Wk8 R3 - deflated : Really struggled today. Only... - Couch to 5K

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Wk8 R3 - deflated

hilly191 profile image
hilly191Graduate
28 Replies

Really struggled today. Only managed 22:30 mins and the first session I have had to walk away from having not completed. Little disappointed to say the least.

I usually run in first thing in the morning and went mid afternoon today - don’t know if that made a difference?

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hilly191 profile image
hilly191
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28 Replies
SandraY1 profile image
SandraY1Graduate

I know exactly how you feel, as I doing W5 R2 today. I like to run first in the morning with little or no people around so that you can be one with nature and in the zone. This is all part of the learning experience.

hilly191 profile image
hilly191Graduate in reply toSandraY1

You are definitely right - less traffic, people and the quietness are all plus point for the morning!

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

Well done you gave it a go.

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.

Have a rest day and prepare well for the next one, just a bit slower..

You were so nearly there.

hilly191 profile image
hilly191Graduate in reply toIannodaTruffe

Thanks, will try again Wednesday morning and take it steadier. I know I can do it as I’ve done it before!

Jaycooper71 profile image
Jaycooper71

I have found running in the afternoon to be quite tiring. It’s the extra heat just seems to knock the stuffing out of me. When I went this morning I managed to do 6.8 miles when I ran last Wednesday afternoon I only managed about 2.5. Now I’m no expert but I reckon that’s something to do with the heat. Try again a morning run and see if it’s any different? Good luck 😁

hilly191 profile image
hilly191Graduate in reply toJaycooper71

Thanks, will set my alarm clock and give it another go!

Astra5 profile image
Astra5Graduate

Don’t worry at all, experienced that myself and still do now and again. I “think” it is something you just get used to - running at a certain time of the day and your body is used to the temperature etc. I used to feel guilty if I had to stop on some runs and walk but now I just accept that especially if it is a different time of day or different route. Walk for a bit and you will be surprised how you pick up the running again. You are doing great, all the best 😎

D1311 profile image
D1311

You can’t forget u ran for 22.30 mins that amazing.

I’m only on wk5 r2 but have noticed u get good runs and bad

Keep at it !!!

Slowturtle profile image
Slowturtle

You still made past the half way point so be proud that better than the first day,

Take a breath and just restart and go in the morning if that’s when you feel you at your best

Magellan profile image
MagellanGraduate

So you have managed 28 minutes and managed it twice. That’s something to be massively proud of, not to feel deflated over. Everyone has the odd bad day. You had two excellent ones already this week, and you’ll have more good days in Week 9.

IzzyMP profile image
IzzyMPGraduate

Well done for getting as far as you did.i found last week running in the afternoon was really hard, I usually run in the morning. Keep going, as the trainers say you have good days and bad days !!Just remember you ran more ,much more than 8 weeks ago . Good luck on your next run and be kind to yourself 👍

NickiCS profile image
NickiCSGraduate

Well done for doing as well as you did! If you never had a bad run, how would you know the great feeling of a good run. Chalk it up to experience, know you can do it (you have twice already) and fight that run another day - and smash it!

Raisintoast75 profile image
Raisintoast75

Hi

Don’t worry I had exactky the same issue with week 8 so I’ve gone back to week 7 and do the 25 mins.. I still have to get the 28 minutes under my belt but I just keep trying !

Just remember how far you have come

Sweet69 profile image
Sweet69

If you look back at you Wk1R1 self they would have said “ I’ll very be able to run for 22.5 minutes”

Well done you for coming so far .... x

Kidkitkat profile image
KidkitkatGraduate

Like everyone else has said, well done for doing the run! I think knowing when to listen to your body is a real skill. I’m on the same week as you, have struggled to run in the afternoon and have felt deflated. But learning to take the difficult runs with the great ones is my biggest learning.

Don’t give up! X

Jonesy_Lad profile image
Jonesy_LadGraduate

You could have been carrying some lunch in your digestive system still. Might not have been hydrated as you normally are. Loads of reasons.

The main thing is you ran over 22 mins! Take a day to recover and hit it with a fresh head. I had a couple of runs like that before I graduated. Good luck

Energy levels really change through the day. With the running early morning or evening before dinner worked for me, 2 or more hours after eating. Came back from a lunch run on W8 and was nearly sick...you will find the times that work best for you.

hilly191 profile image
hilly191Graduate

Thanks all for your support and encouragement! Raring to give it another shot now tomorrow morning!

Sofie2019 profile image
Sofie2019

But u still did it I find morning easier but mostly have to go in afternoon

Bonnybanks profile image
Bonnybanks

I feel for you. I had a similar experience on Friday night when I repeated a run I had conquered earlier in the week (and earlier in the day). It just wasn’t your day, but you are so far through the programme and this one will come together for you. I sometimes do a 15 min breathing meditation (Adrienne on YouTube) to chill me out and that, along with the right music on the day, has given me my best runs. Best wishes for next time!

The_Fat_Controller profile image
The_Fat_ControllerGraduate

I found that too, time of day does matter. I thinks it's easier running early in the day when it's cooler and i prefer it when there are less people about. Don't worry or give up just because you've had an off-day, you have made it as far as week 8 and you're nearly at the end. Take a moment or two to just chill then pick up again where you left off. As you have made it this far graduation is a cert.

Scubadiva profile image
Scubadiva

Please don’t be disappointed or discouraged! Remember where you were in week 1 compared to where you are now!! Also, slow down to a fast walk if that is what your body and mind are telling you. The key thing is to get your enthusiasm and determination back in time for your next run. Good luck! By the way, I graduated week 9 at the end of last year and some days I can easily run for 30 minutes non-stop and on other days I can barely do 15. But I do go out 3 times every week and do what I can. No one judges me other than me!!

Sbuk profile image
Sbuk

I'm starting week 4 ..don't even think I will be able to do 5 min run..so 22 minutes is amazing !! X well done you

Poshmand profile image
Poshmand in reply toSbuk

I’m about to start week 4 tomorrow ! I just about managed the 3 minutes so I am super nervous that I won’t manage the 5 minutes.

Good luck !!!!

Tootall69 profile image
Tootall69

Don't worry some of the more experienced runners say there will be good days and bad days. Please don't focus on this too much , you have gone through weeks 7 and most of week 8. You won't suddenly not be able to do it.

Tell yourself positive thoughts, talk positively to yourself about previous runs and milestones you have reached and passed.

Morning or afternoon you are still the same runner,

Go well and think positive , hope this helps a little 👍👍👍

Whizzy23 profile image
Whizzy23

I haven’t read all the replies but if it’s not been said already my very strong advice is NEVER feel deflated !

Just do it again but slower and again and again and you will do it and feel great and by redoing some of your runs you are building fitness so when you move up to the next one you will surprise yourself! I promise 😁

MrsDidds profile image
MrsDidds

I tried running in the evening last week and was really sluggish. I’m sure it’ll better next time. You’re so close now!

hilly191 profile image
hilly191Graduate

Smashed it this morning guys! Took it slower and did the 28mins and felt I could have gone longer. Thanks for all the tips and encouragement! Roll on graduation!

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