W9R2 losing motivation 😩: Having read today’s... - Couch to 5K

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W9R2 losing motivation 😩

Dups profile image
DupsGraduate
15 Replies

Having read today’s posts of fellow runners completing the programme spurred me on to have a go at R2. Been resting up for a week now with quad pain.

So decided it felt a lot better so got ready and did some dynamic stretches . Fine. All good. Started out and could feel a little niggle on the 5min brisk walk. Tried to keep my fingers crossed and tried to ignore it but when I started running I could feel it more☹️

Decided to stop and turn back as I’ve been in this position before and exacerbated injury. Back in W6 had to stop for 5 weeks too with ligament injury. Got through that one and started back at W3 to regain fitness.

I think that On W17 I must have the record for taking the longest time to complete programme.

It’s a proper moan but I feel so so disappointed and demotivated, with only 2 runs left to go.

HELP☹️

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Dups
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15 Replies
itselenax profile image
itselenaxGraduate

Don't worry Dups, some of us have a bumpy road before we complete the programme! I had to rest for a few weeks because of a numb leg so completely understand your frustration - but we will all finish eventually! Take your time and pace yourself, you know your body better than anyone else so if you feel that you need to rest for a week or perhaps go back to the previous week then feel free to do so, it doesn't hurt anybody. But good luck with the programme and don't give up! :)

Dups profile image
DupsGraduate in reply toitselenax

Thank you. It really is so so frustrating. I think I will have to rest up for another week. I have exercised for years doing high impact classes because I believe exercise is amazing for mental health and well being.

I started C25K during lock down but this running is a whole new beast that I can’t seem to conquer!

I won’t give in, I will finish the programme. It’s definitely testing my determination.

Thank you for your encouragement... good luck to you too🙂

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

Have you consulted a GP or physio?

Dups profile image
DupsGraduate in reply toIannodaTruffe

Yes, GP just said I was doing the right thing and to continue with what I was doing along with ibuprofen and paracetamol. Physio at the moment is not an option because of Covid 19. Was hoping rest using RICE would sort the problem out. Initially the pain was worse going down steps or the stairs putting weight through it. Walking I could feel it but not too bad. So it seems that is certain movements and impact that is causing the pain. Today was no near as bad as last week so there is definite improvement, but not enough to sustain a run without making it worse. I’m thinking it’s been really bad muscle strain?

Worried that after another week I will lose fitness and have to go backwards again.

nowster profile image
nowsterGraduate in reply toDups

I saw a physio twice in the last month. (Not NHS, though.)

Apple_tree profile image
Apple_treeGraduate

That must be so frustrating when you are so close. Are you still doing HIIT classes? I've certainly found that these and a toning class have helped with niggles I had. I guess they built up the strength in the muscles/ sorted out any imbalance I had. Having said that my niggles were glute not quads so may be irrelevant.

Take a bit more time off, the advice on here always seems to be that up to 2 weeks won't have a huge impact on where you are on the program. Good luck, you've come so far!

Dups profile image
DupsGraduate

Done none for the last week. I’ve got classes booked for this week but not sure about them now. I think common sense says to give them a miss and do nothing for another week.

I’m missing the feel good factor! ☹️ I will carry on, and hopefully in a couple of weeks I will have completed the programme. Maybe W 19 😂

Thank you 😊

Newbie59 profile image
Newbie59Graduate

Aah don't worry, listen to your body, rest when you need it, you will get there in the end. Everybody takes their own time, we are all different :)

Dups profile image
DupsGraduate in reply toNewbie59

I guess we are, my dad always said ‘patience is a virtue’ , I think I need to learn it.

Thank you 😊

Weymouthgirl profile image
WeymouthgirlGraduate

I’ve started this program 3 times over the last 3 years - finally graduated in September! I think what made the difference is realizing that the program is a guide and it’s ok to organize things according to what’s best in your situation. I regularly run twice a week rather than 3times. I often have 4 runs each new level,

rather than 3. If you’ve got a bit of a niggle, chill out, maybe slow down, but slow is better than not at all. You’re on completely the right target for you-the fact that you’re doing it is fantastic!

Dups profile image
DupsGraduate

So you did get there in the end. That is determination and commitment 👏👏👏👏

I think I got so frustrated at having got to W9 and fell at the last hurdle.

Good advice though, I DO need to chill about it.

Thank you 😊

nowster profile image
nowsterGraduate in reply toDups

I got hurt at the last hurdle. About two minutes from the end of W9R3 I got an injury, but continued running to complete the run. I spent the best part of the following month on the injury couch.

Dups profile image
DupsGraduate in reply tonowster

Oh no! So you definitely went through the pain barrier to finish. That is determination. Not so good being on the injury couch though.

Being doing massage and targeted exercises. So fingers crossed if no pain at all by Friday I will be back out there. Just unsure wether to continue on W9 or do shorter run to see how I go because it’s been nearly two weeks. I really really want to finish.

nowster profile image
nowsterGraduate in reply toDups

You can do the 30 minute run, but if you can go slower, do so. 5km is not the target.

Listen to your body. You already know what something going wrong feels like, and you also know that stopping before things get worse is being sensible.

Dups profile image
DupsGraduate

Thanks nowster, thanks for the advice, I will do a really slow jog and see how I go.

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