I attempted week 6 run 3 today. And I failed miserably.
I only got to 12.5mins before I had to walk then I got annoyed at myself so didn't even complete the run.
I think this was probably more mental block than anything else. But now I'm wondering if I can do it.
This is the first run I haven't completed and have needed to repeat!
You didn't fail, you just had a practice, we all have bad runs, tough runs, runs that are shorter than we'd planned, take your days rest, drink plenty of water, have another go, maybe try starting a bit slower so you can keep running for longer
Thank you, yeah I think I burnt out cause I went to fast accidentally. Thank you for the encouragement. Hopefully Wednesdays a better day!
I shall look for your post on Wednesday, and as further encouragement, I ran 5k on Friday, I went too fast, had to take walking breaks, it took me 46 minutes and I was so cross with myself because I was shattered and it wasn't even fast!! I've had to do a lot of thinking, and taken my own advice and slowed down, now at least I'm running even though slow and not walking and telling myself I'm a failure, 😀
🍏 SueAppleRun is absolutely right & has given excellent advice! The fact that you attempted 6:3 today means you didn’t fail!! When a runner sets out to do a specific run & it doesn’t go to plan .. it’s called a practice run.. Enjoy your rest day & try again.. You are stepping up now … all the previous runs have prepared you for this moment..don’t let the gremlins tell you otherwise!! Next time start very slowly 🐌 especially those first 10 mins .. you can always pick it up a bit towards the end if you want to. If this is you first practice run, you have progressed through exceptionally well. Some of us had to repeat whole weeks! You can definitely do this!!!
No you're right being too hard on my self 6 weeks ago 12.5mins would have been a huge achievement. Thank you so much.
As others have said, you didn’t fail. There are lots of elements that go into a run and you definitely succeeded on quite a few of them:
- you committed to doing the run
- you got out there on the run (and believe me, that sometimes doesn’t happen despite me saying that I’m going)
- you gave it your best shot
So there’s a lot to celebrate there, even if it wasn’t the run you planned. Every step you take makes you a stronger and better runner.
One way to take a different perspective is to talk to yourself as you would a friend. I’m sure you wouldn’t tell them they’d failed. Often the runs which don’t go according to plan are the ones we learn the most. There are lots of ways of measuring success.
As you’re finding, a lot of running is in your head and your brain has days where it has a bit of a worry and doesn’t want your legs to keep going. It happens.
Keep things nice and easy pace-wise, try to relax and let it flow and see how it goes for the next run. There’s no rush on C25K. You’re hopefully building a foundation for a hobby that makes you feel good, so don’t worry about the time it takes to get there.
(And I say all of this as someone who had to learn all of this myself. I’ve had similar conversations with myself and given myself the same advice).
Most of all, you’ve got this. Enjoy your next run. We’ll be here cheering you on.
As the others say...just a blip! Slow it down...just relax and take it steady... some you wil and some you just use as a practice.
Don't beat yourself up, it took me 18, yes 18 weeks to complete it, if you are going to get into this running lark, you need to accept that you will not always have perfect runs, it might sound daft but as the runs get longer you might have to slow your pace down, I'm lucky to have a running coach, and to get the lesson across to me he entered me in a 5k race( had not ran 5k before) well I didn't run as far as I expected, because I ran much to fast at the start, and quickly ran out of steam, up to this point I had ran up to 3.2k on the race I managed only 2.6, within a week of that I actually ran the 5k, lesson learned.Good luck.
Whoah….did someone say the ‘F’ word??
F-first
A-attempt
I-in
L-learning
You have done so well getting to this stage and not repeating a run yet! I was like a hamster on a wheel on week 4!
Think about that first run of week one…was it a struggle? Did you think you would make it?
Some runs are tough…and this one is your tough run…but it’s ok to repeat it…just run like you’re in slow motion next time…
Chin up…we’re all rooting for you 👏🏻
🍏⭐️🥳☀️Love the first attempt in learning!!!!
As do I (F.A.I.L) - Will always remember that one! - Should be fridge magnet 
👏 Great idea!!!!
Try not to be too hard on yourself, a run is never a failure! If you feel like you can't go on then perhaps you went out a little too fast, I would try again much slower. Even during a run I will tell myself to slow down if I feel like I'm getting a bit too much out of breath. Try again another day, I know you can do it!
There is nothing at all wrong with walking. The plan is just a guide. We all have off days, so don't worry. Lace up and go again. If you need a walk break take a 30 second walk, you'll do great!
we all have bad days you can and will do it just rest a day and go again ! We will all be cheering you on
It’s definitely not a fail. Failing is when you don’t get out and try. The hardest part of every run is getting off the couch!
