Couch to 5k week 7

[iamsuperunfit]

Hello! I would like to begin by introducing myself. I am a female in the US and for so long have been unable to run for an acceptable period of time. I was good at everything except cardio throughout my childhood and adolescence and wondered am I really this out of shape? I did research on what could be done since nothing ever seemed to work for me, until I came across couch to 5k. I absolutely could not run for longer than 2 minutes and that is with a lengthy break following. I never once passed the pacer tests in gym and felt disgusted. I am now on week 7 and NEVER thought I would be able to do this. I nearly gave up many times and returned to this website to see if it was really worth it, and may I say it massively helped my motivation. I am fairly (very) young, but will not state my age as I feel I would not be taken seriously. Anyways, at times during week 6 (which I repeated three times) I lost motivation and stopped running for over a week. I came back to week 7 motivated and I ran the first two times great. However, I just finished my third attempt and could not go any further 17 minutes into running. Sometimes I want to stop but I guess I am writing here to feel not so alone, and to have a sense of motivation. I know nobody on this platform but thanks to it, I kept going. I would like to say thank you to everybody that encouraged others and shared their tips and advice. Stay safe!

[SquareBear Graduate]

You can do this as you’ve come this far!

Keep slow and steady and just keep moving!

Put on some banging tunes!

I’ve just finished Wk7 I’m not sure what time you go out? I’m an early runner 6am, if I’m really honest I don’t think I can do a days work and an evening run.

Just keep at it, you can always do a week again. It’s not a sprint it’s a marathon and there no time limits 👍

[iamsuperunfit in reply to SquareBear]

Thanks for the kind words. I run in the evening, maybe i’ll try the mornings.

[CazzaJJ Graduate]

Well done on what you have achieved so far! I’m about to start on W6 so you’re ahead of me. Like you, I’ve found reading everyone’s posts really motivating. Keep up the good work and you’ll soon be graduating.

[iamsuperunfit in reply to CazzaJJ]

Aw much thanks! I have finally completed week 8, i’m sure you will reach the goal too.

[Blossom- Graduate]

Hey, I just did week 8r1 this morning. I'm 65 knocking on 66. Loving this programme and loving all the support. You CAN do it! Just enjoy

[iamsuperunfit in reply to Blossom-]

Wow that is incredible. I strive to be that fit in my 60s! You’re so inspiring, thanks.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

The longer runs take some mental adjustment and for most people the need for some kind of distraction to stop you thinking about time or the physicality of running.........music, podcasts, shopping lists..........anything will do and will in time train your brain to switch off from your body.

Keep running, keep smiling.

[iamsuperunfit in reply to IannodaTruffe]

You’re very correct about the mental adjustments, thank you!

[Oldgirlruns Graduate]

Well done on getting to week 7 iamsuperunfit! One thing you’ll find is that we’ll always take you seriously - that’s the joy of this site; there’s no judgement and, of course, we’ve all been where you are! You’ve got this far, you won’t lose any fitness if you miss a week and don’t run but it sounds as if you have your mojo back now. Don’t worry if you don’t complete a run - it’s still practice and we all have off days. Just get out there and do it again ! Are you staying well hydrated - at least 2 litres of water a day is recommended, that will help particularly on the longer runs. And don’t forget to let us know how you get on- that’s most important! Good luck with your last couple of weeks!

[iamsuperunfit in reply to Oldgirlruns]

Thank you so much for your words. It’s people like you that keep others going. I am now on week 8 to my surprise.