Week 7 done

[PeroxidePixie]

I finished week 7 last weekend and managed to run for 25 minutes each time but decided to repeat the last run tonight as I was finding the last five minutes really hard and was willing Sarah Millican to announce the final 60 seconds so the idea of increasing to 28 minutes seemed a step too far.

Tonight’s run was very similar, completing the run but finding it tough. Is this normal or should I be finding it easier each time? I’m wondering if I should keep repeating until it does feel easier or make the step up to week 8 and the 28 minute run?

[Folkylass Graduate]

Hi . First off….I’m loving the name it’s fab! Second don’t be hard on yourself and please don’t worry about finding it difficult to reach 25mins …..we’ve all been in your situation at one time or another. There is really no harm in just repeating that run until you are totally comfortable and feel at ease running it. If you were to just go straight to the 28 minute run the way your feeling now ,you might just find that you could find it even harder and pack it in which is not what we would want for you.

I think your best bet is to repeat the 25 minutes ,don’t start off too fast, and just try and relax into it. Whilst you are running take your mind off the time and think of what you might do after you’ve finished the run, perhaps a lovely reward for yourself for completing 25mins with no worries. Once you feel like you have comfortably ran 25 mins then move onto 28mins. Don’t rush it …..there really is no need. This is your journey and you have to do it your way which is comfortable and enjoyable for you.

You will get there and there really is no need to worry. However personally I wouldn’t rush to 28mins just yet. You’ll know when your ready.. honestly.

Keep up your great work and thanks for sharing. Looking forward to more of you posts and reading about your progress. Hope this helps.

Good luck👍😂

[PeroxidePixie in reply to Folkylass]

Thanks for the reply - I’m going to follow your excellent advice and repeat 25 mins tomorrow night.

[Annieapple Graduate]

🍏 Lovely encouragement from  Folkylass Welcome to our forum & how exciting that you are into these longer runs. Even Marathon runners have to pace their runs so the general rule of thumb is to start really slowly especially the first 10 mins to allow your muscles that transition from walking to running. You have to leave room in the tank to finish strong! Once you feel comfortable keep it slow and steady. Towards the end you can pick up the pace if you want to. SLOW is the way to get through these longer runs. Do come and let us know how you are getting on! We will support you all the way! Well done on getting to this point! 🥳

Read this link for extra help when you have a moment!

healthunlocked.com/couchto5......

[drl212 Graduate]

Hi! Don't be hard on yourself. During my C25K I learned that every run is different. In those last weeks, I might run one of them and feel great, no problems, and then the next run was much more difficult. It seemed crazy.

Listen to your body. If you think consolidating that 25 min run will give you more confidence, go for it. If you think you'd like to try the 28, go for it. But always know you can step back.

Think of it as a journey, not a destination...

[John_W Graduate]

In what way are you finding the last 5 mins hard?

Can you describe what's going on? Out of breath? Legs heavy? Mentally fed up?

[PeroxidePixie in reply to John_W]

I’m willing the last 5 minutes to come to an end. I don’t feel particularly out of breath which I’m surprised about but the legs are feeling heavy and when the 25 minutes are up I don’t feel like I could do another 3 minutes. I don’t think it helps doing it straight after work and was thinking I would repeat 25 minutes and then try for the 28 minutes at the weekend.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

The advice that Folkylass has given you is so good... just keep it slow and steady... Take a peek too at the Catch Up Corner post this week... all about pace and how you feel

healthunlocked.com/couchto5......