I know the heat was probably a big factor (also not in great spirits this week), but I felt pretty down today when I quit after 25 minutes, three minutes short. So far I had never skipped a run, nor finished earlier.
It was a mistake to run at midday, but the next weeks are going to be even worse, because I am visiting my family in the South of Spain. I am definitely going to run early in the morning and hope to have a bit more of mental strength.
Not a fail! You just ran a different challenge 👍 I should think the heat is crazy in southern Spain. Definitely go very early in the morning if you can and don’t forget to hydrate properly. You’ll do it easily next time. 👍👍👍 you’ve got this really!
Goodness- not a fail at all - you ran for 25mins in the midday sun - I don’t know how you managed to do it at all!! (Isn’t there something about mad dogs & Englishmen?😂)
Be kind to yourself- any run in hot weather is an achievement & yes, try going early. 😄
Yes, it is actually quite ironic, because I am always having this discussion with my British and German friends. Being Andalusian I am all about avoiding heat, wearing sun creme and I often tell them they are crazy when they seek the sun in days like the last ones.
However, since Summer has been cool and nice in London I have gotten used to run before lunch (I would have never tried the same in Spain). So today I did not think too much of it, because I could not go at another time and it was briefly cloudy right before running. It was a big mistake. Lesson learned! 
You didn't fail! You ran for 25 minutes, how can that possible be a failure?
It's easy to feel down about it but remember just how far you've come. You will smash it next time! 
Are you crazy!!!! (Joking!)
Midday sun! ?? - I ran at 8pm tonight and it was still 23 degrees!.. and i found it SO tough!...
W8r3 is in no way, shape or form a F*** (We don't use that word on here!
You are doing great!..... and you DID run!... 25 minutes (and i bet you are running too fast!)
You missed by 3 minutes which i know you have in you!
The heat is brutal!
Next week - run early, run slow, take some water with you (even if it's to throw over your head)
YOU got this! - Well done!
Turns out I was crazy 😆😅
or at least really unaware of what heat involves for running.
Thank you! 😊
You ran 25 minutes? wow amazing, how can you call that a fail? it’s way too hot at the moment so any running is a win
I did the same run yesterday too and it was definitely the hardest I've done to date. I finished but with nothing left in the tank. And that was at 8.30 in the morning! It was really muggy even then so no way would I have come close to 25 minutes at lunchtime - probably 10 minutes max. So I don't think I'd count your run as a fail!
Please do not think of it as a fail - 25mins is great - a consolidation of your previous runs! You can do this! Stay positive!
I’ve a very similar story. I’ve completed every run, stayed to the weeks without letting anything slip etc...
And then yesterday I ‘failed‘ my first... W8R3... at 11am yesterday. And I only made 10 mins in! Just the heat. I’ve been moving to trails running since W7, and in yeasterday's run, 10 mins in I came to a savage climb (about 50 steps cut into a hillside, and pretty steep), and on getting to the top I felt overwhelmed and a hint of heatstroke. Just felt sensible to stop.
But not a failure! A chance to learn, I guess. It inspired me to learn a bit more about running in the heat, and motivated me a bit more re a 5am alarm!
We’ll get there!
(And in the spirit of being entirely frank, I wasn't exactly thundering up those steps on the handful of previous runs. Kind of a grimacing ascent a bit faster than walking! I'd let myself count that as part of the run, as it was still moving forward in an attempt to run (and feels like the hardest bit of the run). Just a slow and tough section. But - wow - in the heat that ascent up the steps was unreal!)
Well, then we both won't considere it a fail but a diffrent run 😊
Climbing is soooooo hard!! I desperately try to avoid any minimal slope in my route because it really kills me, I slow down dramatically whenever that happens.
We are beginners, after all. Maybe we really need to be easy on us and help ourselves with earlier runs and flat terrains 😊
Yeah. I just re did the W8R3 run... literally just back. Earlier in the day (Less heat, but oof - the humidity!), but more importantly, I slowed down. That helped so much!
Did the same route today as my failed W8R3, and when I got to the place where I’d quit at ten mins last time, I was at 16 mins. I was never fast In the first place - but I’m learning to go slowEr in the heat.
And good point re us being beginners! I think I’ve pushed into trails (steep hills unavoidable here) a bit early! All hills here, and the stop start nature of my local off road doesn’t quite suit the C25K ‘run for X mins’ model. So back to roads for W9, and then I can explore trails! Hopefully all those rural uphills will improve my road game!
Don't be so hard on yourself! You ran for a full 25 minutes in this heat, that's great. Have a lovely holiday..
