C25k Week 9 run 3

[59andrun]

Hi everyone I am getting ready to do my final run of the programme tomorrow, and I am feeling really nervous. I started from a real coach potato. Although I have found almost every run hard I have managed to complete them. Week 9 run 1 was the hardest yet, I couldn't breathe properly for some reason and I gasped along for the 30 mins feeling like I was going to die. My body just felt so tired, every bit of it. When I got home I was physically sick.Run 2 was hard but better. I don't understand what happened on the run 1 that made it so hard, I don't think I ran any faster, and I'm worried it will happen again. Any advice would be appreciated.

[SweatyHettie Graduate]

Ah 59andrun I’m sorry you’re finding it so tough. It’s really worth having a look at the forum there’s great advice out there and I’m sure the lovely admins will point you in the right direction.

From my own personal experience I would say it sounds like you are pushing too hard even though you think you weren’t running any faster. The best bit of advice I ever received was -If you are struggling to breathe you are going too fast. Remember slow and steady wins this race and you’ve come so far you can definitely do this!

My other personal opinion is that running is very much mind over matter at times. You CAN do this. 💪🏻 Do let us know how you get on.

[59andrun Graduate in reply to SweatyHettie]

Thank you SweatyHettie for your reply. Yes maybe I did just push too hard, even though I didn't think I was. I will go out tomorrow and believe I can. Hopefully tomorrow I can report I have graduated. I then plan on running that 30 mins three times a week at a steady slow pace until it feels comfortable 🙃

[SweatyHettie Graduate in reply to 59andrun]

That sounds like a really sensible plan. Go and smash it! We’ll be ready to cheer you over the finish line tomorrow 👏🏼

[Cmoi Graduate]

Sorry to hear that you're finding things so hard   59andrun .

I really hope that you've been lurking on the forum during C25K and taking on board the advice (as I did) rather than struggling for weeks. If by any chance you haven't then it's never too late to have a look at the How to run C25K FAQ: healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

As   SweatyHettie says, if you're feeling breathless when running, let alone being physically sick afterwards, you're almost certainly pushing too hard. Slow down. The idea is to jog at a comfortable pace, not run for your life.

You might also find it helpful to read this thread from the other day, as it provides lots more thoughts and resources, particularly about the mental aspects of running and what to do when you've completed C25K: healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

It doesn't matter if you've always been a couch potato. What matters is what you're doing now. Believe in yourself and you'll almost certainly be surprised by what you can achieve. I know I surprised myself (see my profile if interested.)

Happy running!

[59andrun Graduate in reply to Cmoi]

Hi Cmoi, thank you so much for your reply. I will take on the comments from both of you. I will slow down and believe :). I have just looked at your profile and you have really inspired me. You were the same age as me when you started and look what you achieved ✨️.

[Cmoi Graduate in reply to 59andrun]

Thank you for your kind reply 59andrun . Have fun completing C25K and discovering the sort of running you enjoy!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to 59andrun]

Cmoi has given you great advice... just slow down...x

[sTrongFuse Graduate]

I'll just echo what the others have said, try to slow down. Your running pace doesn't actually need to be any faster than your brisk walking pace.

With the exception of being at a complete stop, there is no such thing as too slow.

Maybe make yourself a playlist that has 6×5 minute songs and just listen to that as you go along. Distraction can be a wonderful aid to getting to the finish line.

Other than that, you've done the 30 minutes twice already, so you know you have it in you. Just go out there and enjoy it (or, at the very least, enjoy the sense of achievement when you complete it). Good luck.

[59andrun Graduate]

Thank you so much for your support lovely people. It really is much appreciated 😊

[Penwithpink Graduate]

I think we get so het up about the last run, the last week even that we can be so stressed - all the weeks before have got us physically ready for graduation but it’s such a mental thing as well x you can do this so good luck we r all rooting for you xx

“ run when you can, walk if you have to, crawl if you must but never stop moving forward” xxx

[59andrun Graduate in reply to Penwithpink]

Hi everyone. This morning I have completed my last run of c25k. I took on your advice to think positive and slow down. It worked and I am so happy 😊. I keep walking around the house grinning to myself. I will never be the fastest and that's OK, but I ran for 30 minutes and I actually enjoyed it. So here I am going forward to a happier, healthier life. Thank you so much for the support ❤️ xxxxx

[Penwithpink Graduate in reply to 59andrun]

So So happy for you x bottle that feeling ! I forced myself to take a video the minute I finished x I am a mess as it was raining and I’m sobbing but when I watch it back I feel so amazing! Many con gratulations fellow graduate you believed you could and you did it xxx have a fantastic day xx

[Katnap Graduate]

Enjoy!

🐱 Katnap 🐱