Failed Week 7 run 1

Feeling really deflated after getting halfway through week 7 run 1 today and then having to walk for the rest of the way, any tips on how to stay motivated when you didn’t complete a run?

[GTFC Graduate]

Hey, firstly don't use the word fail because you went out of the door with hope and courage. Secondly change failure to 'not matching intention' because it takes the pressure away. Thirdly, and most importantly, a massive well done on getting to where you are. Start steadily next time. I always press the start button on my watch and walk for the first 30-45 seconds or so and then break into a jog. Motivation will be to go again, put yourself out there and know that it's in you to do it. These times we all need because when it goes well we feel we've earned it. You completed the distance and had time on feet which are all crucial. Stay positive, rest up and go again when you've recovered. Well done 👏👏👏👏

[Hidden in reply to GTFC]

Thanks so much for the kind words and support, hoping I can do it next time!

[notbad Graduate]

I think it’s important to remember we have good days and bad for a variety of reasons, presumably you completed W6 r3 okay? If so, then remind yourself you can do this. I’ve always found it helpful to drop my pace when struggling too. Good luck with your next run out, put this one behind you - onwards and upwards!

[Hidden in reply to notbad]

Thank you so much! Fingers crossed

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your progress.

Please don't use the F word on this forum. Practice runs are par for the course.

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.

[Hidden in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you for this advice, I do think it may be due to what you are describing as I was focusing so much on the time left and the actual physicality of running and it just left me feeling really unmotivated. I might try a podcast or audiobook to see if this changes my outlook on the run. Today was the first time I didn’t complete a run so I felt disappointed in myself and felt as though I couldn’t do it but will try not to let this affect my running. Thank you

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to Hidden]

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

An easy conversational pace is the most effective to build your stamina and endurance........faster is not necessarily better.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Take the great advice given by IannodaTruffe ....So...

No f words allowed...try to relax, and as you run take everything in...distraction can help...but simply easing back, taking it slow and steady and enjoying every run is the best plan.

Well done you!

Looking forward to your next post!

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Half way through 25 minutes and you didn’t complete… how to frame that in the mind? That’s 12.5 minutes of running… that’s something that was impossible for you 6 weeks ago… that’s how awesome you are now, doing the impossible. I did the C25K journey back in 2018… I still don’t complete every run I start. I choose to celebrate crossing the start line… finish lines are nice and all, but it’s starting each run that changes our lives. Tough runs come from time to time, sometimes we beat them, sometimes we cannot… but generally speaking we know we can do that run (like here, you did it last time out) and so we know we can do it again. When I don’t complete a run I just look back to W1R1 and think how hard that was and how I knew that I would never run for 30 minutes. Then I laugh, go get a cold one and visualise beating that run the next time out.

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Good advice from you UnfitNoMore, but I have not heard anything from you for ages, at least 4 months, I assume that you have been very busy with your work and other things, I hope you are still running at least some of the time. 😊 🏃🏾 👍

[UnfitNoMore Graduate in reply to AlMorr]

HU stopped supporting the app, and I hate the web interface on mobile, so I am rarely here now.

Running is very much on… today will be day 60 and run 61 of my run streak.

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Excellent, thanks for that information, nevertheless we all miss you here, enjoy your runs 🏃🏾 👍

[Lnorton Graduate]

Hey! I’ve just completed w7r1 and honestly I find the whole thing so difficult but I keep going because I run with a girl from work and we distract each other as we go. I think I’d have given up by now without the motivation of a running partner. I find every run hard but manage to power on as she makes me lol! Do you have anyone who could run with you? Also, 12.5 mins is fab too so well done!!

[Frenc Graduate]

Not a fail, but a practice!!! You’ll do it next time I bet 😊.

[Cjed Graduate]

You got out the door and moved your body! That is not a f***ed run! It took me well over 9 weeks to complete the programme. Just remember you are doing this for YOU and no one else, you aren’t in competition with anyone and you are constantly making progress!