Stuck on week 7!

[V505]

Has anyone else struggled with week 8? I can do 25 minutes (just about) but it seems the idea of 28 is too much and I end up giving up halfway through! Any tips appreciated, really want to reach the end now I’m so close!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your progress.

The continuous runs can be a challenge, but as long as you are running at the recommended easy conversational pace, then for most this is mainly a mental challenge.........slow down.

You may find distraction helpful, so that the last things you think about are time and the physicality of running. If music doesn't do it, try podcasts or audiobooks. I used to give myself a running commentary on everything that I could see, hear, feel and smell as I ran, in full florid sentences.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

and includes advice on minimising impact, stretching after every run, hydration and strengthening exercises, all of which will help.

Enjoy your journey.

[V505 Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Wow I wish I had read that guide to the plan 8 weeks ago! Thank you so much for the encouragement.

[John_W Graduate Ambassador]

" it seems the idea of 28 is too much"

and...

" really want to reach the end now I’m so close!"

Confused messages there!

You've chosen to do C25K - the objective is to run 30 minutes, 3 times in Week 9 (regardless of distance).

Yours is a mental issue. Your body is perfectly capable -you've a fair bit of running in your legs now. This comes down to your motivation and whether you're enjoying running. Do you want to complete C25K? (it seems as though you do...) Do you *want* to run for 30 minutes, 3 times a week and then continue? Do you want it? If not, that's ok, no crime there.

For help with the mental side: bbc.co.uk/ideas/videos/four...

[V505 Graduate in reply to John_W]

I think you’re absolutely right John, It is entirely a mental thing. From reading other comments and posts I can see that it’s not the ‘5k’ that is important here, rather the accomplishment of running for 30 minutes 3 times a week!

[John_W Graduate Ambassador in reply to V505]

Because C25K has been designed to by physically achievable by almost anyone, then the *whole* program is actually a mental challenge.

Once someone decides to start, have they got the motivation, the willingness to see it through? It's very simple really!

[Blossom- Graduate]

All excellent advice from experts Ianodda and JohnW. I know I struggled with the mental stuff... But found ways to overcome the doubts. You can do this, your body can do this, you've achieved so much, you can achieve so much more. The feeling at the end of week 9 run 3 is AMAZING! you are almost there! 😄

[nowster Graduate]

You can do 25 minutes, but if you try to run for 28 minutes you stop after 14? That's got to be a mental block.

Believe in yourself.

[V505 Graduate]

Hi everyone, just got home after finally completing the first run of week 8! Thanks for all the advice and encouragement, so proud of myself.

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

Go slow go slow go slow, get a good play list, deep breaths and you will get there, there is no hurry, plan on 25 mins and then try 26

[Slothgoesrunning Graduate]

Try to relax when you set off (easier said than done I know but it will make a big difference). Try a 10 min warm up walk with lots of deep breathing (instead of 5 mins) - this has really helped me. You’re Nearly there now - good luck!