Struggling to stick to a rountine

[ThatGingeRuns]

I’m on week 6 and usually I run Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, but last week I got so out of sink and I have fallen behind.

I should be on week 7 run 1 today, but I haven’t even done run 3 of week 6 yet. I can’t even go running today because I’m giving blood and I don’t think I should be running after loosing a pint of blood. At least not until tomorrow. Any suggestions for staying motivated? And not falling behind?

[Blossom- Graduate]

Hi I did w7 R1 this morning. I'd say you're doing great! So your days have gone haywire, it doesn't matter just do the next run when you can and the next when you can. You CAN do it!

[ThatGingeRuns Graduate in reply to Blossom-]

Thank you! You are right I think I was just worried all this effort would lead nowhere or I would start to regress rather than progress.

[Bloomsbury22 Graduate]

First of all, take a deep breath! Next, relax. This programme is not meant to be literal calendar weeks, so you are not falling behind. You are doing just right! The names W4, 5, 6 are actually quite misleading. It really should be Stage 4, 5, 6 etc, as we all have different schedules, and different bodies, and are learning and getting stronger/fitter at different rates. Some people take one rest day, some take two or three, it is all different. Also, you should not really move on to the next run until you have completed the run you are on. For instance, I have really bad asthma, which has been hugely affected by bad hayfever and sinuses right now. So, I have to get up in the morning and see how my breathing is. So sometimes I take one rest day, sometimes two, and have taken three when needed. And because of this my body is rested, my breathing is better, stamina is not affected at all, I am getting a lot stronger, and I have had no injuries and been able to progress through one run after another, through to W7R1 the next one up. I hope that helps. You are doing great and should be very proud. x

[ThatGingeRuns Graduate in reply to Bloomsbury22]

Thank you! You are right, I shouldn’t worry too much if I have taken longer breaks. As long as I keep going! I feel like I’m constantly competing with myself which is an unhealthy mindset to have. As long as I keep going it shouldn’t matter

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Don't worry about it......life does get in the way, even for the most dedicated runner.

It will take several days to replenish your blood, so keep the hydration up and ease back your pace on the first run back...........and relax.

[ThatGingeRuns Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you! That’s reassuring to know, I guess we are only human