W8r3 Hard today :(

[ShellyP]

Just completed W8 run 3 and it was really hard! It doesn't seem to be getting any easier, forced myself to keep plodding along but not sure I feel like a runner yet

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

I can remember finding that week a bit of a slog and it was around then that I started giving myself a running commentary of everything that I could see, hear, feel and smell as I ran.

Find any distraction technique that works for you so you stop thinking about running and time.

Many people use comedy podcasts to pass the time and take their mind off the hard work.

It will get easier......honestly.

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

I’m not sure how a runner feels to be honest. What I do know is that you are one, so you’re strong... sometimes it’s tough out there... you’re tougher.

Ok... here’s what I think will explain what’s happening right now. From the end of week 6 we start to get whole weeks where the runs are the same and constant running. Once we’ve run a 25/28/30 minute should be easy right? Of course, you’ve done it once you can do it again. Well, yeah, to a point... but that’s not looking at the whole picture! Let’s step back and look at what’s really going on run by run... we are going to look at the weekly running load on your legs, and a week could be 6 or more days. You end week 7 with 75 minutes of endurance in your legs... W8R1 goes takes that to 78... run two to 81 and now you’ve taken that to 84... that’s actually a significant increase... so yeah, your legs are tired, probably more tired than they’ve ever been... and next week each run keeps on adding to that load even though the three runs are the same. You’re doing great and what you’re feeling is completely normal. Week 9 is your victory lap, and it you think of it that way it will help... run 1 you do what you came to do, you run 30 minutes... run 2 is you running in a stadium with 95,000 spectators (actually there’s a few more than that now) and run 3 is that run to glory... to beating a clever, but not easy plan... the fact that it’s your run to the podium should help... we are cheering you on all the way around that last lap. And then? Well, we all congratulate you... and we point you towards consolidation. No adding to the weekly load on your legs... no relentless progression that you’ve had since W1R1, just running. Strange as this may sound, while doing the consolidation running, your body is getting a rest! It doesn’t have to make you stronger and fitter (it still will a little) you don’t have to push your endurance to and beyond your limit... you just got to relax and then run. This phase is so important that we even have the recently started consolidation club to share your experiences in... IannodaTruffe is waiting for you to join in three more runs, and he’s one of the reasons that I got through C25K.

You’re a runner... that’s exactly how you got through this run. You’re awesome and you’re ready to relax into the running. 3 more runs. 30 minutes just a couple of months after 30 seconds hurt! How awesome is that? How awesome are you?

Happy running.

[Whitto1539]

I’m week 2 and looking ahead to week eight seems light years away to me. You’ve just completed W8R3! Trust me, you are a runner!!!

Well done and keep it going👏👏

[Decker]

Good for you for pushing through Shelly. All I can tell you is that eventually it does get easier. I began with C25 and I now do 20k runs each week. But I remember how very hard those early runs were. Our bodies are amazing at adapting. Your body is reaching it’s threshold, but thresholds can be surpassed and new ones found. Slowly, consistently. Just keep showing up to your program and you will see the results. I know I sound like someone on an infomercial! 😁

[dieOR5k Graduate]

I’ve recently graduated and am just now feeling like a runner. Running after graduation is freedom. Running to run, no new goals for awhile. Keep at it ShellyP, we feel what we feel. It’s ok. Remember where you started vs where you are in w8, a tremendous accomplishment. Give yourself credit for what you are doing every run.

[Fionamags Graduate]

I've just finished week 8 and felt exactly the same for the second and third runs. So you are not alone. Good to see the replies from our lovely administrators. Bring on consolidation!!!