W7R1 Exhausting

[Dups]

I have just completed W7R1 and was really looking forward to this run, but really struggled around the last eight minutes.

I have never been so pleased to hear Jo say only 5 minutes to go. Determined to keep going I tried to focus. Jo then said only 60 seconds. She said if you have anything left in the tank push yourself. There was nothing left , I was determined not to give up I kept going to the end. It wasn’t pretty. I was exhausted 😩 .

Maybe I went to fast, or the heat, I don’t know. My brisk cool down walk wasn’t so brisk as ABBA played SOS to get me home😂.

When I got home I felt a bit disheartened but then gave my head a shake. At the end of the day I think the sense of achievement was greater as I didn’t give up.

Bring on W7R2 . Reading everyone’s post keeps me motivated and inspired . Happy running😃

[JetsNanna Graduate]

You should be really pleased with yourself. You showed great determination and you carried on when you thought you didn’t have it in you. Hold your head high - you’ve done extremely well. Forget that run now and focus on W7R2 - you can do it, you know that because you’ve done it once already 😊

[Dups Graduate in reply to JetsNanna]

Thank you 😊

[Hidden]

A big well done!!

We're at the same place in the programme so I understand only too well. I did this run yesterday and found it tough but more mentally than physically I think.

Still we did it and now on to R2 💪😁

[Dups Graduate in reply to Hidden]

It really was tough! But you right, we did do it 😄

Good luck with your run tomorrow. Have a good one 👍🏻

[carolinestanford Graduate]

You proved you can do it!!! 😊

[Dups Graduate]

Only just, had it been any longer I think I would have given up. Think I will have two recovery days and recharge my batteries.

I have said many times through this programme that the encouragement and brilliant advice that everyone gives really does help.

Thank you 😊

[JohannaJ Graduate]

Well done you! I am at the same place, only was too busy to do W7R1 yesterday and thought due to the heat I'd better wait....I have a zumba class tonight but will do it tomorrow.

[Dups Graduate in reply to JohannaJ]

Thank you. I’ve had some great advice from John (Ambassador) , about pace and breathing, so I’m going to use his advice and hopefully I will do better tomorrow. Good luck with next run😃

[John_W Graduate Ambassador]

"Maybe I went to fast, or the heat, "

Almost certainly, you went too fast. On these continuous runs, it's important to start very very slowly and build into the run.

Keep the pace nice and conversational. Pay attention to your breathing - it's your very own "canary in the mine" . Breathing too heavy or fast? Then slow down. Slowing down (not stopping) is the best you can do when you're struggling.

[Dups Graduate in reply to John_W]

Thanks John, thanks for the advice, will definitely try the slower pace tomorrow, and hopefully I will have a much better run👍🏻

[John_W Graduate Ambassador in reply to Dups]

It may be tricky, but try and aim for a pace which allows you to finish feeling like you could carry on if you had to. If you think about it like from the start, you'll see that you are much slower.

When you find *that* pace, it's quite a discovery - Damascus like! Everyone has it, it's just finding. You'll feel relaxed throughout and you should be able to chat comfortably.

[Dups Graduate in reply to John_W]

I’m going to give it a good go, I really want to get through this run and actually enjoy it. I am a novice in running and clearly there is technique along with the mental and physical endurance. Can’t wait now to find that ‘pace’ i want to discover Damascus!

Thanks for taking the time to advise.... I will be out tomorrow discovering!

[RamblingMe Graduate]

I did this run this morning. I find every run is different, a struggle one day and good the next time. Chances are you'll have a great R2

[Dups Graduate]

🤞🏻Hoping so, thank you