Don't be hard on yourself. You ran 25 minutes! In heat. You've learnt about timing your runs and possibly pace. Be gentle to yourself and try again. When you will smash it
I did W8R3 this morning. I got through it but totally relate. I so wanted to give up as soon as I started! Found it tough I have to say. My legs just didn’t want to wake up. And I take my hat off to you going midday! I don’t think I could go after 9am!!
My friend in work started running years ago after years of being very very unfit and overweight and he’s really encouraged me. One thing he did tell me is that it’s 80% mental, 20% physical! (Apparently a quote from Ant Middleton) And I really really had mentally talk to my self and encourage myself today. I don’t know what music you listen to (if any) but on my playlist I have a couple of “live” tracks and the energy from those songs really helps. Don’t give up. You’ve come so far. I’m no runner.....this is the very first time I my life I’ve ever tried (I’m 45), but I think the tough runs are the best.....it’s not easy to keep going as long as you did, but you did it! That’s a better achievement than running comfortably! It takes so much effort to push yourself when you’re not feeling it, so well done! Good luck with your last week. Graduation is just around the corner! 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻
Thank you! And Kudos for finishing your run despite it being tough!!
I am convinced that you are right and it is mainly mental. I listen to music as well, but sometimes it is just not enough. I need to work harder on the psycological side, maybe curating better my music lists and trying new routes.
Have a lovely graduation week!!
I agree. Sometime a song that got you through the last run no longer has any effect. I really did have to talk myself through today! Absolutely battled the whole way. But because i did it, I’m still on a high.....so that will be my psychological strategy next time..... to think about how it feels to get there. I really do wish you lots of luck! Am sure this was just a blip and you will smash the next one. 💪🏻💪🏻
Don't beat yourself up! I had a similar issue - I had to walk for 5 minutes halfway through this run and was so disappointed in myself! I successfully managed all 3 week 9 runs and it felt great! Early morning runs sound sensible! You will do it and you will experience that fantastic feeling!
I know what you mean 😏. I’m at the end of 3 weeks of consolidation runs. I’ve not stopped before but on my run on Wednesday of last week I just couldn’t do it and had to walk for a couple of minutes 3 times during the run. I was just tired and it was hot. But on Friday I ran 5k in a good time (for me). That’s just the way it goes. I like how you haven’t given up but have just changed your plan for the next run. Well done for keeping going. Just move on and try again. 25 mins is a good run 🏃♀️ That’s 25 mins more that those people still sitting on the couch!
No way I am quitting the program! 😊
Congrats on your 5k! I hope to arrive there despite the occassional bad run, just as you say.
Wow! 25 mins in this heat! I’ve not even attempted a run this weekend as it’s just too hot for me (and I’m not an early person ☺️)
I went earlier in the week but as it’s so hot decided to only do 20 mins rather than my normal 30 and that was a good decision for me.
Well done for getting out there and doing it - definitely not a f@@@.
Do not beat yourself up you just ran for 25 mins at midday which is the hottest of hot spells of a day! So what you have to repeat the run! I was supposed to be run 1 week 8 this morning but had a panic attack on Saturday, totally depleting my emotional
And physical reserves and won’t run that run for at least another 4 days. It’s horrible and disappointing but it’s life! X keep on keeping on you are doing so amazing!
I am so sorry! I hope that you feel better soon to go on running. However, be easy on yourself! your mental health is most important and these times have been such an ordeal.
Whenever you feel ready, just go back out there and dont worry for this little pause, you have come so far!!
Aw thanks x I will get there again x just need a little breather! Lol xx
Please don't be too hard on yourself. It was very brave to run in the middle of the day when the temperature is so high. Lately I can't run at this time , its too hot and energy sapping. So Ive being going out at approx 530 in the morning . definitely recommend this time , the sun rise can be spectacular... and there are less people on the route , so social distancing is not a problem. Spain should be wonderful , maybe I would be running at 4 am there !!?
well done for getting to week 8 , its a wonderful achievement so far, and I am sure you will accomplish your goal of graduating .
Sunrise sounds good; 5:30, not so much! 😅
Sunrise in Summer is earlier in the UK, so I believe at 4am in Spain is pitch black still. However I will definitely go out there early, thanks!
Hey, 25min is great. I struggle too to run in the heat. In fact it makes me sick. I went for a 30min run this morning at 6am and it was hard enough. Its 10x harder to run in the heat. I now love clouds and a bit of rain when i run. 25min at midday. My god you deserve a medal, i think id have stopped after 10min! Believe me, you’re a star! Not many would even attempt it!
