W5R2 completely destroyed what PMA i had

[Scoochie]

I went into this run full of positivity after reading peoples posts and tips on the longer runs.

I didn't even manage one of them. First 8 minutes lasted only 5 before i had to start walking. As soon as i was told i was halfway that was it. struggled to get to the 5 minute mark.

Right i thought, no worries. Your always better second half of the runs you'll be fine. I slowed down to an almost walk and managed 5.1 minutes, walked for 10 seconds and got to 6 minutes before getting my hair off and walking the rest.

I've got plenty of excuses. It was a different time of day (i usually run at night) Carrying my house keys (i don't normally) it was too warm. Who knows, but now i am deflated after doing so well and will have to really try to put it at the back of my mind when i try it again

[Curlygurly2 Graduate]

Everyone has bad runs now and then, but just think - you couldn't have run 5 minutes twice a few weeks ago could you?

Don't dwell on it, next run will be better...

[Scoochie Graduate in reply to Curlygurly2]

Your right. Complaining about only doing 5 minutes, when i struggled with 1 initially, is an achievement in itself.

I'm not a looking back kind of person, but i might start reminding myself of how it was just a short time ago

[Beatlesforever Graduate]

We all have those kinds of runs, don't be too hard on yourself! If you normally run at night, a daytime run may well drain your energy, they're very different beasts. Try the slower pace from the beginning, you can always speed up a bit towards the end depending on how you're doing.

Now, do something you enjoy to take your mind off it, rest up and you'll be ready to tackle it again in a couple of days. Every run makes you fitter and stronger and more likely to make it through the programme. You can do it! 💪🙂

[Scoochie Graduate in reply to Beatlesforever]

I think we get used to our little routines when we run and doing it in the day may well have made me, i don't know, do things differently maybe.

My other problem is I am a very fast walker, and have to consciously slow down my jogging, which is quite difficult until i'm forced too.

I have encouraged several of my friends to start the programme and i tell them all the time to go as slow as possible. Shame i don't take my own advice

[Beatlesforever Graduate in reply to Scoochie]

It's all a learning curve isn't it, and every run we learn something new 🙂

[David_G]

Hi, don’t beat yourself up over it. We all have bad runs from time to time. Maybe think about slowing down if you’re finding it a bit difficult? It doesn’t matter how fast you’re going after all.

Put that run down to experience and forget about it. You’ve come this far and followed the program so you’ve already proved to yourself that you can do it!

Take it easy, stay safe and enjoy your new running ability.

[Scoochie Graduate in reply to David_G]

I'm going to enjoy a rest day and forget about today. Friday is a new day

[MMP175 Graduate]

I’m wishing I hadn’t read this now. I’m doing my first run of week 5 tomorrow morning and was feeling fairly optimistic despite it likely being my first run in rain. Fingers crossed though. Hope Friday is better for you Scoochie

[Scoochie Graduate in reply to MMP175]

Don't go by my experience. There is lots of advice and help on here for you.

I think my problem is a mental issue rather than physical. The first run i did with no problems, as will you. It's just my pride that took a beating not my body.

[John_W Graduate Ambassador]

Why are you struggling?

What are you physical symptoms at the point you feel you have to stop? Are you out of breath ?? Gasping to talk? etc ?

[Scoochie Graduate in reply to John_W]

Not out of breath to any great degree. No more than usual any way.

It's a mental thing. As soon as i heard halfway, my shoulders got tense, my arms and legs got really heavy and i struggled to relax to push through it.

Totally a mental thing and not physical

[John_W Graduate Ambassador in reply to Scoochie]

ok , so see if you can play some music , an audiobook or an interesting podcast - something to distract you - while the app is on.

[Scoochie Graduate in reply to John_W]

No offence to Mr.Jordan, but i am finding him a bit irritating at the minute

Maybe a change of voice would help me

[wrenage1 in reply to Scoochie]

I understand what you mean- finding you are ONLY half way through is tricky- you need to replace that thought with another thought- even if you lie to yourself. When I think oh no only half way, I tend to guess where I need to run to to reach the end of the run, you are then running toward the target. I seem to loose my breath at this point too, so I slow down for a little bit. Then be really firm with yourself! Lol I’ve been surprised at how running is a mind game!

You’ve got this- you can do it.

I look forward to you letting us know that you did it!

[Scoochie Graduate in reply to wrenage1]

I need to get my inner personal trainer going.

Running i can manage, mind games are more of a challenge. but they can all be overcome

[davelinks Graduate in reply to Scoochie]

Holding tension in the upper body is one of the most common problems runners have. When your shoulders inch up toward your ears, it prevents your arms from swinging freely forward and back. Your arms take a less natural side-to-side motion, which is a waste of energy and can cause unnecessary fatigue.

Make sure you're properly hydrated as well..

Just an off run, better next time..

[Scoochie Graduate in reply to davelinks]

yea, i had it when i first started and managed to stop it with some good advice from people here.

I think if i concentrate on relaxing my shoulders so my arms don't get heavy, then my legs will do their own thing. Just like when i started