I know tonight I wasn’t wearing the right t shirt so I overheated, I did exercise this morning so probably over did it and I was hungry before I went. However, it was really hard, I felt really out of breath and struggled. I did it through gritted teeth and tears. Not that fast either.
I now have week 8 fear. The previous week 7 runs have been ok. I think I’ve psyched myself out.
Just remember the program has got you this far, keep the faith, you can do it 😊
Woah! Reframe all of this. Hey, you did it. Maybe it was an ugly run but you hit through it. Keep well hydrated every day and keep those rest days to stretch and strengthen. Slow down a little if you need to next time out but you can do it and really will do it. Half the battle is in the head. You've got this far!!
Relax, be confident and go steady. You will do it. Have no doubt. Look at The Run Experience or The Running Channel on YouTube for more tips and tricks, especially with breathing.
Those gritted teeth and tears will get you far!
Thank you, one thing I am is determined. I was refusing to stop despite desperately wanting to in the last 8 minutes or so.
Well done for completing the run. That stage in the programme does sometimes need a level of grit, but you stayed determined. Perhaps don't bother to track your speed at the moment as it's not really important, other than to keep it as slow as you need to complete. Of course you did finish the run and that's great.
Thank you. I like the stats on strava, it’s nice to see pbs when I’m really not aiming for them. It shows I’m getting fitter with each run. I’m sure the mental battle was on before I even left the house.
Well done, you did it.
You say not that fast but could you speak aloud, clear, ungasping sentences as you run?.........if not, you were going too fast.
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.
I think I could speak, I thanked a passer by for socially distancing. I was passed by three faster runners and I think it was just me overthinking. I also don’t think I could go much slower.
Most important thing was that you did it!!! Not every run is great or even looks that great but you did it. Hats off to you.... week 8 is a few mins more only. Well done for finishing week 7. Just one run behind you 
Thank you, onwards and upwards
I struggled with run 2 of week 7 this morning although it was partly due to the cold wind. I think I had expected that the week would get easier repeating the same run, but it hasn’t, and although my times are similar, they are getting even slower this week. I think you just have to dig in and keep going. I’m stubborn too but might have given up today. But hubby told my children I was doing the program, so now I can’t give up!!
I told a couple of friends and am now real-life committed rather than just online. W7r1 was my best out of all four 25 minute runs, it was also a lot colder than the other three. I thought it would start to feel easier but it’s not yet.
I am repeating week 7 as it was a real struggle and I was getting pain in my foot from an old injury, it’s a bit easier the second time around, I just try to stay on the grass as much as possible!
Well done for sticking with it. I’m on W8R2 (age 69) and I make myself start really slowly, then I find I naturally speed up after about 10 minutes, when I’m more comfortable and warmed up. Do you use headphones? They really help to distract you from the pain, whether you listen to music or, in my case, podcasts.
Well done for making it this far. I find I need music to distract me but ive started counting songs to work out how long left. I might try a podcast to see if that helps.
Hello! I’m laughing as I’m reading this! This is exactly how my runs are feeling! Wk 7 r1 was fine then r2 was a total disaster I must of stopped 10 times! I limped through r3 yesterday Without stopping but my back does ache. Wk 8 maybe Monday but I’m suddenly finding it hard almost like I need to build up muscle. Good luck with the rest of it!
Hi Thomas101, just thought I’d let you know I did w8r2 yesterday and have so far managed each 28 minute run. Through sheer determination, I refuse to stop no matter how much I want to. Actually got a pb for my 1km, 1 mile and 2 mile on w8r1 and then did it again on w8r2. It can be done, it’s all in the head
That's the end of week 8!!!!!😁😁😁
week 8 run 2 -hard work
Dodged the rain and week 8 complete (just)
Week 8 and 2nd Parkrun.
Second run of week 8 completed and feeling good 