No, you didn't fail at all - as others have said here, you ran for 25 minutes in heat, so well done 👏. I think I can say we all have crappy runs occasionally, but it's important to keep going & stay positive- your next outing will be better! Good luck 👍
You haven’t failed, you just adapted the programme to suit your body and the environmental situation.
Just because you don’t follow the instructions to the letter, doesn’t mean you haven’t had an unsuccessful run. I’m on week 8 but due to joint issues I’m running once every two weeks instead of three times a week, but that’s ok because I’m being sensible and adjusting the course to my physical needs. I’m going to keep repeating week 8 runs until my body feels more comfortable running for 28 mins, then I’ll start week 9; I’m a runner now and I’m in this for the long haul, and that means that every time I get off my bum and go for a run I’m doing something incredible, and I will learn something about myself and the process of running with every session.
Don’t beat yourself up, you’re doing brilliantly and you are so close to finishing the first chapter - keep going and good luck!
You are right that we are on this fir the long haul, so we should not obssess much about one single run or how we adapt the program.
I am sorry for your joint issues, but love that you found a way for running to work!
I will try to be more flexible myself too.
Thanks!
Adapt and overcome - that’s our motto! 😄
Totally agree. I ran around 6PM (I'm still on week 4) and it was HORRIBLE. Such a bad idea.
This Thursday the weather is going to get cooler so I'm sure we will enjoy better training days.
Wow!hats off to you for being out at all!!I was out at 6.30 this morning and I still struggled with the humidity😢A juggernaut passed me at speed and caused such a wind, nearly lifted me but boy was I glad of the breeze he created😂
Anyway, good luck to you,keep going, dont be disheartened👍👍👍
It’s just a pause not a fail. I had to start week 8 again today because I only managed to run the first day of week 8 last week. Sometimes life happens. It helped me to realise that I was enjoying it as I really missed running. Don’t be hard on yourself 🏃🏽♀️X
You’re being too hard on yourself. You ran in this heat three minutes short! You did great. And the fact you managed to run when you we’re feeling down is great!! Congratulate yourself!👍👏🏻👏🏻
Thank you very much to all of you!! I knew that I would receive support (which I really needed), but your words go beyond, I feel really uplifted! You are such a wonderful community!
This being my first time running (or doing any sports) I clearly had understimated how conditions like weather can affect your performance. Reading you I realised that running at that time was more an ordeal than a little inconvenience, as I had initially considered it.
Feeling confident again about running next week! My father likes going out early in the morning, so since I will be visiting I will go out with him and run for the first time together. He will love it 😊
Thank you all and enjoy your next run!
Don’t worry about it! I couldn’t finish W4R1 and I’m now on Week 8! I keep telling myself that I’m still doing better than I did 8 weeks ago. The heat has definitely been a challenge, I went out at 9.30 this morning and only managed to finish the 28 minutes because I changed my route to be mainly in the shade.
I’m so envious that you are going to Spain! My dad was Andalusian and my mum is from Galicia. Run in the evening before dinner when you’re there and enjoy!
Don't beat yourself up ....
It happens and the heat is so draining...
Both physically and mentally I find.
Try the early starts and Don't worry too much about it while away try to relax and enjoy your visit... sometimes down time is as good for u as exercise if your in a heads not in a good place x hope your feeling more upbeat soon
Don't beat yourself up about it. I did the same yesterday. Week 8 run 3, my legs felt like lead and I'd had a couple of rubbish nights sleep. My earphones were playing up and I forgot to start my tracker. So not a great start, and you know a tan a bit walked a bit and thought, why worry, it's not the end of the world. Nothing to feel bad about. The next time you go out will probably feel completely different
The only failed run is the one you didn’t start 😉
You’re doing great and will smash it again. I recently completed the programme and thought I would go for a run when on holiday in Croatia. I got slaughtered, couldn’t do 2K in the heat 🥵, so did some walking, came home, started again and now a PB today. Failure - never, onwards
and upwards
Don’t beat yourself up, although it’s easier said than done. I’ve been injured for over a week and keep having to stop myself from being negative and frustrated about it all. It’s only a setback, and one which you will come back stronger from. Keep up the great work!
As far as I have heard, everyone will have a "bad run" now and again but give yourself credit, my first fail was W5 R3. Just get back on the horse! 😉
Never a fail a training run. You had already done 2 28 min runs so dont beat yourself up. You can do it. I ran at 6.30am this morning and it was too hot. Should have worn shorts, thought it would be cooler. Have a nice holiday. 😎
First failed run- Wk6 Run 3
Needing support..my first \"failed\" run :(
W8R3 FAIL!
First Failed Run - A Bit of A Bad Day
