Trouble completing week 9 on my own

[Newzealand1]

Hi everyone. I am on my second couch to 5k and I have found this second time harder. I never seem to feel fitter.

Last Friday I ran the first run of week 9 and completed 30 mins in more of a struggle than my first experience completing this run. However I was sick and missed the next two runs with my group.

I tried to run 30 mins today on my own and it was a disaster! I gave up very early in first 5 mins. I then stop started and mostly walked. I was so deflated. Can you lose fitness so quickly in a week?

What can I do to get this completed comfortably?

Any advice greatly appreciated I am afraid of going back to square one again!

Many thanks

P

[Djekko]

Just take it slow. It sounds like you have been running with others the whole way through. You might be starting too fast and blowing your self out early. Every time I go a new distance or time I go slower then I think I can do it just to make sure that I complete the run. It’s definitely a mental battle at this stage. You have already done it once you can totally do it again. Also if you have been sick then you may still be recovering from that and thus not have the energy to make it a full 30 right now. Keep it up see if someone else will run the last few runs with you.

Keep it up and good luck with your remaining runs

[Newzealand1 in reply to Djekko]

Thank you very much ... my running buddy is going away. I think I am going to have to fight this mental battle myself. At least I haven’t maybe dropped complete fitness. That worries me. Thank you fir reply!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

No you can't lose fitness in a week.

You can lose the mental push to get through a run, especially if you have become used to running with others, where the group can help carry you through moments of doubt.

Slow down to an easy conversational pace and it will all fall into place.

Preparation is key also..........restedness, nutrition and hydration.

You can do this.

[Newzealand1 in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you Ian ... I was worried I had lost. Definitely my motivation was low. Thank you.

Another couch to 5 k class has started I enjoy that would it be going backwards to join a group from the beginning again? Thank you