I've hit a wall - can anyone help to get me back on course?

[Lindyr]

I have been really enthusiastic up to week6. This morning I attempted week6 run 3 and have failed it miserably. I seemed to have lost all my enthusiasm, started thinking I'll never be able to run. I really want to be able to run! Please can anyone help me get over this 'hopefully just a hiccup'?

[listhestar]

When you say failed it miserably. How? Were you struggling with legs, breathing etc. Sometimes you have a bad run, the best thing to do is dust yourself off and try again. Look at what you ate that day, did you have adequate fluid on board. Some of my worst runs have been if I was coming down with something or if I skimmed with meals or fluids. You already are running, you can do 20mins- thats more than someone sat on a couch. I haven't done a race yet but class myself as a runner and so should you. Chalk this one attempt to one of those things, have a good rest day or even 2 rest days and attack it again. Good luck.

[SarahR Graduate]

you can run! you did week 5 run 3 remember! I had the same thing with week 6... found all sorts of reasons not to do it and actually didn't go out for 2 or 3 weeks. I think its something to do with the thought of the longer runs but they are doable if you slow down. In the end I couldn't bear the idea of giving up on all the hard work up to that point so I started again at week 5 run 3 and graduated a few months ago. Try changing route... I used to get on a bus and get off roughly 2 miles from home and force myself to run back! once you have graduated ( and you will Im sure) you can run to your own music and that makes a huge difference . Good luck !!

[Lindyr in reply to SarahR]

Thanks so much for your reply. I felt so down when I got home, but I am going to continue on Sunday morning, that's leaving 2 days rest. I'll go back to wk5 run 3 as you suggest. My motivation had slipped, reading about others is getting it back already! Many thanks!

[fillyfoo]

I'm still 'stuck' on W6R3, but no longer thinking about it as stuck and have been repeating a mixture of W6R1 & 2 and some W5 runs, I managed W5R3 so I know I can do it, just hit a bit of a plateau for now. I am still really enjoying running (even going to the lengths of going out at 0530 to get it in before work when its been hot recently), so I'll get there in the end, I'm not in any sort of rush to graduate, just enjoying the journey.

As long as you are enjoying it, you are not failing at anything

[nickinocki]

I'm only on W2R3, so where you are is miles away still and you are an inspiration to me to have got so far

Don't give up, you'll do it if you want to. Just take your inspiration from how far you've already come, the support from everyone who has replyed to your post, me using you as inspiration and not to mention all the Team GB athletes winning medals in the Olympics!

Good luck!

[flowerbox Graduate]

I've found it harder after W6R3, it's just the thought of every run being a long one and no short-term target to keep me going forward. I've dropped down to only 1-2 runs a week where I was sometimes managing 4 because I keep finding excuses not to go. I also seem to be getting one bad run per week where I just can't manage the full time.

I'm trying to look on the positive side, I'm exercising, I'm getting fitter, this isn't a race to the end it's a change of lifestyle.

[Lindyr in reply to flowerbox]

Thanks,that's what I am going to focus on - it's not a race, it's a change of lifestyle and it's keeping me fitter than I was before.

[Elizadolots Graduate]

I had a dip as well, maybe the step up from running with walking breaks to just run continually is a bit of a mental block to overcome. Take a couple of days break and then just 'do it'. You are capable of it, mentally and physically.

Good luck and keep us informed will you?