W7R3 - this one felt harder :(: Week 7 has been... - Couch to 5K

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W7R3 - this one felt harder :(

sophs_cx profile image
sophs_cxGraduate
9 Replies

Week 7 has been a challenge, but I’ve managed to get through each run (just)!

Today’s run was the hardest of the week, for some reason I found it really hard to get my breath - not sure why, I wasn’t running any faster than usual :(

As a result, I developed a nasty stitch about 5 minutes in that lingered for the whole run - definitely not a fun one.

Not sure whether to repeat another run from week 7, or move W8R1. Anyone had a similar experience?

Thanks, Sophie :)

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sophs_cx profile image
sophs_cx
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9 Replies
IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

Well done.

Can you speak aloud, clear, ungasping sentences as you run?.........if not, you are going too fast., which might well explain your stitch.

Slowing down to the recommended easy conversational pace makes it more achievable and for most, more enjoyable.

sophs_cx profile image
sophs_cxGraduate in reply toIannodaTruffe

Hiya, thanks for the advice :)

I felt like I was still running at a conversational pace (11 min miles so definitely not quick), but just couldn’t seem to get a full breath.

Maybe could have gone slower though, just felt like a tough one today.

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor in reply tosophs_cx

Just try saying out loud "Am I capable of saying this whole sentence in one ungasping breath"

If you can speak clearly, at the top end of your pace, then it equates approximately to 75% of your maximum HR, which is the reasoning behind this advice.

Pace numbers are irrelevant and totally individual.

sophs_cx profile image
sophs_cxGraduate in reply toIannodaTruffe

Thanks for that, that’s really useful advice! I’ll do that next time :)

Cloud10 profile image
Cloud10Graduate

I’ve had to run week 7 run 1 , 3 times until I cracked it a few days ago! Jogging and talking to my sister made me reAlise I was not moving at a conversational pace! I was starting off way too fast and as a consequence my week 7 run 2 today went much better. Just we’ve got to slow it right down!!! Much more enjoyable too and still petrol in the tank at the end! Unbelievable but true.

sophs_cx profile image
sophs_cxGraduate in reply toCloud10

Thanks, think I’m realising I was probably going too quickly. Need to think more Tortoise than Hare haha 😂

jimytwo2 profile image
jimytwo2Graduate

hi yes i had a tricky week 7 .... one run ws in hot weather ... run 3 was just .... meh .I'm a plodder although have definitely become stronger and lighter on my feet and i concentrate on how i use use my legs and where i place my feet to reduced any jarring . it's really helped me reading that someone one run behind me has had similar issues ... todays run ... wk8 run 1 was calmer .... although still a challenge ...lets keep going

sophs_cx profile image
sophs_cxGraduate

Ah thanks, that makes me feel better.

Thanks for the tips - good luck with the rest of Week 8, you’re nearly there!

Eightpaws profile image
EightpawsGraduate

I found that one tough too so gave my self extra rest days before starting W8.

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