Advice/help please! I’m not sure whether this is a mental or physical thing but I’ve suddenly lost it at week 8. I’ve been fine up until now - I’ve not found it easy but I’ve comfortably managed each week. The last two runs (week 8) have been bad and I’ve only ended up running for 15 mins as I start to get back ache/feel sick/ have stomach cramps. I’m now worried I’ve lost it!! Help! I did experience the same problems in week 4 but was running for less time so was able to complete. As that was a month ago I’m also wondering if this is menstrual cycle related
Help - suddenly lost it at week 8: Advice/help... - Couch to 5K
Help - suddenly lost it at week 8
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![Dorank profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/b65e62dc5ff940c3badd117a080b6d31_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
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You're right, it could be down to your cycle. Why not try the week 7 runs again, before going on to the next stage?
![juliemacd1 profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/624b3a35c6e91e8a195e93473be06428_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
I have cycle related related running issues - I really struggle to run for anything more than 5minutes. I kept my routine of running days, and did a 5k walk instead, so, although it delayed progress on Cto5k, at least I felt I’d done something.
I have managed to get to wk 9, it’s just taken about 11/12 weeks to get there.
![Dtay1978 profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/b429f9da9a03f45f0cc8dd9ea3f8ec82_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
You don’t lose any significant fitness in the first couple of weeks, so maybe put your runs off til after your cycle has finished 🙂
![samejeans profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/91faea22d2211a65619b0e2a663a82f9_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
I definitely have a drop in energy in my pre-menstrual week, and a friend of mine -a regular runner - warned of similar. Perhaps go out for a 15min run and see how you feel? Otherwise, no shame in giving yourself a couple of days to get your mojo back. 😊