Week 8 and struggling

[Timbo1]

Hi. Started C25k in March and got all the way to week 8 but seem to hit a brick wall. Had to stop today. Anyone else experienced this? My confidence has taken a bit of a hit.

Don’t want to give up. Do I go back a few weeks and repeat?

Thanks

[SandraY1 Graduate]

Just treat today as a training session you get the next time. Remember we are running for longer, so this is now a mental challenge not just running. We have already done the hard work during the earlier weeks.

When you are running and you feel like stopping just slow down more re-regulate your breathing and push through. You can do this. Think 🤔 where you came from at the start of the programme. You have this. Good luck for R2/3.

[Astroblue Graduate]

Make sure you hydrate the day before you run and then just go as slow as you need to keep going

[Timbo1 in reply to Astroblue]

Thanks. Maybe I’m trying to run too fast. I run on a treadmill @ 9km per hour speed. But find it very hard near the end. I’m 51.

[Astroblue Graduate in reply to Timbo1]

Your welcome the best advice I was given during my couch to 5K was slow down but keep going it builds stamina.

[Bickie85]

I experienced this on my first 25minute run. I just wasn’t in the right mental stare of mind. From the moment I started I already felt defeated so only did 12 minutes and gave up. I was so disappointed in myself as I’d never failed a run yet. So I read some advice on here and got myself in the right state of mind for the next run. I ran a different route, slowed my pace down, put on some fun music and told myself I can do it! I will do it! And reminded myself why I was doing it all the way around. When it came to the end it felt amazing! So much easier than expected. So now I only run when I know I’ve mentally prepared myself as I believe that’s the biggest battle. Good luck x

[Timbo1 in reply to Bickie85]

Hi. Thanks for the advice. Will try this. I’ve been trying to run 5k in the 30 minutes but think I need to slow down to get 30 minutes under my belt, then gradually increase my speed. x

[Bickie85 in reply to Timbo1]

I’m not worrying about the distance right now. That battle will come later. I’m focusing on keeping my rhythm, finishing the runs and keeping injury free. I think the speed will gradually come over time without focusing too much on it. I’ve noticed my speed has increased a little without having to push myself 😁 xx

[Hidden]

Yes I would, getting to 5k is as much a mental battle as a physical one. If you are struggling go back a week or even two until you are feeling good again and running strong. With that will come the confidence to proceed

[FreedomToRun Graduate]

I did the same. Changed my route, switched to Jo as my coach, slowed right down and used podcasts to take my mind away. It worked! The route change really helped.