Help - suddenly lost it at week 8

[Dorank]

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

[RunRabbitRun40 Graduate]

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?

[Dorank in reply to RunRabbitRun40]

Thanks. Maybe I’ll take a couple of days of in case it is a cycle thing. I would go back to week 7 but not managing anything close to 25 mins now. I’ll see how I do in a couple of days.

[juliemacd1 Graduate]

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 Graduate]

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 Graduate]

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. 😊