Stuck at wk8

[Sassy1]

I started week 8 last week and so far have only managed to run 1x 28 min...I have been continuing to go out for a run but only been doing 22 mins. I have sciatica which has been playing up so haven't been wanting to push it...bit annoyed with it all though. But hey at least I'm still trying just stuck doing! Right?....

[sfb350 Graduate]

Have you been having just one rest day between each run ? If so, maybe give yourself an extra day or two of rest (you could perhaps do some low impact exercise instead), then try again. At week 8, you've made quite a lot of progress over the last few weeks and I think sometimes an extra rest to catch up can help. If you've been suffering with sciatica you probably need/deserve a little extra rest It might help you feel a bit fresher before your next run and give you that extra bit of energy to complete the run. You could also start off at a slower pace - if you have extra energy in reserve as you get close to the end you can treat yourself to a fast finish, which can be quite a high ! Good luck, I'm sure you'll crack it soon

[bizzyb Graduate]

you should be proud of what you have achieved so far, in your shoes I would stick at week 8 and if you are making 22 minutes at the moment I would try to extend it 1 minute at a time and more if you are feeling good on that particular run. Also like sfb350 says, perhaps put an extra rest day in here and there, and set off at a slower pace, you can always speed up if you have got more to give as you go along. week 7, 8 and 9 are all about consolidation and putting in the time, you will get there, don't get dis-spirited at this stage

[PatButcher Graduate]

It's all about listening to your body, it knows best! You are still doing amazingly well to be running 22 minutes. Just keep at week 8 until you feel comfortable with it and as above, leave an extra day or two in between runs, you probably need it, and you will notice a difference, good luck

[Jojiyo Graduate]

I am very sure that you can run 28 minutes next time....try to rest an extra day between runs....It can make the difference........