Week 7 Stalemate

[Runrunrun2020]

So far I’ve really enjoyed the C25K however I seem to have hit a complete wall that I can’t push past.

I have done two 25 minute runs with relative ease - they were hard but I managed ok but I can’t seem to get close to completing another. I hit about 10 minutes and I can’t go on any further, I have to run/walk the rest of the way. It’s getting very frustrating and starting to knock my confidence.

It’s around 10 days since I last ran for the 25 minutes. Three runs last week and the most I managed was 12 minutes without stopping before I hit a wall of exhaustion.

Nothing has changed, nothing hurts, I haven’t been unwell. I have given myself 5 days break now and I am going to attempt again this afternoon.

Has anybody suffered anything similar?

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

It can happen and does to many of us. Have you upped your strength and stamina work on some of your rest days? As the runs get longer, you need to make sure your body keeps up with the legs.

Your break may be useful, but keeping your body going is useful too

These are tense times for us all and sometimes that takes a toll we do not realise... the strength and stamina work eases those stresses and strains mentally, as well as all the physical benefits...

Then.. slow down... the runs now are perfect for gentle relaxed running... the newly forming running legs know what to do..just start slow and stay slow... let them do their stuff.

You are going to be fine this afternoon... we will run with you... I am the one whispering.. slow and steady Enjoy!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Well done.

Every run is training for the next one, whether you hit your target or did not, so try to take the positives and if possible analyse why it did not go to plan.

I remember W7 as quite a tough week from my first c25k cycle. The longer durations take some mental adjustment and if you can find them, some distractions will help. many use comedy podcasts to take their minds off the process.

If you are exhausted, then perhaps you need longer between these longer runs.

Are you heading off too fast. In the first minute of running talk out loud to yourself........if your words are gasped or stunted, you are going too fast.

How is your preparation? 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.

Above all, don't let your frustration tense you up. This post about mental approach may help healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Believe and you will achieve.