Wk7 Run 2 - is running ever easy??

[Daisy-runner]

I completed this run this morning and was difficult from the off as my legs are tired and a bit sore (taking up grass and digging patio base in garden last few days) but there was no way I wasn't finishing it lol so just went at a nice pace and was OK, breathing was OK but last 3 mins were Hard, same as last run, was waiting desperately for the 60 sec call lol. I'm worried I'm going to find week 8 hard if I'm flagging at the last 3 mins. When Laura tells me to push the last 60 secs I've desperately been waiting for I swear at her 🤣 (sorry Laura). Wonder if it's just because I know the end is coming??? Is there such thing as an easy run??? I read people finding there comfortable pace and could run for ages and carry on past the finish time, I haven't found that yet 😣 I'm trying to stay positive but it's hard sometimes when every run feels hard. I won't give up though, I'm more competitive than I thought 😂

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Great job getting to that finish line.

Week 7 is tougher than it looks. While the runs are the same as W6R3, the weekly load on your legs is going up with each run by 3 minutes... the next run is a little rest from that as the total of the last 3 remains at 75 minutes... all week 8 does is add 3 at a time again, so while you may be thinking it’s harder, it’s really just the same as you’ve been doing this week. Week 9 goes easier on you and only adds 2 at a time.

Running gets easier with experience... like most things in life. Once you’ve finished this plan and consolidated a little, you can test this by running 20 minutes... once it’s shorter than your usual run, it’s much easier... comparing a post graduation 20 minute run to W5R3 really highlights the changes.

You’re doing really well, everything you’re feeling is normal... and the necessarily relentless progression of the plan is ending in 2 weeks... when you get there, relax and do some slow consolidation work. One day you’ll go run something like a parkrun, and you’ll be able to come on here and tell us you just ran an “easy 5k!” When that day comes it’s pretty emotional, and maybe a good time to go to 10 🤣

[Daisy-runner Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Thank you for the reply and advice, you've just reminded me that we are training on this programme and like you said training for anything isn't easy. Building up the stamina and strength to run for prolonged periods of time is going to be a slog at times and more importantly take time. Knowing I'm not the only one who has felt this helps. I am loving the programme and love running which I guess is why I felt a little disheartened. Thank you so much for the encouragement it's a huge help 😊

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

When you can run for 30 minutes in a couple of weeks time, the early weeks would seem very easy.

When you can run for an hour, 25 minutes will seem very easy.

Well done.

[Daisy-runner Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Your right it's all about progression, thank you, I really like your no nonsense straight to the point advice 😊 I have been making sure I drink enough water too as that link about hydration was a very interesting read, didn't realise quite how much dehydration can affect you. Thanks again

[Dtay1978 Graduate]

I think if it was easy everyone would be doing it, well done 😊