How come i seem to be going in reverse....

[7ermintrude]

Got to Week 8 and i seem to have hit a wall.. can't run for the full time without having to stop a few times to catch me breath.. Hitting 4K but why oh why can't i just run???? It's getting really frustrating and starting to get to me a bit now.

[Katsmeat Graduate]

Could you be going too fast? Try forgetting the distance and work on completing the time for a couple of runs then increase the pace when you feel more comfortable with the 28 minutes.

I started running too fast right after I graduated and it took me ages to work out what had gone wrong. I didn't even realise what I was doing but just found I couldn't complete a run without some walking. Now I've slowed it right back down again and I feel so much more confident.

Good luck on your last week!

[7ermintrude Graduate in reply to Katsmeat]

i didn't think i was.. i've always thought i was too slow.. so very very annoying, but i guess if i keep plugging away i'll maybe get there

[Soozz Graduate]

I agree with Katsmeat about going too fast. It's so easy to do, specially if you're using the podcasts cos the tracks get faster. I found W8 a battle, and almost got stuck there - did R3 3 times. Yet I managed to graduate, so there is hope! Just take it steadily and stay calm, and I am confident you will be fine. You have got this far and you have done all the work leading up to this point. Even Laura says that it's the time not the speed or distance that counts at this stage.

We'll be cheering you on for your last few runs - really, not many left now!

[SarahP0003 Graduate]

I agree with the comments above - I also struggled with week 8 and 9 and I think it was because I struggled with my pace and was going too fast (even though I'm very slow!). I'm gradually getting more consistent with my pace and managing to run for longer, rather than feeling like giving up after 10 mins. Good luck - you'll get there!

[7ermintrude Graduate]

thanks everyone.. nice to know i'm not alone in my W8 torment

[tantrumbean Graduate]

It happened to me in week 9, suddenly got stitch, had to start walking, couldn't run for more than 15 minutes, had to repeat runs...it was a nightmare, ended up with a proper mental block which made it worse and there was absolutely no reason for it. Have a look at my old blogs and you get the whole tale of woe!!!!

[mcc65 Graduate]

I seem to be having the same problem in W7 although so far I have only failed to finish 1 run - the weird thing is that I had already completed the 25 minutes twice so I couldn't understand why it suddenly seemed so hard 'cos I haven't altered my pace. The only thing that is different for me is that up to the end of W5 I had a very structured routine for my runs but the last couple of weeks I have been swamped by life and work and my running routine is all over the place and I'm not feeling as keyed up as I was because I'm having to squeeze my runs in and I think it is that mental aspect that may be affecting my performance.

I was talking to my hubby about it and he gave me a really good piece of advice - focus on your goal and don't get too hung up on how you get there. I have completed two of my W7 runs now (albeit last night I only just managed it) so in theory I only need to do one more but I don't feel anywhere near ready for W8 and would rather do a couple of extra W7 runs before moving on and not being able to complete the runs.

As for pace, I'll be lucky to be hitting 3k 'cos I'm so slow, but for me the important thing has been to build up the stamina to run for 30 mins and then I can start upping the pace :o)

Good luck - you'll get there, it just sounds like you need to take a bit of pressure off yourself.

[gdeann Graduate]

Great advice given!!! I graduated this week and I am not near at a 5K. Do what your body is telling you, sounds like slowing down is what it wants to do. Wishing you success!