To all week 7ers and anyone else struggling...

[nicolaclaire]

Well those of you who have been around since I started this journey back in June will know it has been slow and sometimes a struggle for me but I'm still hanging on in here. (if you want proof read my blogs, so glad I wrote them as I can look back and see how far I've come)

Week 7 has nearly beaten me, in fact, i had all but given up when I started to read the latest blogs on here and saw quite a few people are struggling too, so thank you subhyst and skessex78 your blogs have inspired me, let's crack this together.

In fact anyone who is struggling at the moment, know that you're not the only ones and don't give up! I'm determined that we can all do this (it may take some of us longer than others!)

I'm going to have a go tonight after work and I'll be taking you all with me, and whether or not the run is a success you have all inspired me to get out there again!

Thank you! Xxx

[Dhol Graduate]

Wk 5/3 is just the mental barrier while Wk 7 is the hardest and is the no way back line In the program.

It's the real physical test that you are for the long run but it's also the week you will learn (or force to) to control your pace, tempo and breathing.

Reduce your pace !!!. If you have completed the program so far and you r struggling, is most of the time because you are going too fast. Keep your focus, reduce your pace, relax your body, distract your mind during running ...you will do find .... Good luck in your next run

[SBG356 Graduate]

Yes Dhol is right; W7 is the hardest physically until now to run whereas before its been more mental. After the high of running for 20 mins this now becomes a serious business!Pacing is definately the key. Good luck for tonight!

[mattaitch Graduate]

keep going, don't fret about speed or how you are struggling. When (note when not if) you get though 7 I think you'll find that 8 & 9 fly by,

[DeliaItaly Graduate]

Hey nicolaclaire, remember me? I'm way behind you now as I've only just come back after 6 weeks in plaster, but just remember LIFE IS A MARATHON. NOT A RACE. You'll get there in good time. Good luck! xox

[nicolaclaire in reply to DeliaItaly]

Of course I remember you! I may not have been running but I've been as someone else said 'lurking in the shadows' glad you're back on your feet and well done for not giving up. It's people like you that keep me going x

[subhyst]

Hi nicolaclaire,

thanks for the message and inspiration to get up and give you 25 minutes, which I did this morning. What I learnt today:

1. The past is the past and 2 horrible runs are behind me, but as a result of them I had a good one today, we all have to pay for the good times somehow.

2. I'm never going to run with my head down again, I've been so embarrassed about how slow I am (all the gear and no idea is what I look like), so it was head up, look 'em in the eye job this morning.

3. This is my journey no one else's, so no trying to speed up as I pass other people and their dogs, this is my pace I own it and I'm gonna keep it, therefore lungs did not feel like they were going to internally combust.

4. The legs do come back to life and kick in without sacks of tatties attached to them, it's just we don't know when and they aren't good at letting us know.

5. I went back to Laura today, in fact she's now on my Christmas list, but must buy her some new CD's she way out of touch, but having her back gave me a sense of normality/confidence.

6. It's getting way too cold for the 5 minute so called "warm up" I was freezing, I was glad to get jogging to warm up - brass monkeys or what.

Have a great day nicolaclaire - as you say "we can do it".

[nicolaclaire in reply to subhyst]

Thank you! Well I did it (kind of) had a couple of 15 second walks but I'm not worried about that as I realised how far I have come in the last 16 ( yes 16!) weeks. Am going to try not to leave such a long gap between run this time and see if it helps.

Interestingly, I run without Laura today as the music was starting to do my head in and I really missed her! So I too will be reunited with her next run...

[smhall Graduate]

Congratulations on your success, nicola!! Your determination and commitment is a wonderful example to ALL!! I would love to have more to say, but subhyst said everything perfectly!! Excellent advice all the way around!! Keep Running!!

[subhyst]

Well done you - such determination, Ahhhhh that Laura woman we all think we can do with out her and end up missing her...... if only she knew the amount of times she's been dumped then brought back to life again.

Good luck