Week 6

[Allotmentrunner]

Was doing ok up till week 6, but now getting slower. Found the 2nd run of the week hard work. Now not looking forward to the 3rd run. Anyone else got stuck at this stage?

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

Congratulations to you Allotmentrunner on completing weeks 1 to 5 and run 1 and 2 of week 6 of C25K, so you have ran the big one,, run 3 of week 5, twenty minutes, run 3 of week 6 only 5 minutes longer and is the run at the end that your coach tells you that you are "now officially a runner", take that run slow and steady as you took run 3 of week 5.

[Annieapple Administrator Graduate]

🍏These longer runs require more mental effort than the earlier weeks… don’t be tempted in to running faster… be positive from the start …

During the warm up walk, tell yourself ..

I am now a runner, this was the goal …to run & I am doing that…

I want the next goal…to complete this run.. so I am going to start very slowly so I can get all the way…

I am going to enjoy it & look around.. what can I see, what can I feel.. what can I smell…

I will only speed up a little right at the end of the run to celebrate…

Run done … I will let my friends on C25K know!!

[Naturebest]

Hi Allotmentrunner

Just seen your post after I did my post today We are in the same boat 😀

I’ve read the responses so going to give it a go today my 3 rd attempt week 6 r 3 I’m going to go slow slow slow 😎

[Allotmentrunner Graduate Graduate in reply to Naturebest]

So good to know I’m not alone. Good luck to the both of us!

[Annieapple Administrator Graduate in reply to Naturebest]

🍏Yes you are both runners and you can both do it!! All the previous runs have prepared you!

[Allotmentrunner Graduate Graduate in reply to Naturebest]

Thinking of a fellow 6 weeker 😊

[JeremiahObadiah Graduate]

The programme does really work -but in order to get to the 30mins it does have to ratchet up.

The good thing is , you have been sticking to the slow and steady build of runs , your body can manage it, really!

The bad thing is, despite you being physically able, your brain has lagged behind and still believes you should not be exerting yourself in this way.

It’s not easy to override the naysaying that goes on in one’s head. Try to trust the prog and believe that you are ready to take on the last three weeks of this exciting project to become a 30min runner. But keep a check on the speed, if you go too fast and get self over heated, over tired, maybe a few niggles creep in and then the doubting voices in your head get stronger and louder, you can start to believe them!

[Freecloud Graduate]

I qualified from c25k almost exactly 2 years ago, and I remember going through it all like you. You will find your head playing tricks with you big time and it's only human nature. I didn't complete the 5k distance when I graduated but I didn't care. I was just happy to be running.

[RollingPea Graduate]

Hi Allotmentrunner, You can do this. One thing to bear in mind is that it is not essential to do the runs on alternate days. I found I had to take extra rest days in between the runs, especially when it was hot. So for me, the C25K programme took longer, but it was the only way I could carry on, and yes, I was able to complete it, which is the goal after all. I graduated about a year ago and love being a runner. I can run on alternate days without difficulty now. If your body is telling you to slow things down a bit, then listen to it and take more time if needed.

[Allotmentrunner Graduate Graduate in reply to RollingPea]

That’s helpful thanks. I put myself under pressure to stick to my perception of the “rules”, so it’s good to get “permission “ to be more flexible and yes especially when it’s hot 🥵.

[RollingPea Graduate]

Yes, flexibility is fine. The tricky part is not being so flexible that you lose momentum 😴 and fall right out of the programme 😱. Make sure you are well hydrated, take the runs nice and slow if you are out in the heat (schedule early morning runs if possible to avoid heat), repeat any of the runs if you feel you need more practice at that level, then move on. As long as you keep a strict eye on where you are heading ..🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️🏃 you will be fine. We are cheering you and Naturebest on.