Anybody else hating W2 or just me?

[SamNotSammy]

I’ve been doing C25K for 9 weeks now. I repeated W1 7 times as I really struggled. I completed W2 last week but choose to repeat this week before moving on. In my 9 weeks I have been through lots of emotions. I cried ALOT, I’ve laughed, I’ve been elated and I’ve been sad. I’ve been sad to the point I took a week out. Now W2 I really haven’t enjoyed and i feel miserable before I go out and I still feel miserable when I get back. I don’t want to feel like this as I’m beginning to question myself as to whether I should carry on but I REALLY don’t want to fail. Did anybody else feel like this on W2 or is it just me and nothing to do with the actual training?

[AllyChristina Graduate]

Sorry to hear you have been struggling. The programme is worth it and you've made it off the couch so well done!

Think about what you've been struggling with?

- are you out of breathe? Maybe take both the run and walk a bit slower. Speed comes with time.

- are your shoes comfy enough? Maybe try some different trainers.

- what are you listening to whilst you are running? I personally can run 5k now but if I'm not distracted enough I find it much harder. I prefer listening to a podcast or audio book as it keeps my mind off it. You can run a podcast at the same time as Couch25k it will just pause it.

- maybe try a different route. Is there too much elevation ? Is the pavement too tough or have you just done it too much?

[SamNotSammy in reply to AllyChristina]

Thanks for taking the time to reply. My trainers are super comfy. I got them on week 3 from a running shop with extremely helpful and supportive staff. As for the breathing sometimes it’s ok and sometimes I’m puffing but I expect it with carrying too much weight. I’ve done the same route since my second run. It’s the flattest route I can find closest to my house. The first half is a slight incline but it’s not really a hill. I don’t think I could cope with hills just yet. I have Jo Whiley as my coach on the app and listen to music alongside it. Do you think an audio book or podcast might be better?

[AllyChristina Graduate in reply to SamNotSammy]

We all work in different ways but I would definitely recommend trying a podcast or audio book.

In my personal experience I found that music was too much of a background thing and I would just count down how long left I had on each bit or think about how far it was to the next point. With a podcast I have to listen more and concentrate on the words to follow a story so think less about the running. Occasionally I start laughing along and look a little crazy! I've seen on this forum that I'm not alone in listening to podcasts

[SamNotSammy in reply to AllyChristina]

In the first few weeks I was forever looking at the timer to see how long at had left. I’ve finally stopped doing that but I find I’m sort of doing it with the songs that come on instead. My husband says he will come with me on Sunday so no music but we can chat instead. Next week I’m moving to week 3 and I will try a podcast instead. Thanks for your input, I’m certainly taking it on board.

[Winterfox Graduate]

Well done for progressing through week 2. That’s an achievement to be proud of. I’m sure lots of folk just give up after the first run.

Maybe your despondency could be connected to the season and lack of light? You could have SAD? Hopefully you’ll begin to feel more positive soon.

Spring is on its way! 🌱🌼

[SamNotSammy in reply to Winterfox]

I tend to run after my morning dog walk so I’d typically light but maybe you are right about the SAD? Who knows maybe time will tell. I really don’t want to give up and fail.

[Winterfox Graduate in reply to SamNotSammy]

I think you’ll feel better if you stick with it..and you seem determined not to give up, which is a big positive.

If you give up now, you’ll probably berate yourself and feel disappointed and more miserable.

Main thing is keep persevering, and keep posting here if it helps too! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[Redvic97 Graduate]

Sorry to hear you’re feeling so miserable. Are you a little bit bored with doing the same thing. While there’s no hurry to complete is it a confidence thing? Would it be worth trying the next week just for a bit of variety. If you’ve completed week 2 then you’re ready for week 3. Trust the program, and if you don’t quite manage it it’s not a fail but a step in the right direction. Any run is better than staying on the couch. Good luck and I hope you feel better about it all soon.

[SamNotSammy in reply to Redvic97]

Yes I do lack confidence but having said that I don’t want to fail. I have 1 more run this week on Sunday and if all goes to plan and I finish it ok then I’m certainly moving on to week 3 next week. My husband is going to join me on Sunday for some support too.

[Redvic97 Graduate]

I hope it all goes well on Sunday. We’re all cheering you on 👏😊Let us know how you get on 👍🏻

[Womangolfer Graduate]

Hopefully you can move onto week 3 and it will be better from there. We are. All behind you and don’t think you are failing, you are out there trying and that is always good.

[Vegout25 Graduate]

Hi SamNotSammy, you’re not alone in your struggle, we’ve all been there at some point. Recommend you move on to next stage in this fantastic app & keep posting on this brilliant forum. Repeating runs is ok but you need to progress your physical & mental running journey. Trust the App as it builds on previous levels & boosts you mentally as witness your progress. You can do this as you’re very determined. Having your partner with you will be great moral support & talking whilst running aids your breathing. Make sure you run slow & at your pace not his. He’s there to support you as this is your running journey. Good luck on your next run, try to relax & enjoy it. Look forward to your next posting 😊👍

[Tazzy_wazzy Graduate]

No run is a fail, it’s just part of the learning curve. We all have good and bad runs. Remember that this is your running journey and if you stick to the plan however long it takes, you’ll get to week 9 eventually. But for now, have fun and take your time.