W9R1 done and survived the heat!

[Panda_eyes]

Every run has been a challenge but today was even more so with the heat beating down on me. I had to go really slow so I didn’t exhaust myself in the heat. It was punishing at times but I DID IT!! I ran for 30 mins!!🤩

Not sure why but I had reached W8 and lost some motivation. I took 4 days rest and was worried I’d lose momentum. I do enjoy running but not quite loving it yet so part of me will always make excuses not to run!

I feel the last stretch is such a mental challenge for me 😓I had the expectation that I’d be able to run 5k by now although I understand many don’t achieve this as it takes time to build pace and distance but can’t help feeling disappointed. I really want to complete the programme and know I’m almost there. I just need to get my butt in gear and get on with it!

[Instructor57 Graduate]

Congratulations on starting week 9 , especially in the heat !Don't worry about 5k , that's really not important at this stage .

If I remember rightly my last week 9 run was 3.9K.

A gradual increase in strength and stamina is far more important for your future running

Well done !

[Panda_eyes Graduate in reply to Instructor57]

Thanks 😊 yes I know my stamina has definitely improved in last 8 weeks so I guess I just need to carry on beyond the programme to reach the goal of 5k!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

You are doing great.

Only a small proportion of graduates from this forum who responded to a poll, managed 5k in 30 minutes by graduation healthunlocked.com/couchto5....

Graduation requirements are that you complete three thirty minute runs, regardless of distance.

[Panda_eyes Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thanks 😊 and for sharing the link. Made me feel better! I know I can do the 30 min runs now so just need to focus on that rather than distance.

[AH21MM Graduate]

Fantastic! Isn’t it great to be in Week 9?? Congratulations 👏🏻

[Panda_eyes Graduate in reply to AH21MM]

Yes, feels amazing 🤩 can’t believe it!

[Hidden]

The important thing is that you are running and have reached W9, you have cracked it!! Make sure in this heat you keep well hydrated. You’re a ⭐️ keep 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[Panda_eyes Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thank you 🤩 not sure how I got to W9 considering I was such a couch potato before 🤣 yes this heat is awful to run in!

[Hidden]

Feeling disappointed!!!!

Less of that please. You have performed magnificently and should be really proud of yourself.

Consider yourself told off.

We will see you after your graduation. Be proud.

[Panda_eyes Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Alan99, I needed that telling off! 🤣 Sometimes it’s hard to recognise your own achievements but you’re right, I do feel proud. Heading for graduation…🏃🏻‍♀️🏁🏅🏆

[Poppup]

That's amazing you ran for 30 minutes & I think the c25k is more about time than distance. I'm only on week 4 run 3 & find it a challenge & would make any excuse not to do it - so have truly inspired me!

[Panda_eyes Graduate in reply to Poppup]

Thank u ☺️ I know I’m always make excuses haha!

Well done for getting to W4!! Honestly I never thought I could run for 30 mins. I remember in my first few weeks, my lungs felt like they were gonna explode. This programme really works! Happy running 🏃🏻‍♀️

[Runningwithhoney Graduate]

Really pleased to see you did this despite the mental challenges (it’s such a fight between mind and body isn’t it!) and during the most disgustingly hot week! I lacked motivation this morning too tbh, let’s blame the weather for that 😂 I totally feel that you don’t love it yet, I wonder when that will fully kick in, I love the after feeling but dread before and during I’m constantly telling myself to stop. Don’t worry about the 5k, just the time. I think the title is misleading. Without cheating by having my Honey I can’t do it plain and simple, and I felt disappointed too! Do you think you will do anything after this? I need structure and struggle with motivation on my own without a plan?

Well done again ✅🥳