W6 r2 (for the third time!) I didn’t inhale any insects during today’s run, thank god. It took all my motivation to get my trainers on and get out the door, I reallllly didn’t want to. But I’m glad I did. I managed to complete today’s run, although my breathing was laboured and I was going that slow that I’m pretty sure I say an elderly lady with a stick over take me at one point.
I just don’t feel ready to move onto w6 r3 I really don’t think I’d be able to do it. Any tips on how to approach hills would be really helpful....my legs really burn and it puts me off carrying on the run...
Written by
HattieCooke
Graduate
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Just wondering... do your eyebrows go down as well as up? 🤪😁
Hills got me about the week 7 time. By week 9 those slopes were less of a problem. The tip is to keep your posture upright. Look to the horizon. Take shorter strides. Don't lean into the hill.
Seriously, I avoided hills until I graduated. Run to the hill and turn back, back and forth if you have to.
I started including hills post grad. It’s quite hilly around here whichever way I go. Did one last Wednesday. It’s a killer, my calves still aren’t speaking to me. Determination, patience and incredibly small steps (literally down to half a shoe’s length at times). 🙂
Well done HC stick with a pace you feel comfortable with. Don’t be worried about week 6, take it slow and steady and you’ll be fine. Get a good even rhythm going with your breathing and you’ll find your legs will just carry you through 👍🏃♀️
I have had that before too! Flies in my eyes and my mouth and up my nose! urgh! I would keep hills until you are further along in the programme, and if you need to repeat weeks that's ok. I did that sometimes. Don't worry about your speed. My other half tells me my speed walking is quicker than my jogging, but oh well!
"I just don’t feel ready to move onto w6 r3 I really don’t think I’d be able to do it."
How is that going to change? What will make you think you *can* do it? Ultimately, this is about attitude, your mindset. Very often, if you *think* you can do something, then you WILL do it. Take a look at and take inspiration from Little_lizzie 's posts and her progress.
You managed W5R3 - after that, then mentally, nothing else in the program should faze you. W5R3 is the big mental hurdle for most - it's useful to look back and see how you've progressed. Take confidence from how tackled and completed and W5R3.
Remember my 2 mantras:
- the body is ready but the mind less so (i.e., ignore the gremlins)
- EVERY RUN YOU'VE DONE, PREPARES FOR THE NEXT ONE (i.e. you're ready!)
So... physically, you ARE ready it's just that mentally, your mind hasn't been convinced yet. W5R3 should show you that. C25K is ultimately a mental test, not a physical one - because it's been designed so that almost anyone can do it.
As for hills - just take them very easy and make your steps as short as possible. Where possible, zig-zag across the road/path instead of going up in a straight line.
And the BURN ... that is a GOOD sign, it shows that you are working your muscles and making them stronger. Embrace the burn!
Finally... try and think more positive about these longer runs. You'll be surprised at what a difference it makes. Embrace them and devour them!
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