After the elation of Sunday and completing run 3 of week 5 I went into week 6 so confident. I’ve done these interval times before, and was happy I could do it.
I did run 1 of week 6 on Tuesday, it was hot and I don’t run well in heat, I also changed from my usual running music to a radio station. Started the run, the 1st 5 mins always feel hard for me and then went into the 8 min run thinking it would get better but no, I really struggled, my calves were like lead and nearly tripped up as I was struggling to lift my feet!! I got through the 8 mins, just ( it felt longer than the 20 min run) and had the last 5 min run to go. I gave myself all the usual pep talks that have worked in the past. Started the last 5 mins and it was like I was running through mud! To make matters worse the news came on so instead of music that may spur me along I had the latest updates on covid in my ear!! I just managed to get to the halfway mark and then I had to walk, I tried to run again but just had nothing left in my legs. I was so deflated and still am!! After the elation of completing the 20 mins I really didn’t think I would have any problem with this run. My legs have felt like lead, heavy and aching ever since. I do stretches and make sure I drink enough water. Today it’s run 2 of week 6. I’m going to attempt it but see how I go. Hopefully it will be cooler than Tuesday and I’m going back to my usual playlist. If I really can’t do it I’ll have a few days rest and try it again on Sunday. Sorry for the long post but just wondered if anyone had any tips?
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Jellylegs50
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Hey Jellylegs50, I experienced a similar feeling on that run. I can’t quite recall why, but that next run made a difference to my level of confidence at the time. I might go back and have a look at my post for that one.
What I know for sure is that I embraced the power of having made it history! It’s complete, it’s done...it’s history. And YOU did it!! ✅ AND....every one of the 16 runs so far!! Now really...you’ve also figured out a bit about what works for you and YOU’ve got this!!
You’re next run will be amazing with all the tools that work so well for YOU!! ❤️
Thanks Fab I’d got so hung up on the fact I’d not ran the last 2.5 seconds instead of focusing on the fact that I’d completed the rest of it. I won’t let it beat me. 😜
R1 of wk6 is always hard. It trips up a lot of people. I couldn't wait to get past it and get to run 3.
However, it really sounds like you've got tired legs. Maybe you just need to give yourself a break. Run tomorrow instead of today.
The program is a framework to success. Its not a rigid plan. There are no rules against having a couple of days rest if you need it. And it sounds like your poor legs are crying out for a break.
Let us know how you get on, but don't get despondent about it. Its all good, you are really doing great!
Thanks Mig maybe I should have had 2 days rest after the 20 min run. My little legs have never run so far before 😆 I guess I was over confident going into week 6. I’d been warned that run had tripped people up, I just figured going back to interval would be easier than the 20 min run. How wrong I was. But I’ll try again it won’t beat me. 🏃🏻♀️
It was a practice run and hopefully a learning experience.
Always repeat any workout that you do not fully complete, before moving on.
You say you drink enough water.........do you drink 2.5 -3 litres of fluid each and every day, running or not, as mentioned in the guide?
Stretching immediately after every run, nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/h... while muscles are still warm and supple, pulls out contractions, avoiding carrying tensions into the next run and also improves recovery by improving blood flow.
Thanks for the help and advice. I’ve been making sure I drink at least 2 litres a day even on non run days as I had heavy legs in week 3 and read in the guide and through the tips on here to keep hydrated. Maybe I need to up it especially when it’s warm. The heavy legs eased off and I thought it might be the hydration and that my calves were getting stronger, I do the stretches and also I’ve been doing some calf strengthening exercises in between runs, not every non run day, but at least twice a week. Hopefully today will be a better run. Waiting until after 6pm so it’s cooler. 😊
Many people do not hold their post run stretches for long enough or put enough effort in. Hold post run stretches for 30 seconds and make sure the pull is strong enough to be on the verge of discomfort.
Pre run stretches need to be dynamic, not static.
I always run in the mornings as it is cooler.
Extra rest days may be needed as the runs get longer.
After being on Cloud 9 from wk5, R3, I came crashing back to earth on wk6, R1. I had read the threads on here so kept telling myself that it might be tough but I don’t think I realised how!! I did manage it but it was hard and my least enjoyable run so far. My husband said he thought I was running faster and I was convinced that he was wrong but I checked my pace on my phone and he was right so I must have subconsciously been running faster (possibly feeling like a true runner after 20 min run so picked up pace accidentally??)
I had 2 rest days for Run 2 and I was so reluctant to get out there for run2 thinking it would be just as rubbish BUT it felt much better. Still not convinced that I’ll manage 25 mins for run3 BUT I’ll try my best and if it does fall short, it can be a practice run. We have got this far so we can do this to the end and if we have to repeat a few runs... who is keeping count! Nobody! We’ll be able to run 30 mins at the end of this and think how far we have come!! Keep going! Xx
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Week 6 over... and I love the rain!
W6R1
Week 6 - struggling
Pleased but a bit deflated too 🤔
Week 4 run 1 done!
