now I'm over thinking it! Maybe I just need to stick to running in the dark lol. I seem to think less then.

Hope you all have a brilliant weekend. Heading out for a Christmas tree today. Yay!

Mig

[Debston Graduate]

Well done for completing a tough run and at your fastest pace yet! It's funny how sometimes the stats just don't match up with how a run feels! And well done for conquering your nemesis hill, that's a brilliant feeling. ☺

[RunningMigster Graduate in reply to Debston]

Thank you. I had considered changing to a flatter run for the last 2 weeks. Just in an effort to possibly push it and do 5k by the end. But somehow, after 7 weeks of this blooming hill, it would feel like cheating if I changed now

[Granspeed Graduate in reply to RunningMigster]

Besides, it’s doing you good. Take the long view - you’re a Runner now! 😄

[Buddy34 Graduate]

Great you did it, it is strange sometimes you think you're going slower and come home to find the run was actually faster. Enjoy your tree shopping 😊😊🎄🎄

[RunningMigster Graduate in reply to Buddy34]

7ft tree in place... legs feeling ready for another run

[SteveWebbo Graduate]

It’s definitely strange , it seems like you never get a rest you just get gently pushed to the next level . This forum rings in my ears when I’m feeling it , and there is a never ending stream of people exceeding their expectations . I think that is why consolidation is a great thing at the end . Then who knows 👍

[RunningMigster Graduate in reply to SteveWebbo]

I'm so grateful for this program. I've trusted in it completely and its paid off. However, I'm not sure it would have been quite so achievable without this forum. I'm lucky to have a very supportive wife, but we've both very much learnt from the experiences that people share on here.

[Grannyhugs Graduate]

Yay, your legs know what speed they want and they’ve tricked your brain into thinking you are in control. Sometimes we over think things, try next time just to let your legs do what they want. 🤨

[RunningMigster Graduate in reply to Grannyhugs]

True story! The legs really do have a mind of their own. Just need to get them going and think happy thoughts!

[apatsyf Graduate]

Maybe you have to run slower in the dark 'cos you can't quite see where you are going! 🤣😂🙈

[RunningMigster Graduate in reply to apatsyf]

😆 you might be right!

[AliHC Graduate]

Well done RunningMigster 👍

Those hills will make you stronger and stronger with every step! Keep it up 🏃🏻‍♂️

[RunningMigster Graduate in reply to AliHC]

I think I like the challenge really

[Granspeed Graduate]

I think lots of us have found we don’t judge pace very well while on the go. I know I wouldn’t trust my feeling about fast or slow overall, and I’ve been at it for 10 months now. I can tell at the time that I’ve upped or slowed but only for the moment. The overall picture relies on tech at the end! Maybe this too will come with experience. 🤔 Anyway, you are doing really well. 👏🏼

[RunningMigster Graduate in reply to Granspeed]

Must admit, when I first started, I downloaded RunKeeper. The first thing I did was turn off the voice that kept telling me my pace. Partly, because I really didnt want to know 😆

[Granspeed Graduate in reply to RunningMigster]

Yep, me too! I have turned off all voices. But I look at the written stats at the end just to enlighten myself now that I use a watch. Only I have to be careful not to take any one set seriously! Trends are much more helpful for me.

[RunningMigster Graduate in reply to Granspeed]

Ah yes, and I find that RunKeeper and Fitbit dont always agree with each other

[Granspeed Graduate in reply to RunningMigster]

Another reason not to over-focus on minutiae!

[Runningdumpling Graduate]

Well done, what determination to keep going

And to conquer that hill!

[RunningMigster Graduate in reply to Runningdumpling]

Every time, from wk1 r1. I've even given it a name now. I feel like we're starting to have a mutual respect for each other, Brian and me 😆

[Impetuous]

There was an interesting comment from Coach Bennett on one of the Nike Run Club guided 5k runs. Paraphrasing, he said you should go faster only if it doesn’t feel like it’s any more effort. I’ve mulled that over during my last few runs and there does seem to be a range of speeds I can run that don’t feel any more or less tiring, as well as a threshold beyond which I slowly start to drain down my endurance levels. In short, maybe you’ve become fitter but not realised it. 😉

[RunningMigster Graduate in reply to Impetuous]

I've also seen a couple of posts now from graduates who say they pick up the pace because 'they are bored with the run'.

