So it happened again w8r3

[Val183]

Today, I set out with a different playlist on a different route. I got to the halfway point and I burst into tears! I couldnt breathe and I sobbed myself into hyperventilation. Had to stop running, called a friend to get help to calm down. I just couldnt do it, 2nd time this week. My 1st 28 mins went fine I could have run it again. I guess there will be days, weeks, when ones body cant do it! I have to trust this program, re do W8 maybe?

It might be the time of day, the weather, running straight from bed with no breakfast. It could I'm just too tired.

Advice please

[RunSkippyRun Graduate]

Hi Val183

Sorry to hear that you had a bad run. I guess we all ask ourselves after a bad run "what happened there?" and there are so many potential reasons (personally, I wouldn't rule out a bubbling-under illness - there are so many bugs around at this time of year). Whatever, be kind to yourself. You have already come a long, long way and today you got out there and ran again - that's great. And keeping going out is the important thing. If you feel you need to repeat a week, then that's great too. (I repeated more than once)

All best wishes

[Val183 Graduate in reply to RunSkippyRun]

Thanks x

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

It’s always interesting to see how a 14 minute run becomes a disappointment not many weeks after it was impossible!

You know you can do 28, you’ve done it once. Slow it right down, especially in the first 10 minutes and you should feel better towards the end of the run.

Any, or indeed all, of the factors you mention will affect your run... maybe get back to what was working for you with time, breakfast, sleep etc... not much we can do about the weather. Take some time to relax, and celebrate the fact that 14 minutes is now a bad run... that’s amazing. Think positive, you can do it.

[Val183 Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Thanks so much x

[Speedy60 Graduate]

So sorry, that sounds like a horrible experience! You're being very hard on yourself, you've come such a long way and you're doing brilliantly. Have you thought of complimenting your running with yoga? I'm very bad at it because I'm too impatient, but it's very calming and great for runners. Apart from that, I'd say slow down - and I mean really slow down. Check out Japanese slow running on YouTube. It got a lot of us through difficult runs.

I have nothing but respect for people who run through adversity. Best wishes.

[dieOR5k Graduate]

Think of how kindly you would treat a struggling newbie, and be just as kind to yourself.

[Secondtimelucky]

Oh no you must feel devastated...and you achieved so much getting this far...You are probably right and I know we all have bad days...just keep reminding yourself you can do it. I've just started again after a break due to illness so really had to pluck up the courage to get going again...I put 'This is me' from the Greatest Showman and played it over and over...again! Certainly gave me the confidence I needed...look forward not back and remember tomorrow is another day, good luck, you can do it

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Everything going on in our lives can impact on our performance as a runner. Restedness, hydration and nutrition are at the top of my list of variables that need to be optimised to enable enjoyable running.

Relax and slow down.........you can do this.

[Hidden]

Are you asthmatic? I get exercise induced asthma. I've noticed my airways are very constricted as I run and will go see the doctor about it.

Poor you. hang in there.

[Roxdog Graduate]

As everyone has said, so many things can affect us on our runs.

You have come a long way and it may be you have high expectations of yourself.

Keeping it very slow and giving yourself space to breathe is important. Slow breathing helps relax you so your body isn't tense.

Msybe some yoga before you head off for your next run would help?

Look forward to your next run and try not to let this experience shape how you think about the running process.

Good luck and let us know how you get on! 😊

[Val183 Graduate]

Hey! I decided to go move onto week nine, what 2 minutes right? I fuelled up before I went out, I psyched myself up with positive thoughts. I took it real slow, pushed through the 1st 10 and could have kept going after the 30! No drama! Easy! Thanks all of you for your encouragement!

[Oldlady57 in reply to Val183]

Well run Val183 especially in this weather!! Running is as much of a mental challenge as well as a physical one. 👍🏻