Wk5 R2..nightmare!

[Hel2205]

Hi I’m new to the forum but have been lurking in the background gaining motivation from all your posts!

I’ve been following the programme religiously and cant say I’ve found it easy having never run since being at school( and that was a long time ago)! I ran wk5 run 2 yesterday and really struggled, I had to stop half way through both my 8 mins, something I’ve never had to do so far.. think I’ve hit a real sticky patch and it’s really knocked my confidence! Don’t think I’m ready for that 20mins tomorrow!

Should I repeat that last run Or go for the 20 mins??? Never had to do that in previous weeks so feel really deflated, help needed!

[Dadumm Graduate]

Hi! Don’t worry about it - these things just happen to the best of us and have nothing to do with your abilities. Your body may have just been tired or a little dehydrated!

Definitely repeat any runs that you haven’t entirely completed, as it’s more about building up your running skill slowly as opposed to being a check list Just see it as and extra training boost!

Try to make sure you’ve had a good nights sleep before your runs, that you’ve eaten foods that give you the right energy (such as a banana), and that you’ve been drinking lots of water in the 12h leading up to your run. Stretching I’ve found also really helps!

Good luck - you can do it!

[Hel2205 Graduate in reply to Dadumm]

Thanks, I’m I’ll keep you posted how tomorrow goes

[John_W Graduate Ambassador]

What made you stop?

[Hel2205 Graduate in reply to John_W]

Hi ,I ran out of steam! There is a slight incline on my route which I hate and I hit it at that 5/6 minute time and just couldn’t get my legs to work so I stopped for about a minute and carried on. Same for the second bout of running but walked up the incline then started again. Was so disappointed in myself but ogling to give it another go tomorrow, maybe change my route.

[John_W Graduate Ambassador in reply to Hel2205]

Sounds like you were going a little too fast. Suggest you slow it down a bit if you can. You'll be fine.

Chin up & go again!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your progress.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

and includes advice on minimising impact, stretching after every run, hydration and strengthening exercises, all of which will help.

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

You need to fully complete each session before moving on.........it is a training plan building your stamina and endurance, not a tick box exercise.

Enjoy your journey.

[Hel2205 Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you,I am going to give it another go tomorrow, maybe change my route a little too. I’ll keep you posted now that I’ve plucked up the courage to chat to you all!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to Hel2205]

Do read the guide, it is full of tips.

[SingsAndRuns Graduate]

The humidity nearly finished me off on Tuesday.... perhaps that's not helping where you are too? You got out there, you ran, you did brilliantly. Everyone has great runs and not so great runs xx

[packersruns Graduate]

Well done, at least you kept on going! Consider it a practise run and try again, don't worry about the 20 minutes, trust in the programme - I didn't think I'd be able to do it, but I managed it! Good luck

[Hel2205 Graduate]

Thank you, normally try to do a bit of yoga on my rest day but going to have a walk out instead and hopefully feel netter and up for it tomorrow! I’ll keep you all posted!