W8r3 first failed run of the course, gutted

[Maverickrun]

Went out a couple of night ago after putting the run off all day. I’m finding these longer runs harder and don’t particularly enjoy them but love the feeling at the end and know my fitness is improving. Anyway, I could tell as soon as I started that I was going too fast but couldn’t seem to adjust my pace, possibly the music was keeping me going. So, tried to slow down but couldn’t until my breathing became too rapid, I lost control of it and panicked and had to stop after 10 minutes. I intended to restart but developed a stitch which I couldn’t shake off so trooped home in misery. The next morning I was a little under the weather but picked up midday and feel ok today. The stitch pain hung around until then too.

I’m intending on running the same run again but part of me is wondering if it’s cheating to have a go at week 9 instead. I have psyched myself out too and doubt I can even run 15 minutes let alone 30. Need to find that rhythm again that’s been working so well. I also need to rip the bandage and just do it.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Can you speak aloud, clear, ungasping sentences as you run?.........if not, you are going too fast.

A 5000m runner does not run at the same pace as a 100m runner.........pace yourself for the longer distance.

The run you need to crack is the one you have not yet completed and we do not recommend moving on until you have each run under your belt.

You have already run the duration twice, so you know you can do it.

Relax, hydrate fully and perhaps read this about mental approach, healthunlocked.com/couchto5... then give it another go.

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

Put those runs down as practice runs, it's not advisable to skip any runs until you are satisfied with your performance whether it's week 1 or week 8, you can repeat any runs or week's as much as you want to, have a extra day off running and try run 3 of week 8 again, perhaps a little slower than you have recently, of course get the beat of the music down a little to suit your slower pace.

[Emcg51]

I’d do w8r3 again, if only to know I’d done the full set!

[Maverickrun Graduate]

Week 8 r 3 conquered. I did the same route as it was new and thought it would become my nemesis if I didn’t try it again. Went unbelievably slow, chose mellower songs and completed it feeling relatively comfortable. Looked at strava and knocked 16 seconds off my pace per km!!!! Unbelievable and feeling great about myself. I’m doing things I never thought possible. Thank you all for the tips and the post on positive mental attitude really helped.