Final weeks are Tough

[Rainy20]

Anyone else finding the final weeks really hard? The first 5 weeks although hard enjoyed it and was ready for the natural progression. Now on week 8 and I’m really struggling. Those extra 8 mins are a killer. It’s putting me off running. Maybe need to repeat the weeks as not ready for week 9.

[Elfe5 Graduate]

I remember finding W7 a nightmare! It was partly getting used to keeping going for longer, but the thing that really helped me was slackening off the pace even more. I ran deliberately slower than I could go & held to it - it made a huge difference to my comfort. 😄

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your progress.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

and includes advice on pacing, which if you get it right should have you sailing through.............make it easy on yourself and slow down.

Also there is a mental battle in those final weeks. Find a distraction. You are positively not allowed to think about time (except on a quantum level) or running. Look around you and describe your run environment to yourself in fully formed sentences. Listen to a comedy podcast. Design a trade deal for post coronavirus, when Brexit will rear its ugly head again. Compose some poetry............get the idea?

Enjoy your journey.

[Rainy20 in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Hi - thanks a million for taking time to reply. I decided to take your advice and keep going. Did my first run of week 9. Changed the route and managed to do the whole 30 hour run which was 5k.

Thank you and take care

[Roxdog Graduate]

Oh yes, I found the programme fairly easy until those later weeks. Week 7 and 8 were tough and I struggled a bit. Keep at it please do! It will reap its rewards - a few weeks on from graduating and I love running - it is very definitely part of my life! Well worth it, just try to push through at a slow pace and you will do it!

[Speedy60 Graduate]

I found the last couple of weeks a real mental battle, but it was worth it! I decided not to repeat runs unless I hadn't completed one, but it's your c25k, so the decision is yours.

You won't know if you're ready until you try ; you might surprise yourself. Good luck 👍

[Rainy20 in reply to Speedy60]

Hi! Thanks a million for taking time to reply. I decided to take all your advice and keep going. Did my first run of week 9. Changed the route and managed to do the whole 30 hour run which was 5k.

Thank you and take care

[Speedy60 Graduate in reply to Rainy20]

🥳

[Jazzyrunner Graduate]

I wonder if it might be the situation rather than the run? Use the time to forget Covid19 (other than distancing!) and enjoy the freedom. Run slow and easy, speed is irrelevant, and have fun! Happy running!

[Rainy20 in reply to Jazzyrunner]

Hi! Thanks a million for taking time to reply. I decided to take all your advice and keep going. Did my first run of week 9. Changed the route and managed to do the whole 30 hour run which was 5k.

Thank you and take care

[Jazzyrunner Graduate in reply to Rainy20]

Well done! Assuming you meant 30 minute run 🤣 not 30 hour - in which case that’s amazing speed! 😵😵😵👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[Rainy20 in reply to Jazzyrunner]

Lol yes just 30 min run. 30 hours 😱

[Jazzyrunner Graduate in reply to Rainy20]

😆