Week 7 and struggling

[MrsHol]

I seem to have hit a wall this week! Each run has been a real struggle and today I had a horrible stitch I couldn’t shift. Anyone else felt the same?

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your progress.

Sounds like you are pushing too hard. Can you speak aloud, clear, ungasping sentences as you run?.........if not, you are going too fast.

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.

[MrsHol in reply to IannodaTruffe]

I have tried to go a bit faster as before I was going really slowly! Maybe I dial it back down again...

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to MrsHol]

Can you speak aloud, clear, ungasping sentences as you run?.........if not, you are going too fast.

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.

[ele123 Graduate]

I had my second run of week 7 this week and really didn’t feel it, I wanted to stop all the way!! Last 5 minutes were ok but other than that it was a real struggle for me too more mentally than anything and my knee is bot great at the minute either but hey ho moving forward! 😐😐😐

[Devon_straggler Graduate]

Assuming you're still running the same kind of speeds as before, try an extra day between runs, a lot of people say that in weeks 7 to 9 they feel like they need a bit more recovery time. I know keeping a regular running schedule is good, but not if you're not enjoying the runs.

[SassyF Graduate]

I wasn’t a fan of week 7. I struggled too. The struggle does eventually pass as you get used to doing more frequent runs of that length of time. It’s true that some people need an extra days rest in between runs in week 7&8, so take it if you need it. Best of luck ☺️

[MrsHol in reply to SassyF]

Thank you, that’s really useful to know