I look forward to getting to that point

[linda9389 Graduate]

Overthinking is all part of the game! Don't increase pace for a hill though, shorten your pace and take it slowly! Sounds like your legs are on top of this even if your head's lagging behind a bit 😀. Once you've graduated - and I have absolutelyno doubt you will without the need to practice, see if you can find a new route without a hill at the end 😍

[RunningMigster Graduate in reply to linda9389]

Good shout for the hill. I think I'll try a new approach next time. I do have the option of turning left out of the house instead of right. Still a hill, but that way it will come at the start rather than half way through

[linda9389 Graduate in reply to RunningMigster]

I'd be hitting that hill while I was fresh and still trying to go slow for the start of the run

[RunningMigster Graduate in reply to linda9389]

I actually just might try that tomorrow

[linda9389 Graduate in reply to RunningMigster]

I suggested after graduation only because I don't want to mess anything up for you! If you do it the new way do make sure you take that hill slowly! 😀

[RunningMigster Graduate in reply to linda9389]

Good point. I have seen people say they struggle when trying a new route. Maybe this isnt the time.

I'll just take that hill with me to graduation

[linda9389 Graduate in reply to RunningMigster]

I think so too! Not cos you can't successfully run it the other way round, but because there's a good chance your gremlins will set up a lot of negative chatter in your head and that won't make for a happy run 😀

[RunningMigster Graduate in reply to linda9389]

I hate those gremlins. Let's avoid them

[Couchpotato2 Graduate]

Stats lie or maybe not but there is often no link your imagined pace and the what the numbers say after; I dont knownwhy but it has happened to me many times. Well done on running for 25’, you are nearly there!

[RunningMigster Graduate in reply to Couchpotato2]

Not long now!

[Wenderwoo Graduate]

Well done you! Don’t over think it, just be proud of yourself, and enjoy decorating your tree 🎄

[RunningMigster Graduate in reply to Wenderwoo]

We have a monster 7ft tree. Just waiting for new lights to arrive tomorrow

[Jacca Graduate]

Not sure how I missed your post mig, ye it can be a weird one it’s only a few mins extra but seems to go on for ages - well it did for me -glad you slowed it down I found it does help - hope your tree is all decorated and looking lovely 🎄

[RunningMigster Graduate in reply to Jacca]

And then week 9... I've got to go through it again and add another 2 whole minutes onto the end.

I think I'm mentally prepared for that now though :-).

Tree looks great, not decorated just yet though!

[Jacca Graduate in reply to RunningMigster]

Not sure if it was the slowing down or not but really enjoyed this week (9) even did an extra run - my son wanted to come out with me - and even though I’ve never run two days in a row and don’t think i will again I went. Didn’t count it as part of my final week, just a practice run!! It’s amazing how far you’ve got enjoy your final week you’ve got this💪💪

[RunningMigster Graduate in reply to Jacca]

Thank you! I've amazed myself 😆🏃‍♂️

[Nymahchai Graduate]

It’s funny how one gets ups and downs and tough bits but I love the advice of letting your legs do the talking and it all seems to work. As you say don’t over think it! Anyway we’ll done and enjoy your big tree. Sounds like a “Griswalds” Family Christmas if you ask me!!! 🤣

[RunningMigster Graduate in reply to Nymahchai]

I think I just need to keep it steady now. Dont rock the boat :-).

Loving the tree. Its certainly no Charlie Brown tree lol

[Nymahchai Graduate in reply to RunningMigster]

National Lampoon Christmas Vacation! Sorry it’s probably an age thing!

[RunningMigster Graduate in reply to Nymahchai]

I haven't watched that since I was a kid. I think that has to be on the 'must watch' for this year!

[Nymahchai Graduate in reply to RunningMigster]

Yep! We have as an annual family watch despite the groans! Box set 😉

[Renee66 Graduate]

Interested to hear your experiences re running faster than you thought. That's happened to me as well. Just did my second consolidation run today. I'd left a 4 day gap ( no Laura to get me out on my old schedule!) and was worried I'd left it too long to pick up where I left off. Decided only to do two thirds of my usual route but ended up doing as much as usual and could have sailed on even further , legs feeling light and strong. I was amazed, but took the advice here of not pushing my new graduate luck and stopped. Also pleased I'd listened to advice re slow slow slow when and if needed. Was a wet windy morning and I loved the feeling of running in the rain! Just keep trusting the brilliant c25k program and the advice on this forum. Good luck.