So far I have thoroughly enjoyed my progress, been pleasantly surprised with how well I've coped with each week
I'm about to start week 7. The last run of week 6, 25 mins, I managed but was my hardest to date, I'm now worried about week 7, coping with it and coping with the feeling of failure if I cant manage it
I've always suffered with confidence but lockdown has had a really negative effect on me. The last 2 weeks my husband has been home, a blessing and a nuisance, which means we've eaten and drunk more than normal so I'm feeling really sluggish.
Because of the food and booze indulgence I'm expecting the run to he hard going but because emotionally I'm not in a good place I'm worried the effect it will have on me.
Do I postpone week 7 for a week or so until I'm feeling physically and emotionally better and repeat a few weeks that are more comfortable to keep me active, or just attempt week 7 and see what happens
I've always taken great comfort and support from this forum, thank you advance everyone xx
Written by
Feltip
Graduate
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As nowster says, if you've run for 25 once you can do it again and again.
When I did that last run of W6 I must admit it was a bit daunting knowing I had to do it 3 more times in W7 but once I got out and started I realised of course I can do it.
Like others say slow down even if you think you are already going slow.
Saturday, had planned to go Tuesday but went out with friends the night before, the lure of a cheap dinner on the government and had a drink or 2 of wine, plus it was stormy Tuesday morning
OK, so only about 96 hours ago, no problem at all. Your fitness won't have changed and your body will be less fatigued than normal due to the slighter long break - think of it as a 3-day 'weekend' break instead of the normal 2.
You found 25 mins a bit hard last time, so in order to cope a bit better, just start off nice and slow. That's all. And if you're struggling while out there, just slow down a bit to a pace that you're happy with.
And make sure that warm-up is nice and brisk - a good quick walk. Your confidence level is borne out by the statement that you're almost expecting failure. We need to change that mindset! Remind yourself of
- why you're doing this
- how far you've come so far
- the mental battles you've had and how you've overcome them
- the mental win of W5R3
- getting through W1R1!
Have a read of this post yesterday by acountrycabbage and watch the video that is in the post - might help you! >> healthunlocked.com/couchto5...
Finally - stop putting W7 off, get yer running gear on and haul your ass outta that front door
Thank you for the pep talk and advice, you are right, obvs, I need to remind myself how far I've come and what I'm capable of that I was not capable of before. I will read and watch what you have suggested
Oh no, we made you cry again! I hope in a good ‘release/feeling better’ type way.
I’m glad you got something out of the vid. I felt it needed circulating again because it seems everyone struggles mentally at some point in the programme and these tips are just spot on✨ I may even write them on my bathroom mirror so I can be reminded everyday!
The thing that stood out on your post for me was you wondering if you should wait until you are feeling better emotionally before running. I can’t help but imagine that one more run under your belt could change your mood/mindset.
Even if, like you suggest, just repeating a session of Week 6, a rush of endorphins could be just the thing to set you right again.
Even if you decide you just need a time-out, don’t be hard on yourself. Take your time and be proud of how far you’ve come already. Your running fam are behind you! 🙌🏼
I have decided to get up and go this morning, mainly because of the encouragement I've received on here. Better to try than not try at all, which is something I always tell my children
I'm hoping the run itself will help me and not whether I achieve the full 25 minutes.....we'll see
I've just read and watched the video in acountrycabbage post, thank you
Tip 4 in the video I actually did on week 6 run 3, I spoke aloud to myself on the warm up walk, as I knew it would be a tough one. Maybe that helped, maybe a positive take on it would be 'that's what helped me complete it' rather than remembering how tough it was
I debated for a while whether to post on here and seek help/advice but I'm already feeling a little better and I'm already thinking I will go out tomorrow
I feel like postponing might also leave you in a worse place and you might find it tricky to motivate yourself to pick up again - you know yourself best though.
I would go for it, but go slower at the start to give yourself plenty of room, and as pp have said, if it isn't happening, just treat it as a practice run. If you need to add in a walking break or stop a bit early, then that can be W7 R0.5 and you can have another go in a couple of days.
The thing is, you have completed the previous run. Whilst it might have been tough, I wonder if re-framing your thoughts about it might help. Instead of - that was tough and I'm worried about doing it again, what about, wow, it was tough, but I didn't let it get the better of me, I am strong and getting fitter.
That might help. You're dealing with the mental challenge here, but if you celebrate every run, however deep you have to dig to complete it, you will do this. The later runs in the programme can feel tough, but you have already proven you are up to it.
Everything going on in our lives can impact on our performance as a runner. Restedness, hydration and nutrition are at the top of my list of variables that need to be optimised to enable enjoyable running.
Running can be tough and so can life but the determination and discipline that running enables us to discover in ourselves can be applied across the board.
I know that having running in my life has been the best gift that I have ever given to myself and it continues to be a balm when times are hard.
I think it depends on what will impact you the most.
Trying it and succeeding may give you a real boost.
But if you’re very worried about it, then repeating week 6 as many times as you need till you’re in a more positive headspace, might be a better choice.
Fantastic news! I do wonder if you were a bit dehydrated on that last run - alcohol can do that of course - which would of course have made things harder. But you did it - and by the end of the week you will most definitely have proved you can do it again and again.
Sometimes the getting out is the worse bit and once you get your kit on and step out the door you will be fine. Not all of us enjoyed the actual running in those early days of C25k, but the feeling of achievement at the end of each run was amazing and so good for us.
Do make sure you are well hydrated the day before and immediately your run.
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Advice for a post grad please
Am I really here???? Really?? Me?!
Week 9 Done
Week 7 run 3 done - a struggle, a whinge and an unexpected bonus (one for the ladies)
1st post grad run. What a joy!
