Hi I'm new here 
I'm in week 8 of C25k and I feel like I'm failing I've only managed to do the full 28 twice but I've been out 4 times now! Today I barely managed over 5 mins! My legs just feel like they're burning and then I get it in my head I can't do it...and well I haven't. I'm so close to finishing but now I'm doubting I'll get there!
I feel you I really do but hey you’ve done it twice so it’s not physical and the programme has worked for you up until this point so let’s just say hypothetically it’s mental, so don’t worry about your legs - they’ve got this
Try switching your music to something completely different, change your route and get out of your head. The first 5 mins are always tough but you’ve now got in your head you can’t get past that point but you can!! You just need to stop thinking ahead and we’ll thinking about it altogether. You can do this!!! We believe in you!
Hi Noahmummy ...please try not to feel like this...there is no such thing as the F word here, nobody can possibly do that on here...there is only one thing that the F word stands for and that is...
F-first
A-attempt
I-in
L-learning
You are learning and if you’ve got to week 8 you are doing really, really well! I bet when you started all this you never thought you would even be able to run for 5 minutes??
Start your run slow, and then slow down some more...make sure you’re well hydrated, get some good music in your ears, choose an different route if you think that will help. The programme has been working on you to get you this far so there’s no reason you can’t do it...kick those gremlins out of your head...you CAN do it..lots of us have been where you are and I know how disheartening it can be so you’re not alone there....and you’re not alone when you’re running either, we’re all cheering you on....try aiming for targets like a certain car or gate or lamp post...compose your shopping list..anything that will take your mind off what you’re doing if those thoughts start creeping in...come on, you can do it!!! 😉
Ohhh you guys are lovely. I already feel more positive for Wednesdays attempt! Thank you 😊
We don't do the F word here. You've had two practice runs, and that's fine.
Take a couple of rest days and maybe walk your route, or investigate a new route - making sure it's flat!
As has already been said, go slowly, really slowly, not much more than walking pace. If you listen to music, make sure it's slow. My slow playlist begins with Romeo and Juliet by Dire Straits - that's how slowly.
Then you have to dig deep, stick your chin out and kick those gremlins into touch. I made a deal with myself: if I couldn't breathe I would stop; if I was in pain, I would stop; if my brain was telling me to stop, I would ignore it.
You've done the run before, you can do it again! Good luck 👍
Don’t let you head win!!! Go out with the mantra “however hard this is, however slowly I run, I will get to the end”. Beating your own gremlins is the biggest challenge. Some days mine are along for the ride, enjoying the fresh air, others they are moaning before I’ve left the house! You CAN do this - you really can! Good luck.
I read this post and can relate. It's so true!!! Beating your own Gremlins. I like that. 😊
You're further ahead than I am and you've already done 28mins twice. Maybe slow down a bit there's no distance to aim for, just time.
Also regular hydration every day especially the day before should help you feel less tired and might make your legs feel better too.
Give yourself a couple of days to collect yourself but you've definitely got the stuff to get it done!
Remember to slow down.
Hi there!! I’m currently on week 8 of the C25K and found that last week I was struggling to carry on running with the music I was listening to because I was getting a bit bored. My boyfriend suggested switching to a podcast channel which talks about something you’re interested in. I found this SO helpful because instead of thinking “this song is another 2 minutes long” etc, I was concentrating on what they were discussing on the podcast and so i found that time flew!
I tried listening to my audio book last week and I dunno that failed... I did wonder about listening to the shagged, married annoyed podcast as I do think they're hilarious?
That’s what I listen to!! For me it worked really well
Right I'm gunna do it weds! Wish me luck
Good luck! Hope it works for you x
The only time we were failing was when we sat on the couch all day. You’re a runner now... when we cross a start line then failure is impossible. Some great advice above. It’s perfectly normal to doubt ourselves when the finish line is so close too. The voices in our heads that tell us we can’t do this really really want to take it easy in front of the TV... this could be their last chance to convince us that that’s a better life... answer them back... tell them you can... tell them you will... tell them you’re awesome.
Welcome to the forums... enjoy completing this first stage of your journey.
Hi there I did the C25K 3 times before I finally cracked it! I have now gone on to 10k and am currently training for a half marathon - I can't believe I'm here! The best advice I got (on this forum) was to slow down. Go at a snail's pace if necessary but just as long as it is sustainable. The main thing is to work up to the time and then you can increase your speed later. Good luck!
There are many factors which fall into play when it comes to running. So many things, time of the month, whether you've had good sleep, hydration, scenery, fuel before, during if need be(I take couple dried dates) , it's a mind thing. Music, what you have going on in your life. So much. Each time you give it a go you are one step closer to your goal. Never give up!! The rewards are great. 😊💙 good luck.
Yes....this was me during wk8 too..but best bit of advice given was to slow it right down...if that means it's just a fraction over your walking pace (as it is for me) then that's totally fine...so long as both feet are off the ground at the same time it's still running. I wouldn't bother about what distance your covering as you just want to meet the time (pace will come later). You Got This. 😊
Stop thinking its a chore, just go out leisurely and slowly. Stop thinking about the time. Just try and think about stuff whilst running, or shall i say jogging. Take it slowly.... when i start running, i start at a leisurely rythme and i only start feeling it when im kind of half way.... its not a duty. Just start slow and build up once youre half way, coach will let u know when you r half way, listen to music, stop thinking about time.... try and feel good and energised whilst running, your mindset needs to change. Do it again and make small changes. Its ok to doubt yourself, its not easy, when i start i always remind myself, lets enjoy this, i can do it! Keep us posted!you can do it! You can 🤸♀️
Repeating previous runs or even weeks may be necessary in your journey. I’ve learned that time Is my most powerful weapon. Recover and go again each time feeling stronger. Good luck 👍
You are almost in the end. Please don't give up now.
I won't. I'm going tomorrow morning. I'm gunna remember everything I've read here and smash those gremlins. I feel as if being so close to the end is almost more daunting than when I started? Maybe because I didn't actually expect to get this far??
Week 7 struggles
Why am I suddenly struggling with C25K?
W6R2 - Mindset struggles
After c25k
C25K? Completed it mate!
