W7r3 done.

[Baggieboy61]

Just completed W7r3. I struggled a bit. I don’t think I recovered enough from the previous run 2days before. I’m aching today. Calves in particular. I feel tired. I think my medication is holding me back. I take beta blocker for hypertension. I can’t elevate my heart rate above 130. I’m going to give myself an extra days rest between runs. I am going to contact my GP to see if I can change my tabs. I’m not sure if I’m feeling this way due to the increased running or the medication. Or both. I look forward to the runs and I prefer the longer ones. Maybe I’m expecting too much too soon.

[RunBrianRun Graduate]

Adaptation to running takes a long time. Like years! Recovery takes as long as needed and usually longer than you think so you are doing the right thing by having that extra day of rest between runs.

The other thing you must do is slow down. No matter how slow you think you are going. If you are out of breath and can’t talk to yourself or sing a song then walk for a bit to catch your breath and then slow down when you get back to jogging.

Definitely go to your doctor for a check up as it could be your meds that are causing your tiredness among other things.

[Baggieboy61 Graduate in reply to RunBrianRun]

Thanks for the comments. I was starting to get a bit disillusioned. It’s my lack of experience.

[RunBrianRun Graduate in reply to Baggieboy61]

Don’t worry. We’ve all been there I promise you. I was exactly the same as you when I started. It’s so easy to fall into a negative mindset when your body doesn’t do what you think it should. The process is slow but it’s a trusted one and it will work. It’s well worth it. I promise you that. Good luck.

[moopo]

How was the step up from w6 to w7. My week 7s were OK, like all the runs that far I made different types of progress, one of my W7s I was so keen uncharacteristically I went out early and at the weekend too; one I had technical hiccups and all used up my energy, leg strength and puff differently. I'm into week 8 at the mo, I might have done 3 runs but I'm considering another, just to settle my mind that I'm ready for w9. Running for 2 more minutes seems such a small addition.

I'll not venture an opinion on your meds. If like me C25k has been a big change to the amount of activity and strength it will change your body. It's hard getting the body and mind into this running thing and obviously we'll have tougher runs and recovery periods. I think the stock advice of keeping it slow and steady to avoid injury is applicable here. I just tell myself to keep at it at my own pace and level. It's not a question of getting it done it's a question of making the permanent change... gradually.

[drl212 Graduate]

Sounds like a great idea to consult your healthcare provider about your medications and any side effects they might have. Your pharmacist might also be able to help.

That said, all runs are different even if they are the same duration, same time of day, etc.

Your body will guide you as to when to strike out for Week 8. Do keep us posted...