Week 4 completed

[Mummybear171923]

Well I completed my last run of week 4 earlier. Not sure why but I struggled more today than I did on the first two runs of the week ☹️ I was just starting to see why people actually enjoy running but found today tough. Then I made the mistake of taking a peek at week 5 and I'm doubting I'll manage the 20 min run at the end of next week 😫

[MissUnderstanding Administrator On a break Graduate]

Don’t panic! The more experienced a runner you get, the more you’ll get to realise that tough runs happen to all of us. It doesn’t mean you’re any worse of a runner than before. You’re stronger and your legs have more miles in them. It’s often just one of those things. You might be able to find a reason (coming down with a bug, tired, stressed, under hydrated, not fuelled enough, went off a bit fast etc) but sometimes you can’t. It’s totally normal for this to happen sometimes.

Honestly, you did fine today and you’ll be ready for that run next week. It’s normal to be nervous when you’re taking what looks like a big step up, and it is a mental step up, but your body is physically prepared.

See how your next run goes. Take it extra steady and perhaps choose some music and a route you know you’ll enjoy. Think about when and what you’re eating and drinking before your run to give your self the best chance of having a good time. This doesn’t need to knock you off course. Really good luck to you 🏃‍♀️💪❤️

[Mummybear171923 in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Thank you so much for your reply.I'm going to give myself a couple of days of rest and then get back out there for the start of week 5.

It's hard to believe I almost half way through C25K and up until now I had been seeing progress every run.

There probably was a couple of factors today as it wasn't my usual routine and due to a busy couple of days coming up I wanted to get the run done.

It's interesting and good to hear that all runners can have a tough run because I seem to only notice how easy it looks for other runners when I'm out but I'm still proud of myself for starting this and getting to where I am and I will try to not let today's run get into my head and trust in the programme.

Wish me luck 🙂

[MissUnderstanding Administrator On a break Graduate in reply to Mummybear171923]

Good luck!!! You’ve got a very sensible plan.

When you’re having a tough time, it’s amazing how suddenly everyone else seems to be prancing along like a gazelle! Trust me, everyone has tough days and some people are just better at hiding that they’re finding it hard! Being able to accept those difficult days without getting dragged down is such an important part of being a runner.

I remember having exactly the same thoughts as you’ve described here. It really helped me to realise that learning to run is like learning any other skill. It’s impossible to be better every single time you try. There will be ups and downs and progress isn’t linear. You’ll sometimes feel stuck and then suddenly make a huge leap forwards. Sometimes you even need what feel like backwards steps to go forwards. The main thing is to just keep on going, ride the rough with the smooth and you’ll absolutely get there.

It is work to put in all the time and the miles and to keep yourself going, but it’s mostly really enjoyable and totally worth it. ❤️🏃‍♀️💪

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Well done you on the runs so far and MissUnderstanding has given you some great advice... maybe take a peek here too, it may reassure you

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Then,,, trust the C25K programme and more importantly, trust yourself... have confidence and know that you will do it!

" Believe you can... and you are half way there".

[Mummybear171923 in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you for your reply.I have read the information on the kink you sent and it was very helpful.

Before my run yesterday I had been looking forward to every next run and I could see how far I had progressed. The gremlins may have gotten in my head a little but I am going to go back to my usual running routine and trust the program and myself to just keep putting one foot in front of the other. Slow and steady 🏃‍♀️

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Mummybear171923]

Always... slow and steady gets us to the most amazing places!!!

Snail viewx

[Adabell]

You can do this Mummybear

Try not to wonder how long you’ve been running, or check your watch for how long you have to go. Take in your surroundings, ponder something completely unrelated, and remember “niko, niko” tap, tap, tap.

Enjoy the freedom 😊

[HailSt0rm]

I remember feeling exactly the same looking ahead to the next week at that point! Having found some of the previous runs really tough. Thinking never mind maybe I'll just repeat a run if I don't want to try the next one. Or I'll just walk part of it and try again later...

When I got there, somehow like magic it just happened! Got all the runs first time. Believe in the training you have done so far, it has prepared you for the next stage. Don't over think it just go with the flow on the day or take two rest days in-between the longer runs (which I did if I had a busy time at work)

You might just be amazed with how good your running really is!! And the feeling when you complete it is great . All you can do is give it your best ❤️ you got this 💪

[bradders0807 Graduate]

“Whether you think you can, or you think you can't--you're right.”

Henry Ford

Trust the programme, trust your self, given the right conditions your body will adapt and you’ll continually surprise yourself. I know I did 👍

[Gthants]

I just did 2nd run of week 4 ... there's a 20 minute runniest week?! WHAT?! I think it's up and down with how we feel emotion ally with the running. (Physically I'm knackered! 😂) Last week I had what passes in an old man as a runner's high. This week, Monday was exhausting, today was fine. Who knows what Friday will bring. Focus on how brilliantly you've done this far. It's one heck of an achievement. And last week a three minute run seemed impossible. This week, five minutes is actually okay. You're building stamina and doing brilliantly.

[Mummybear171923]

Thank you to everyone who replied.

I've had a couple of rest days but a pretty busy home life.

Starting week 5 this morning and after reading everyone's comments, and accepting I will have tough runs, I am feeling confident I can do it.