Week 7 started, but not easy

[Sweigum]

Hey all, I was pretty wiped after W6R3, but I started W7R1 with a lot of optimism that I would feel better. I knew it was the same run length as the previous one and I was doing the same route, plus it was a much nicer day so I knew I wouldn't be running into the wind as I had for a portion of the previous run. Anyway, I was a bit disappointed that this run felt every bit as hard if not harder than the last one. Only the last minute felt somewhat good. I have two more 25 min runs ahead of me before the next step up. I'm hoping to have some moment of enjoyment despite the hard work of it all. Does anyone have any encouragement?

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

Congratulations on almost completing C25K, maybe you were running a little too fast, for run 2 of week 7, again 25 minutes, take it a little slower than you took run 1, drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration, not long now until you graduate.

[Sweigum Graduate in reply to AlMorr]

I know--I really can't believe I made it this far into the program, as I've never been a runner. Covid and the lack of being able to access other fitness options finally forced me to give it a try and Im glad I have this program and this community to help me along.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Well done, you did it.

Any run is tough if you push too hard. Just slow down to an easy conversational pace.

Everything going on in our lives can impact on our performance as a runner. Restedness, hydration and nutrition are at the top of my list of variables that need to be optimised to enable enjoyable running.

This post expands on the theme. healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

[Sweigum Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

thanks for the link. I will read more.

[depechegirl Graduate]

I was pretty much the same, W7R1 was really quite nice, but R2 and R3 have been HARD! no idea why, I am doing exactly the same things as I was before, but my legs are really aching and heavy after each run and 1-2 days after. I was supposed to start W8R1 this morning, but my legs are just too heavy and my calves still ache, so put off until tomorrow. I am stretching before and after, drinking enough fluids, but now after 20 minutes of running I am experiencing really painful arch pain in one foot which is making the last 5 minutes horrible. I am going for gait analysis on Sat so hopefully will see what is going on, but I must say I am disappointed as my speed was really coming on and now I am back to a snail pace again! Good luck with this week, maybe its just our bodies getting used to the new distance? definitely think we have to keep being snails, despite wanting to be hares!!! good luck

[Sweigum Graduate in reply to depechegirl]

thank you! At least we finished those runs, right? I already feel like a snail, I honestly don't know if I can go slower, but will try!

[depechegirl Graduate]

I know!! 🐌😂 but what I tend to do is go slow for the first "toxic" 5-10 minutes, then speed up gradually and the last 5 minutes are as fast as I am able to go.. that seems to work, maybe worth a try? good luck and well done though

[Beastie_MCCXIX Graduate]

depechegirl Agree with the Toxic 5-10 mins at the start. We all have good and bad runs, it's all instagram joyfulness. My pace really varies from one run to the next. Same days gazelle like others like a sloth. but I am out there and doing my best. That's all you can ask for.

Keep going you are doing great,