I’ve graduated and have just done two 10ks. They were tough but I built up from 5k to 10k over 8 months and I STILL apply all the fantastic advice I got on here. In particular - slow down! It’s better to slow down and keep moving than to go faster then have to walk. That’s been my mantra the whole way though, though it took me a while near the start to accept that slowing down might mean I was pretty much running at walking pace! 😂 slowing down but keeping running allows you to build stamina. Originally I could be running and get tired and slow down and not be catching up on walkers! Now I overtake them!
On my recent 10k i was running with someone else who is much fitter than me. I had to ask them to slow down as I wasn’t enjoying it - when we slowed down (only a tiny bit but enough to make a huge difference) I actually really enjoyed the fun, though it was tough (hilly and muddy!)
Have a day or two to rest then go for it. You CAN do it. Actually way back doing C25k (I’ve done it twice) it was Michael Johnston saying that which got me through week 5 run 3 the first time. It’s about self belief - but slowing down also makes a mess I’ve difference. Your speed will pick up naturally as your fitness grows. Good luck.
You know what - you are out there and challenging yourself. Just by stepping out of the door you are a winner. I guarantee that you will come back even stronger and when you get there it will mean even more. Keep us posted!
You can definitely do it It’s just a blip and there are loads of reasons for it. Maybe too tired, brewing a bug, not enough fuel - list us endless. Tomorrow is another day
I think you’ve self diagnosed part of the problem. Self belief! If I ever worried about a run or thought I’d fail - I did! Trust the program and start with positivity. Doesn’t mean it will be easy but “can do” is the way to go.
Please don’t think you failed. You were up, out and giving it a go. You will succeed, not every run goes as we plan just don’t give up, you’ve come this far, you’ve got this.
I feel your pain, literally! I've been running 3 years and I've just done a race report on one of the others forums and I felt the same as you. I didn't actually stop running my race but I wanted to and felt the frustration it sounds like you had. However, don't tell yourself that you failed, you had a bad run and it happens, simple as! Look at it and think ok, what could have caused it, lack of sleep hydration nutrition, could be a number of things.
I find I have to talk to myself and tell myself that today is another day and what can I do to have a better run. Maybe take it easier, don't go too fast at the beginning.
If you're determined, you'll get there! 😊
Nicspl, there absolutely is no such thing as 'failing miserably' or failing in any other way, come to that! You have not failed in fact you've done an amazing thing getting this far...you've had a set back and your confidence has taken a horrible knock. I found Week 6 the hardest of all of them (I'm on Week 8 atm) and judging my other posts, so did many other people. There's absolutely nothing wrong with going back a week or two to rebuild your confidence and your stamina. I started this running malarkey at 69 and until I began, my idea of exercise was walking the dog...so I typified the 'couch' bit of C25K. When I got to week 6, I hit a psychological wall, absolutely convinced that I was going to have a stroke or a heart attack. What I didn't realise was that my body was actually getting stronger and healthier and more capable - it was my mind that was lagging behind. As I'm sure many others will tell you - trust the programme and if need be S-l-O-W down and if need be go back a week. Good luck - your achievements are amazing.
Absolutely agree with this... week 6 is/was definitely the hardest part for me, not helped by a small injury,(week 6 run3) and now I have wound back to build up again, but the mental hurdle of non stop running was the thing for me! Recovering well and thinking I'll be doing it again soon.....
I have a mental Run Bin and if I have a run that is rotten or doesn’t go to plan I think about why and then pop the run in my Run Bin. It works for me and stops me dwelling or thinking about the F word.😊
Go slow and hydration.. I’m not an expert but that’s worked for me along with slow music and lots of positive self talk along the run when the gremlins attacked . Deep breaths in and out and shoulders down when I have those self doubts. . I’ve recently completed week 6 but did week 6 r3 twice . The last 3mins I had to drag my body around , some kind of walking staggering run 😂😂😂but kept doing the above . It wasn’t a perfect run but we can do it doesn’t matter how many practice runs a run is a run and each run makes us that bit stronger . You got out there one foot in front of the other that’s the main important factor . Don’t be hard on yourself I think we’re amazing for doing this and reaping the benefits physically and mentally
Failing to do something is when you don’t even try. Stop beating yourself up. 👏👏👏
I had the same happen at week 6. It took me quite a few attempts then a complete break from running as I was poorly but tried again once I recovered and managed to advance. It was a few years ago now but I seem to remember feeling ‘stuck’ but I kept going. Believe me it’s worth it and with all the encouragement from friends on here you’ll get there.
Help! - All great until R3Wk6 then I failed miserably...
Miserable
Failed, Failed, Failed
Miserable failure with W5R3
Struggling and miserable because of it!
