Week 6 Run 3 - tough!

[Newbie_run]

Hi all,

I just completed week 6 this morning and I have to say I found it quite tough! I dragged myself to the end, but the last half in particular was a real struggle for me. My calves started to hurt (especially my left one, and it's not the first time) and in general it just felt like such a slog that I was close to giving up. Week 1 and 2 also felt super hard. I've been making sure I drink lots, stretching before and after, and doing yoga/strength work on my rest days - is there anything else anyone can suggest or is this just part of the endurance journey....?!

Ps I'm a complete newbie to running (and exercise in general to be fair), and starting from a low fitness level due to childhood illness and then a combination of fear/laziness...I wish I'd started this sooner!

Thanks in advance!

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Tough run meets tougher runner... only one winner there! Great run.

It sounds like you’re doing the right things... assuming those pre run stretches are dynamic ones. Maybe get a foam roller to help the muscles a little.

After you’ve graduated this plan, any future ones you do will have you running varied runs, with one “long run” a week. While you can shuffle those runs about it’s not a great idea to end one week with a long run and start the next with one. How is this relevant to you now? Well, C25K is different to all the other plans... it has to keep progressing to work in such a short amount of time... and effectively every run you do now is your long run. While your body will be ready for each run, the plan will remain challenging. I’m reading between the lines and thinking that you like a challenge anyway... so it’s all good!

Once you’ve completed the plan, the best thing to do is consolidate on 30 minute runs until they become easier... the break from the progression will mean you start to feel fresher legs again. Until then, you’re doing great... self coaching to get to the end of a run is probably going to be as important as the physical running at some point in your future... it’s good to be getting used to doing it now.

[Newbie_run Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Thank you so much! It really helps to put it into context like that.

[Maria_ Graduate]

Well done!! I'm at the same point as you and completed this run this morning. Whilst I'm not able to give you any advice as I'm also a newbie I thought I'd let you know I also found it very difficult. I really had to push with everything I had to get to the end. My calves were hurting and the sweat was pouring off me. You are not alone. Think of how far you've come since the beginning, bet you never thought you'd b able to run for 5 minutes let along 25 minutes - I know I didn't!! Keep going, push with everything to get to the end if each run. I'm hoping and praying that eventually it will get easier.

[Newbie_run Graduate in reply to Maria_]

Thanks so much Maria - it definitely helps to know you’re not alone! Well done to you too - we’ve come a long way