Week 7 run 2 - hit a wall mentally

[Andi68]

Feel a bit down today for the first time. Found starting hard and it continued in the same vein. Had to stop running after 10 minutes- continued walking for about 20 seconds - then had another about 5 minutes later. Finished and ran for an additional minute at the end but felt guilty when congratulated for running 25 minutes. Will repeat in 2 days time but has anyone had the same experience? Just felt breathless at the beginning- was fine at the end when I must have found the right rhythm. Run 2 again on Wednesday- so want to do this! 😒

[CaptFrey Graduate]

My wall came in week 9 when I realised i was less than halfway to 5k The wonderful folk here were reassuring that it’s about the time and the distance will follow. I have every faith you can sneak round your wall 🤗

[Andi68 Graduate in reply to CaptFrey]

Thanks because with my legs I definitely won’t be climbing it!! 😁

[packersruns Graduate]

You most likely experienced something called the toxic ten this run. Most runners are hit with it, after 10 minutes it tends to get easier and you will find you manage everything in the end. Are you going too fast possibly if you are feeling breathless?

It could just even be that you just didn't have a good run - it happens sometimes! I've had my fair share, but there's so many factors that can affect your run. Good luck for your next run

[Andi68 Graduate in reply to packersruns]

Definitely felt like the toxic 10. I think the timing of the commentary doesn’t help - nothing until 12.5 minutes. Need a cheerleader or something to keep me going! Also the route goes uphill so that doesn’t help either- thinking about reversing it so easier for the first 5 minutes while I get into the rhythm. Thanks for the advice and encouragement. 😁

[packersruns Graduate in reply to Andi68]

Yeah I don’t like how I no longer have Sanjeev as my cheerleader anymore until 12.5 minutes, but guess it’s telling us to be our own cheerleaders in a way! That sounds like a good idea, no problem!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

It is not a wall..........it is merely a blip in your running career that will soon be forgotten.

Everything going on in our lives can impact on our performance as a runner. Restedness, hydration and nutrition are at the top of my list of variables that need to be optimised to enable enjoyable running.

Make sure you can speak clear, ungasping sentences as you run........if you cannot, you are going too fast.

Relax and enjoy it..........don't turn it into a battle.

[Andi68 Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thanks for the advice - maybe overtaking that snail the other day was a bit premature😄 to be honest felt out of sorts at the start so hopefully it will be better next time- not giving up now!!!

[Sunnytom Graduate]

I am at the same stage as you and had my ‘practice’ run a few runs ago. Felt the same when I got congratulated at the end and felt someone of a fraud after being sat on the pavement for 6 minutes of the run debating whether or not to call the paramedics 🙈. Had to muster up all my determination to get back out there for the next run. But I did and completed successfully. Good luck on the next one if I can do it so can you. X

[Andi68 Graduate in reply to Sunnytom]

Thank you - there is a certain point at the beginning when I think I need an oxygen tank! It doesn’t help that nowhere is flat where I live so have to have an uphill run at the start. Congrats on finishing. I look forward to us both graduating soon!!

[Orangepastill Graduate]

I stopped about 4 times on Week 7 run 1 last week, it was hot/ I saw someone I knew/ my head was telling me I couldn’t... I took the whole week off (it was super heatwave hot!)

I MADE myself try again this morning and I did it! 25 mins! My husband gave me a top tip to pull my shoulders up and back which worked- felt like I could breathe more deeply.

It’s honestly, honestly a blip, if I can do it, you definitely can!!!!!!!!! 👌🏻👏🏼👍🙌🏼 good luck!!!!!

[Andi68 Graduate in reply to Orangepastill]

Thanks - ironically it was harder than last week when it was hotter! Will try your husband’s tip next time. Best wishes for week 8. 😁

[Speedy60 Graduate]

I think we've all had that experience at some point. Some runs are good, some not so much. The important thing is how you come back from it. Give yourself a couple of days rest, make sure you're well hydrated next time you go out and take it really slowly.

Good luck 👍

[Andi68 Graduate in reply to Speedy60]

Thanks- feeling better already from the wonderful encouragement on here.

[Andi68 Graduate]

Thank you to all you lovely people out there. Will pick myself up and dust myself down and do week 7 run2 again. Might go the opposite way around my route just to change it up a bit. Thanks for the tips and encouragement - this forum is the most supportive one I’ve come across. I am gradually being converted to being a runner. I was a bit cynical at first as I couldn’t understand the appeal but as I work through the program I now want that first 5k so much! 😄onwards and upwards!!! 🏃🏻‍♀️🏃🏻‍♀️🏃🏻‍♀️🏃🏻‍♀️

[Speedy60 Graduate in reply to Andi68]

Your going to run your route the opposite way round? 😱 I can't cope with that. It would blow my mind. 🤯 😆

[Andi68 Graduate in reply to Speedy60]

Yh - mind blowing I know!! Has the benefit of less uphill running- I hope! May change my mind before then .....😜