Mixed feelings today

[MG36]

Just completed week 7 run 3. Feeling unbelievably proud of myself however, I didn't enjoy it at all. It's the first run that I haven't enjoyed which is a shame. I know this is to be expected and not every run can be perfect. I did leave it a week between W7R2 and W7R3 but its just been a hectic week. I suspect that is why I feel the way I do as I had lost my flow.... Either way, onwards and upwards. Hopefully that was enough for me to get my flow back and bring on week 8!! I intend to get focused and get week 8 and week 9 done in the next 2 weeks, with no obscene gaps between runs. This week was just unfortunate.

[Liono Graduate]

I remember feeling exactly the same at the same stage so it may not be anything to do with the gap - the runs were just not as enjoyable for some reason. I thought at the time it may be just that the euphoria I felt from W5 had long gone and that graduation still seemed a way off. The good news is that it got better, and W8/W9 were fine!

It may help to find some different routes if you're running outside, or make yourself a new playlist/find an interesting podcast perhaps?

[MG36 Graduate in reply to Liono]

Thanks for your encouraging words. I suspect it was just a blip and week 8 and 9 will be great. I actually changed my playlist today so maybe that played a part in it. I haven't yet tried any podcasts. Any recommendations? Also, I did have to force myself out of the door tonight so it's just one of those things. All my runs are outdoors and I try to incorporate some inclines in there.

[Liono Graduate in reply to MG36]

Podcasts are a personal thing as it depends what you're interested in - I have several comedy parenting ones, Off Menu, Gardeners Question Time, Grounded with Louis Theroux and a running one called The Running Explained Podcast (I'd love to hear if anyone has any other decent running ones as I've tried a few others that I haven't really enjoyed). There are so many now that I'd just have a look and see what takes your fancy. I keep meaning to try an Audiobook too.

New routes are my favourite way to change things up a little and get over a blip. Even just running the same route in the opposite direction works for me!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Well done, you finished it.

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...

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.

Slowing down to the recommended easy conversational pace makes it more achievable and for most, more enjoyable. Counterintuitively, it is easy conversational pace running that builds your stamina and endurance, not fast running.

Relax and have fun, it should not be a slog.

[MG36 Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thanks for your kind words. My pace for every run has been very comfortable and normally I just focus on my beautiful surroundings or the tunes playing in my head. Just a blip. Also, you have probably just hit the nail on the head with the nutrition comment. I have had a funny old week, I do suffer with a bit of depression and that affects everything. Anyway, I'm getting my focus back and I can't wait to tell you all that I have graduated.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to MG36]

It took me a long time to come to terms with those realities, but they are worth bearing in mind, as the post points out.

[MG36 Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thanks IannodaTruffe 👍 Your words, advices and pinned posts are all very valuable and I appreciate your help. I need to get back on the healthier band wagon as I was before

[LeafGump in reply to MG36]

Totally agree MG36! I have found IannodaTruffle's tips have helped me so much too! I've just done Wk7 Run 1, hard but so proud I finished!!! Determined to get to the end now!!!!

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

Ah, life gets in the way sometimes and some runs aren’t just enjoyable, but as long as most are you are onto a winner

[MG36 Graduate in reply to SueAppleRun]

It does. We're all winning in some way or another 👍

[SueAppleRun Graduate in reply to MG36]

We sure are

[Dendev75 Graduate]

Well done you still managed to finish it and that’s the main thing. It’s not a nice feeling when you don’t enjoy it though. I felt shattered after a long day in work and I knew I wanted to get my longer run of the week done tonight (following ju-ju’s magic plan) so 39 mins and I really found it a struggle - I felt like I had no energy but I still did it so I’m happy I got out there - I hope your next run is a better one 🤞🏻

[MG36 Graduate in reply to Dendev75]

Well done right back at you. We're doing it, even if some are harder than others 🙌

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate]

My run yesterday was rubbish. Never warmed up. Slog all the way. 35 minutes of trudge.

Sometimes it is just like that. Sometimes you can find a reason but sometimes it’s just one of those things. There’s always something positive-for me it was that the run ended! I’ve got some more distance in my legs and that’s a good thing.

It happens. It doesn’t make you any less of a runner so don’t let it knock your confidence. Really good luck for next time!

[MG36 Graduate in reply to MissUnderstanding]

You too MissUnderstanding.

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate in reply to MG36]

Thanks! I finished c25k a little while ago so I’m on to running consecutive days now. Today’s run was much better. Started slower, hit a rhythm and finished with a (sweaty!) smile!

[MG36 Graduate in reply to MissUnderstanding]

That is great to hear 😊

[Cloudsprite]

I did week 7 run 3 yesterday too. Only managed 2 runs of week 7 last week as busy with work. I have to say that each run of week 7 has been harder than when I first did 25 mins at the end of week 6.Don't think I'll move to week 8 yet. I do have history of dropping out around week 7/8, just gets hard then, seem to hit a wall. Enjoyed 1 run only so far out of the whole programme, that was when feeling hung-over a few weeks ago, was a kill or cure thing and it actually made me feel better😂

I tend to enjoy bits of runs - between 18-20 mins was OK yesterday, so a whole 2 mins of being in the flow. I could of sworn Jo Whiley told me I had 10 mins to go when I was already at 20 mins and the bell never gets the half way point right, so I know to ignore that.

Might start running with others soon, hoping will add to the enjoyment.

[MG36 Graduate in reply to Cloudsprite]

How funny as I have noticed that with the app. Bell goes when its no where near half time and I have got a bit confused with some of Jo Whiley's timings too. It doesn't matter, I just thought it was me going crazy!

Yes, try running with others. One thing at a time for me as I am really determined to finish the programme first. After that I am going to see if I can join some groups and even pluck up the courage to do a parkrun...

Keep plodding on if you can. I get a feeling there will be a real sense of achievement once finished and only 6 runs left 💪