Failure: Today I feel like a complete and utter... - Couch to 5K

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Failure

HattieCooke profile image
HattieCookeGraduate
17 Replies

Today I feel like a complete and utter failure.

Like I said in my previous post, this week marks my 3rd attempt at week 6. Today I tried to do w6r2. I did the first 8 minutes no problem, but had to stop during the second. I couldn’t push myself to keep going. I know people said “just don’t stop, keep going” but I just couldn’t

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HattieCooke profile image
HattieCooke
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17 Replies
nowster profile image
nowsterGraduate

We've asked this before. What caused you to need to stop?

Couchphoenix profile image
CouchphoenixGraduate

You’re not a failure HattieCooke, far from it......maybe you just need to slow down, pacing yourself is very important and it sounds like you’re not leaving enough in the tank for the second run. Next time slow right down on the first run, snails pace, so you’ve got enough energy for the next one. Eat a banana 🍌 about 30 mins before you go out, the potassium will give you energy. Don’t give up, we’re all behind you. 💪🏻🏃‍♀️

Instructor57 profile image
Instructor57Graduate

Hi Hattie, im confused .

Did you do week 5 run 3 and week 6 run 1 ?

Your last post which shows as 2 days ago was about week 5 run 3 🤔🤔🤔

Gaily23 profile image
Gaily23Graduate

You’re not a failure! You’re still trying which is what counts! Could you go a bit slower? I really made an effort to slow down when faced with the longer runs for the first time. They also terrified me - I thought I wouldn’t be able to do it before I started but you just need to believe in the program. Next time will be the one 😁

MontyMooDog profile image
MontyMooDogGraduate

Think you need to slow it right down on the first run. It should just be a jog......👍

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

What made you stop?

If it was pain, then you did the correct thing.

If it was breathlessness, you were going too fast.......slow down.......yes, you can go slower.

If it was general tiredness or heavy legs, then prepare well, by stretching immediately after every run, nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/h... while muscles are still warm and supple, pulls out contractions, avoiding carrying tensions into the next run and also improves recovery by improving blood flow, as recommended in the guide to the plan and make sure that your hydration is up to par. As a runner you need to drink a minimum of 2.5 -3 litres of fluid each and every day, running or not, as mentioned in the guide.

If you stopped because you didn't think you could go on then perhaps this post about mental approach may help you to put it all in perspective

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

You can do this but you have to want to and also to believe that you can.

Relax.

David_G profile image
David_G

Hi, as others have said, try to slow down for the first part. That way you should have something left to complete the second. Please don’t lose heart, look how far you’ve come to get to week 6! Just take it slow and steady and you’ll get there I’m sure!🙂👍

Tinytears60 profile image
Tinytears60Graduate

Hey lady...

No... No... NO!

The F word is not allowed on here.. 🙈🤣

It doesn’t matter how many times you try .... it’s not a competition and there is no timescales!

I know you feel fed up but you got this and we’ve got you!

Be kind to yourself! I’m not sure if you realise how fab you are!.. you’re on week 6!.... 👏👏👏

I found week 6 tough too... a lot of us do!

I think W5R3 kids is in some way..

Those pesky interval runs - but

YOU have got this!

For me week 6 was a huge mental battle.. the plan had prepared me (and you)... so I know you can do it.. (if it helps read my W6 posts... )

it was just my brain telling me I couldn’t.. we all have gremlins 👺 You will find your own way to deal with them..

slow.. and then go even slower!... there is no such thing as too slow!

Keep going lovely! Imagine how fab and proud you will feel when you’ve done it!👍

Go onnnnn you know you want to 😀 and we will all cheer you on 💕

I’ve noticed you don’t post after every run- my advice is do ... it supports you massively! I couldn’t have done it without this lovely lot...

HennieR62 profile image
HennieR62Graduate in reply to Tinytears60

Yes, totally agree with that last point Tinytears60 . Along with all the advice about slowing down, posting on this forum is the most amazing support that gets you through the tough times and celebrates the good times.

Dups profile image
DupsGraduate

There is no such thing as failure! You absolutely have not failed. I am on W6 too, and found it so so difficult. When I finished R2 I looked like I needed medical attention. Like you I found it really difficult but you can do it.

Try again with renewed positivity. We are all cheering you on! 👍🏻

AlMorr profile image
AlMorrAmbassadorGraduate

Never use the fail word here on C25K, if a runner does not complete a run just put that down as a practice run, you can repeat any runs or week's if you wish to, take a few extra days off running, drink plenty of water the day before you run and some just before you run again, run a little slower than you did today, if you have ran run 3 of week 5, run 3 of week 6 is only 5 minutes longer, good luck. 👍 🏃🏾

running2feelGr8 profile image
running2feelGr8

This is how I was feeling Hattie- and I feel for you. Feel proud of yourself that you went out and tried again- your strong 💪 and determined! I watched a few inspirational docs on amazon and it helped me! It gets tough for everyone at some point- it’s not supposed to be easy - if it were there would be no challenge to succeed at. Try changing your route, your listening material and get a mantra! “I am strong-I can do this!” Good luck on your next run!

GardenGnome12 profile image
GardenGnome12Graduate

You can do this! I took four attempts to complete R3 W5 but the lovely people on here were amazing just when I needed them most. Tonight I completed W6 R1 and enjoyed it despite being nervous. I am sure that I will hit other tough stages but I know that the support is right here and if you take the advice and follow the program you will succeed. Good luck and I can't wait to read how good you feel when you've beaten this nemesis of a run.

Buzzbeebh profile image
BuzzbeebhGraduate

Try going slower, don’t feel a failure. Best wishes

Reggit profile image
ReggitGraduate

I found 6.2 the hardest run of the entire program. Went too fast on the first section and really struggled through the second.

As others have said, slow down a bit then a bit more.

And you’re not a failure, you’re out there running. A couple of practice runs are great.

changing-woman profile image
changing-womanGraduate

and look where you are now! :-)

Exercise isn't all or nothing and just a short run is better than no run at all!

Lesson for the day is that you fail at things you do but that doesn't make you a failure.

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