Started W6 today and run 1 was SO hard....

[stayinbed]

I can't see why, when w5's run 3 was 20 solid minutes and today was 'only' 18 with 2 walks. Think I'm going to have to stop running up aforesaid steep hill (!!) as today was so hard. I can't see why after w5's 20 minute run. I'm always very tired but today was so hard. I went off-piste along a public footpath that turned out to be through a muddy field so I won't be doing that again. Trouble is I don't want to be beaten by a bit of a hill, and, because it's a dead end for traffic, it's very safe and my dog can be off her lead. She has to be dragged along on the lead and it won't be much fun for her on the roads. I wish I could sneak out without her but that can't be done. I'm going to have to check for other footpaths.

I'm not going to bother with new trainers as I think my old ones are actually quite supportive (unlike my dear husband!)

I downloaded the audiofuel free tracks that are on this site. I've not listened to the running one yet, but the walk one was very, very fast. If we're supposed to be moving to the beat, I'm going to become one big blur!!! The idea's good but I think when I've graduated, I'll stick to proper music.

Oh well, wherever I run on Wednesday, I can't believe I'm on wk 6 and STILL standing!

[Squiggles Graduate]

I felt the same about W6R1 and apparently others did too - I was pretty disheartened after such a good W5R3, but it was nice to know that others had felt the same, and I actually felt really good after W6R2. And I'm still raring to go for W6R3 tomorrow, so something's going right - we've been running for six weeks - I think we deserve a pat on the back!

[Legion Graduate]

Yep, felt the same about week 6, run 1, after wondering why it looked 'so much easier' than W5,R3. We've reached the point where our bodies are really having to work at this, and need a bit of extra recovery time. I'm having an extra day off since W6,R2 (Sunday) before tackling W6,R3 (or something resembling it). If you're feeling tired, then you may want to do the same. Once I'd given myself permission to have an extra rest day (which is /not/ the same as giving up) I found I was looking forward to running again on fresh legs, rather than dreading the next run as I have been.

[stayinbed Graduate]

Sounds like a good idea, but unfortunately I'm a bit obesssive about running on Mon/Wed/Fri! Don't know why, although this habit would be a good one to get out of!

[stayinbed Graduate]

Yes, I'm glad to know that others are finding it hard...don't want to sound cruel, but I'm sure you know what I mean!!!

[Marnsta]

Yeah I found the whole of week 6 pretty tough -I don't know if it was because I found week 5 run3 easier than I thought and then got a bit cocky on week 5 and went too fast? I had to drag myself through the last 5 minutes of week 6 run 3. Im hoping the 25 minute runs will become easier throughout week 7-(run 1 tonight) but I am dreading it to be honest. We will get there though!

[stayinbed Graduate in reply to Marnsta]

I'm getting plenty of practice in...I'm dreading W7 already! I didn't realise until recently that we're supposed to be runniing in time to the music! Running is SO hard. On my warmup walk, I walk faster than the music beat but when running, the sheer effort makes my brain melt. I CANNOT even breathe properly, let alone run to the beat!

[Soozz Graduate]

With you all on week 6, it's starting to get quite tiring and I think I'm going to go back to 3 runs in 7 days rather than one running, one resting. Dreading the 25 min run, only just managed 20. I've noticed as well about the pacing, I started going faster (or less slowly!) in pace with the music and as a result was battling to complete the second 8 minutes.

On a good note, I THINK my husband is going to start C25K tomorrow.

[Soozz Graduate]

Just re-read your comment about we're supposed to be running in time with the music. Shock, horror! have I been doing it all wrong?

[Legion Graduate]

I haven't been running in time to the music, but then the music feels more like something to run away from. I listened to my own music all the way through W6,R3 today, and it was 'ordinary' music rather than a pre-made running playlist, as I had actually planned to listen to my audiobook. However, I was enjoying a Paul Simon CD in the car as I drove to the woods, so I decided to continue listening to it on my mp3 player... until I discovered he wasn't on there. So, I listened to another 'P' instead, Peter Gabriel, who I probably wouldn't have put on a running playlist, despite being a big fan. He turned out to be a perfect choice.

But I digress. Ran for all but 90 seconds of the 25 minute run, and... I enjoyed it! I didn't feel anywhere near as tired as I have on my last three runs. The trick? I had an extra day off for the first time. I guess my body needed and utilised that extra rest day, and a good run today was the result. So if you're feeling tired, I really recommend an extra day off. I can't stress enough how much it helped me. I was in a running rut and not looking forward to the next run. Today, I enjoyed it and it felt comfortable. Even my breathing was okay, once I stopped myself breathing too fast. Look forward to reading your W6,R3 blog.

[stayinbed Graduate]

I've spoken to some people who think running should be in time to the music but I so agree with Legion, I,m not inspired at all & can't wait to get to the end and run to my own choices. This music really does make you want to run!

[Ilovechocolate Graduate]

OMG I did not realise you had to run in time to the music. Week 7's music is awful, week 8 isn't much better so I have been running to my own instead!