The week 6 struggle

[New_runner82]

Hi everyone. New to running and have been progressing along nicely to hit the exciting highs of completing W5R3. The only issue is, since this event I have repeatedly been knocked back and been beaten by week 6. I've got into my own head now and am starting to doubt myself. I know I can do it, but when I'm on the treadmill I just can't seem to hit my rhythm and push through. I tries dropping back to W4R1 and even found that a struggle. I worry I am on a downward spiral and am not entirely sure how to get back up. This has led my 3 runs a week streak to end up as a once a week effort which deflates me further. Any advice on how to rediscover my mojo?

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate]

hi New_runner82 …very well done on getting to this part of the programme…you’re doing so well & don’t let those gremlins in your head tell you otherwise…

This is such a familiar story…when we conquer the last run in week 5 it often makes us feel invincible & although it’s back to having walk breaks in week 6 we are very often tempted to start too fast…and here lies the problem…keep it slow..slower than slow if you have to…settle into the run & I am sure you will be able to keep going…let us know how you get on…please try not to get disheartened, you are not the first and you def won’t be the last…you’re in good company…keep that smile on your face while you’re running too…those happy endorphins will help tonnes

[drl212 Graduate]

Week 6 can be difficult for lots of people - especially after that Week 5 Run 3 high!! It was an adjustment for me, too.

Agree with MC - keep it slow and steady and you'll do it. Repeat as many runs as you need to get your confidence back.

Do let us know how you get on...

[RunningNoobs]

Hello there New_Runner82,

This is just to say hi, and been there too.

I have had to do weeks 4 and 5 over and over until I got rid of every single gremlin in my head, and eventually moved on to week 6.

I find that for some of us, the progress is too steep. So eventually I stopped beating myself up and took the plan as a 'goal' rather than something to be followed strictly. I allowed myself to double some weeks, or some runs if I felt depleted.

Went for duration rather than speed (so slowed waaaay down).

That made me feel more humble, and what I was aiming for was progress, not perfection. I felt more centered, too, like I was running for myself, not for show (darn ego...)

Eventually, this made me feel better about what I *did* manage to do, and not feel so bad about my shortcomings.

Of course this is strictly my personal experience, and just wanted to share with you that some of us need more time than others.

We don't all start from the same place. Look at the progress you have made since day 1! You can be proud of yourself. Keep it up!

We don't have to do this in a straight line.

I know some people will swear by the plan, but for me, the main thing was to keep running, even if just for a little bit. That's the mindset that has helped me, and I hope it will help you get back on track.

But maybe a kick in the butt will be the better approach for you?

So stop moaning and get out there! 😜

You've got this!!

You'll get there eventually, with time and consistency you can do anything 💪

Best of luck with figuring out what helps you keep on track, and then, well, 'just do it'!

/!\ Digression/!\

This reminds me of an ad on the telly in the year 2000, when a guy getting ready for a workout was getting followed by his couch, through his appartment, and all the way down the stairs, trying to hold on to him so he wouldn't get out for his run...

I still think of that ad sometimes, feel like it really captures that pre-exercise mental battle with myself before I get those shoes on😅

Anyone else remember that ad ??

[HorsePlay Graduate in reply to RunningNoobs]

Hi, I don't think I saw it, but just found this - hilarious! 😂 youtu.be/2U2F2msyG3w(Not working as expected?)

[RunningNoobs in reply to RunningNoobs]

That's the one!!!!!

Well done for finding it, I could have sworn it was a nike ad; spent a good couple hours looking for it yesterday (and got lost along the way, darn YouTube 😅)

[HorsePlay Graduate]

There has been some great advice posted here already. But just to add - I managed to complete the programme recently, and although I found it hard, I just kept going - people in my life (very kindly) think that I'm 'disciplined', but I think I'm just 'stubborn'! 😂 Keep going, I'm sure you'll get there 👍🏻