Just finished week 2 run 2

[Reading_Sarah]

Even though I really didn't feel like running today, I managed to get myself to do it, so that's the great part. But man, today was tough! I did push through but this time felt a lot harder than week 2 run 1, no idea why. I even ran a different route today, which was not as hilly as my usual route but still...I am happy that I managed to keep running the full 90 seconds each time but the way it went today makes me very nervous about what's to come...

[nowster Graduate]

You're not trying to "run" are you? Speed is not important. Try to go slower than your natural urge takes you and the runs should be easier.

[Reading_Sarah in reply to nowster]

No, I am definitely very slow, I just didn't know what else to call it. I know I need to pace myself. If I was running, I wouldn't make it past the 30 second mark, and then I'd need an oxygen tent

[nowster Graduate in reply to Reading_Sarah]

We've all been there. This time two years ago, I couldn't even run for a bus without needing 10 minutes to catch my breath afterwards.

And my first attempt at W1R3 had me feeling like I needed an ambulance. I started C25K three times over the course of four months. The third time was successful.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to Reading_Sarah]

You say you are slow........can you speak aloud, clear, ungasping sentences as you run?.........if not, you are going too fast for your current fitness level.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Well done, you did it.

No need to be nervous about any C25k run.

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

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate]

I always find psychologically, the second run is the hardest. The first I’m excited for a new week, the second I can’t get bothered about and the third is finishing off the week so treat at the end! I keep telling myself that my body doesn’t know that my heart isn’t really in it and I just need to get it done. Nine times out of ten, once I’m out there it’s actually enjoyable. You can feel super proud that you did it.

It will get easier. Some days just feel tough for absolutely no identifiable reason. You can always repeat runs if you’re not sure you’re ready for the next one and going slowly is a always good thing. I took some extra recovery days and only averaged two runs a week but that worked well for me. Everyone is different.

Good luck with your next run.

[Reading_Sarah]

You're making an interesting point here: "I keep telling myself that my body doesn’t know that my heart isn’t really in it". I always hated running when I was in school and to this day I struggle to find a sport that I really enjoy (apart from yoga, which I actually enjoy, but then I don't really want to call it a "sport" 😃). I really do hope, that this program will get me to actually enjoy running and keep doing it after I "graduated"! Maybe it was just the class and the teacher that put me off...And I'll keep the thing about the scond run per week in mind, maybe that pattern is evolving here too Thanky you and good luck to you too!

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate in reply to Reading_Sarah]

I was a run hater too. I’ve given up trying before when I felt that I had to enjoy every single run then had a “bad” few in a row. Those tougher ones are building fitness and resilience and you can feel really proud that you did it.

I’m sure you’ll find you’re enjoying more and more of your runs as you get used to it. I had a great realisation around week six that for the first time, I wasn’t really thinking about the actual running or just getting to the end of the time but instead I was enjoying the music and the surroundings.

I’ve been out today and it was so nice spotting lambs in the fields. Running through a flooded road, not so much. I was very glad that happened near the end and my husband was able to meet me with a dry pair of shoes to head home in!

[Timotea Graduate]

Well done you. Just keep going and enjoy the spring .

[Sisteract5 Graduate]

You’re doing really well to get out when you don’t feel like it is a great achievement and then to complete the run, icing on the cake! Don’t look ahead, take it one run at a time and listen to your chosen coach - it will work. Your thoughts sound very familiar to me! I’m feeling like you were and now I’ve read your post about to get changed and get out there. Take your time and I’m sure you’ll do this - no problem 😊

[Dellie100 Graduate]

Well done on your progress so far 😊 Your journey will be filled with highs and lows- keep going and keep us updated x

[VWBW Graduate]

Hi Reading_Sarah, everyone on this forum speaks such good sense and have all been where you are, so please don’t feel nervous, you’re doing well to drag yourself out when you’re not feeling it! As others have said perhaps go a little slower?Listening to an audio book while running was something of a revelation for me as, unlike music the tempo is slow and steady and the story takes my mind off how long I’ve been out for. Who knows, it might work for you 😊 Good luck with W2/R2 you’ll definitely get there . X

[Reading_Sarah]

Thanky you guys for all the positive feedback! Tomorrow, I will try "running" with a friend, just to see how it is not going out alone - and this way, I HAVE to go out, even if I don't feel like it. I don't actually use the app, as I don't have my phone with me while running, but I use a very similar training plan (from Global Triathlon Network, also based in the UK) so the process is still the same except for the last week. I'll keep updating my progress. This forum is so awesome though, I have never received this kind of feedback for being able to "run" for 90 seconds at a time 😅 My high school sports teacher could have learned so much from all of you!

[ethreeguy]

Hi Reading_Sarah ,

First off a massive well done for going. Sometimes just getting out the door is enough. Don't worry to much about it being difficult.

That said, why not spend a bit of time in the evening looking back at a couple of things, weather, food, footwear and so on.

Don't be put off what it is to come, focus on this week. If it helps and this is a strategy I employed, go back over Week 2 again until you feel confident enough to push yourself to the following week.