did my first week 8 run 28 mins long. At 20 mins I struggled so badly with achy legs that I let myself down by slowing down, and then had to stop for 10-15 seconds and then carried on till the end, however I ran an extra 10 seconds. Feel Ive let myself down now.
What’s your opinions??
If you think slowing down is a sign of “letting yourself down” or doing something wrong, you’ve badly misunderstood how you should be running! It’s totally normal to slow down if you’re feeling tired. Maybe you set out a bit fast. Maybe it would have been a good idea to take an extra rest day. Listening to your body is really important.
Since you didn’t complete the whole 28 minute run without walking, I’d treat this one like a practice. Next time, try going extra steadily and finding that gentle pace where you can hold a conversation out loud without gasping at all. The key thing? Slower is better as you’re developing as a runner.
There’s no need to be so hard on yourself. You still went out there and ran for around 28 minutes, even though you found it tough and that’s to be celebrated. It doesn’t make you less of a runner. It’s great experience that you can draw on next time you’re having a tough run. We all get them from time to time!
Nothing wrong with slowing down !
But are you pushing too hard?
Also are you doing the after run stretches?And what's your hydration like ?
And are you having at least one rest day between runs ?
Sorry to bombard you with questions but all these things will likely have an affect
It’s not an issue it’s nice to have some feedback
I run on the 3rd day after I do stretch before running but could do better afterwards I drink 3ltrs of water a day as im doing a fasting too
If you are fasting you might have less energy, some of us are slower runners and all the time we keep going out and running we are winners You ran for over 20 minutes, bonus, just take the next one steady and you might surprise yourself
Opinion?
I think your running ego is determined to make sure you'll cover 5km in 30 minutes and therefore you're running at a pace that ensures that every time you head out, and your body is giving you very clear signs that it isn't liking it, i.e., it isn't ready.
Listen to your body - that's a very important lesson for anyone who exercises regularly.
Instead of running, have you thought of ... (heavens above) ... jogging?
You'll find it a far more pleasant experience and there'll be none of this "letting myself down" carry-on.
S L O W
D O W N
I would say you need to turn your thought process around and reflect on what you hace acheived Baldman1. You are out exercising for 28 minutes, could you do that 8 weeks ago? I guess the answer would be no so there's much to celebrate there. Plus another essential is you listened to your body and slowed down and rested. Far more positives than negatives. We're doing this to make a change to our lifestyles not because we thought it was easy 👍😁
The only way in which you're letting yourself down Baldman1 is by thinking you're failing by slowing down, and by beating yourself up for your perceived failure. As others have said, you've made loads of progress by reaching week 8, which is a great achievement in itself.
Another thought: if I don't stretch adequately after runs, my calves will definitely let me know. So for me static stretches after every run are really important.
Also, if fasting is a recent practice for you, your body's likely still to be adjusting. A friend of mine who's been a runner for several years practises intermittent fasting. It suits her very well as she's used to it. However for you, combined with C25K, your body's probably wondering what's going on. Listen to it, and be kind to yourself!
thanks
A philosophical run tonight thinking of my poor cat.
Poorly :( 
Poorly knees - Advice for physio?
Stuck - no recent progress due to poor mental health
