week 9 run 1 fail 😞

[runningforu]

So close to the end of programme but first run of week 9 today and I had to stop at 27 mins - first time in the whole programme I’ve not completed a run. I’ve had a slightly longer rest break of 4 days as my knee was starting to ache last week and it felt lots better at the start but flared up again which is why I stopped. So gutted. I know this is only the start of my running journey but was looking forward to completing the programme, am thinking I should maybe take a good rest again and drop back down to 25 mins for a while til my knee is feeling up to it… any advice or inspiration gratefully received!

[BahamaMama1 Graduate]

Don't be disheartened. If your body is telling you there is a problem you need to listen and not set yourself back. Week9 will be there waiting for you when you are back to full strength 😀

[Annieapple Administrator Graduate]

🍏Excellent advice from BahamaMama1 No such word as fail!! We use the word practice! If it didn’t quite go as planned it was a practice run which we repeat in due course! Don’t run with pain! Seek medical advice from GP or physio. Let us know how you get on!

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate]

Argh, I really feel for you. What rotten luck to come so close to the end. Totally agree with the other posters-it’s absolutely right to take this seriously, let yourself recover and not run through pain. That’s going to have the best result long term, and you honestly will have a long term to look forward to. I’ve had injuries too. We pretty much all have!

The more I’ve run, the more I’ve realised that niggles and setbacks are a standard part of the process. You find out what’s wrong, you follow the advice, you get stronger and you come back a stronger runner who knows what works for them in terms of running and recovery, It’s hard not to get despondent, but hold on to the fact that most issues can be fixed with the right kind of strength and flex exercises, or changing shoes, guided by someone who knows what they’re talking about.

I had a miserable time with my knee and saw a physio. That ended up being the best thing that’s happened to my running. Hopefully this will end up being a positive in disguise for you too. Reallh good luck ❤️‍🩹

[runningforu]

Thanks so much to those who replied for the pep talk - I think rest, reevaluate and seek some help so I can ‘practice’ week 9 again sounds like a plan!

[Glynnh100]

Don't give up. If you've got through the programme so far you've done great. Everyone has an off day. Just pace yourself more rather than dropping back. You weren't far short! 👍

[Glynnh100 in reply to Glynnh100]

I should have said if the knees that bad then don't risk making it worse. Rest it if that's what your body is telling you to do and use some ice and heat packs on it.

[BlackCountryLee Graduate]

You did totally the right thing stopping. Give yourself time for the knee to recover and if you need to go back a couple of weeks in the program and build yourself back up that’s fine. I’ve had loads of setbacks over the past two years but I tell myself I’m a runner now for life so waiting a couple of weeks to get physically right is no big deal, there’s no rush. Hope you feel better soon!

[hamit Graduate]

No such thing as a Fail just a Rehearsal.Have an Excellent Day.

[Gthants]

So wise to stop - well done you! It's so easy to "push through" and I know from experience what a mistake it can be. If you niggle persists, see a physio, but it's far better to take a literal step back and give your knee a chance to recover. You've got through this far but the whole programme is about getting your mind and body used to running, so listen to your body now and take your time to heal. There's no reason to stop exercising and getting stronger!

[Madwife60]

Furst well done for getting to week 9

As a fellow dodgy knee sufferer my advice would be listen to your body. I’ve tried carrying on and the outcome has been disastrous. I’m back on the hobbling injury couch and just about managed a 10 minute gentle mile yesterday after a 3 week break. Go careful xx

[Heti Graduate]

Listen to your body. It’s not a competition but a journey you take to become a runner and healthier. I’m now on ‘Beyond C25K: Stepping Stone’ but I took 7 months to complete my ‘C25K’ as I needed to lose weight, build stamina and run for the first time since secondary school. I’m 60 years old! Be kind to yourself!!!!! 😘

[Gottamakechanges Graduate]

I'm really impressed you stopped and didn't try to keep going and poss cause more problems for your knee. I genuinely think that shows strength of character. Hope it's all better soon. 🙏😘

[LazyRunningBirder]

It's not a fail! It's just a little rest! We've all been there - you're not on the couch!

[runningforu]

just a quick update to say I did it - lasted the whole 30 mins this morning.

Decided to see how it went and to walk as soon as knee hurt to avoid injury. I slowed things right down even more (pretty slow already!) and paid lots of attention to how I was landing my feet etc (I run on pretty uneven hilly terrain) and that seemed to do the trick.

So I will even more slow jog my way through the rest of week 9 and complete the 30 mins - 5k wasn’t going to happen anyway so now it’s just going to take a bit longer but I’ve got lots of running years to get there. Thanks everyone for the morale boost, it really helped!

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate in reply to runningforu]

That’s a great update. Just checking that when you say you “lasted” that that means you stayed pain free though the run and afterwards. Hopefully that will continue to graduation (and beyond!!)!