week 7

[Slothgoesrunning]

…that was tough and not the most enjoyable week. Two runs around local streets and then final run back on my preferred route across the field path.

I realised that the required 25 mins wasn’t what was bothering me or the cold (-1 out there) but the mental (and physical) challenge of the toxic 10. It was hideous and I was tempted to give up a few times.

I didn’t give in but resolved to try and better prepare myself for these longer runs. I can’t be sure what was going on to make it so hard but put it down to a combination of not enough stretching or water and trying to get used to the new shoes (feet were cramping a little so think I need to adjust the laces).

Anyway week seven done, which is good right? But now I am ill with a stomach bug, hot/cold and aching joints 😔 will have to wait to feel better before starting week 8.

[Sax64 Graduate]

Well done for getting out there. These later weeks can be a hard mental and physical challenge. I found to avoid the toxic 10 that

1) I should really warm up before I leave the house to get the muscles warm. I do these

runnersworld.com/health-inj...

2) I should run really slowly, particularly the first 10 minutes of the run

3) stay running slow and easy to keep feeling comfortable, this is not a race. Our bodies are still getting used to running and takes time to adapt.

Hope you feel better soon and that the next run goes better for you. Happy running 🏃‍♀️

[Slothgoesrunning Graduate in reply to Sax64]

thank you Sax64, and for the link, there’s a few on there I haven’t tried before so will definitely be adding them in

[Jools2020 Graduate]

Well done for completing Week 7! I find the Toxic 10 a really challenge, too and I agree with Sax64’s comments.

I add at least a 10 minute warm up walk before I start running. Then I’ll jog really slowly (and I mean barely faster than walking) for the first 5 minutes. After that, I’ll increase slightly. As you’re still doing couch to 5K, you could keep at that pace until the end of your run. That should help you. 😊

[Slothgoesrunning Graduate in reply to Jools2020]

Thank you and great advice. 🙂

[Jools2020 Graduate in reply to Slothgoesrunning]

Hope you’re feeling better today.

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate]

hi Slothgoesrunning ..well done for sticking with it and not stopping..you’re right, sometimes it’s a mental thing..but…if you e come down with a bug then maybe you just weren’t on top form?? When those gremlins spot a weak spot then they will home in on it & tell you that you can’t do it…so when you’re coming down with something, they’re in!!

I’ve just completed w6r3 this morning…when I got to the towpath it was full of snow and a very small part of my head said ‘oh ohhhhh what if I slip and fall, then I’m off work ???’ Then the biggest part of my head said ‘don’t be stupid, you ran last year in the snow and enjoyed it!!!’ So I just went …no more thinking…& I broke the run up into chunks…10 minutes, turned round, turned round for the next 10 and then just carried on for the last 5…& it flew by…when I got back to the car I was chuffed with myself…1 for completing the run &. 2 for just getting on with it …

Wait until you’re over this bug..then shoulders back…and go grab week 8 by the horns

[Slothgoesrunning Graduate in reply to Mummycav]

thank you mummycav. And well done on completing week 6.

[TongtongBunny]

T_T Week 7 is kicking my butt. Tried to create a playlist of angry/motivating music, but perhaps podcasts would be more distracting. Hope you're back on your feet soon!