Week 8..... Gggggrrrrr arrrrrgh!!

[Weddingrunner]

I really don’t know what’s happened in the last week, I’ve attempted week 8 run 1 three times now and each time (not going to use the f word) but feels just like I can’t manage it. I’ve run 21mins, 18mins and a really rubbish 12.5mins today and I just can’t seem to run any further. Had a twinge in my right calf all week which is definitely affecting my runs (despite taking extra time off, stretching and icing said area) and for the first time today those flippin’ gremlins popped up super early around the 5 minute mark!!

Seriously I don’t know what’s gone wrong!!! Feeling a bit ‘boooooooooooo’ about running and I’m so determined to get to the end of the programme, but I can’t even make it through the first of the week 8 runs... how can I progress 😩

[Shauno Graduate]

dont get too down on yourself, you have made it so far already. if your feeling a pain, id take an extra rest day.

[Scout37 Graduate]

I've kind of hit that in W7. After a good last run in W6, W7 R1 was horrible.

Did it, but just. Now dreading R2...

[PhoenixRise Graduate]

An attempted shorter run is better than no run at all! Don’t be so hard on yourself - I too sneaked in naughty one or two 30 seconds of walking in week 7 and 8 runs (but never stopping!) and in the long run it helped me push through for the r3 of each week. I also repeated any ‘trouble runs’ until I was happy to move on or I completed them without walking.

You’ve got this!!!

[Weddingrunner in reply to PhoenixRise]

Aaah thanks for this, I’m scared to have a sneaky walk on the long runs as I don’t think I’d start running again 🤦🏼‍♀️ And yes, absolutely, a short run is way better than non at all, and the fact I can run 12.5 mins without stopping is amazing considering how I felt when I first started the programme. I know I can do it, I’m just a little frustrated that I haven’t yet done at least the first run, I think once I get it under my belt il feel better as it’s a mental hurdle!! I can do it!!!!! 👍🏻

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Can you speak aloud, clear, ungasping sentences as you run?.........if not, you are going too fast.

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

[MontyMooDog Graduate]

Slow down and slow down some more if it gets tough but don't stop. It's all in your head at this stage.....👍Good luck😀

[Weddingrunner in reply to MontyMooDog]

Thanks so much! Yes- I will defo slow it down, that should help 😊

[PMcL1966 Graduate]

Just watched a video for Japanese slow running. Check it out it may solve your problems. And once you get your confidence back you can up your pace.

[wobbles_when_runs Graduate]

Slow down! As mentioned the Japanese slow running is the key.

Maybe change your route, if you have mental markers these can sometimes be negative, eg here’s where I stopped last time, I’m not even half way etc.

Also a change of playlist, I found this really helped me. I change my playlist nearly every run. I carry my phone on my arm and if I don’t like the song it’s not hard to change. You can do this, look how fat you have come since Week 1!!

[Weddingrunner in reply to wobbles_when_runs]

Thanks so much for this, I’ve actually just been discussing with my husband exactly this- I’m going to switch up my route on the next run. I also change around my playlist too as that always helps. I know I can do this, just seem in a bit of a strange rut! I know it is mental though and I will set off slowly and get this first flippin run under my belt! Onwards and upwards!!! 💪🏻

[wobbles_when_runs Graduate in reply to Weddingrunner]

Go for it, you can do it. Just get through the first 10 minutes, slow and steady, deep breaths. The rest will come after the ‘toxic ten’. Search for it in the forum, it’s really a thing.

[Tinytears60 Graduate]

NO EMOJI'S as I'm on laptop as phone died!.....

Awww listen you!... You're on week 8!!!!

You've done amazing to get here.. so this is well within your grasp....

Come on lady - you got this!.....

Watch this.... I'm almost sure you're trying to go too fast!... I was too until someone sent me this ... It made me find my new improved slow!.... Give it a go!....

I hate to hear you so hard on yourself!...

Im telling you there are legends and superstars on this forum and as I"m feeling kind i will let you choose.... Do you want to be a legend.. or a superstar!.. you got to pick one!

I simply can't wait until you graduate and you are soooooooooo close!

I'm rooting for ya!

youtu.be/9L2b2khySLE(Not working as expected?)

[Weddingrunner in reply to Tinytears60]

Aaaaw Tinytears60, you are so flippin positive and wonderful!! ☺️ I’m going to attempt R1 W8 this morning and I am so determined to get this run under my belt! I know it’s all in my head so im going to do a different route and shake up my playlist and get my positive polly head on!! I can do this and I WILL!!!!! 💪🏻💪🏻