C25K Week 6 Run 2 - Oh. My. God.

[bexbridge]

Now, maybe I was just being a wee bit naive, but after running* for 20 minutes non stop last Friday, I thought that the first two runs in Week 6 would be ok. How wrong was I!!??

Run 1 on Monday was a mare although I have to say that I mainly put that down to the weather. It was freezing - literally 0 degrees - with a very strong and bitterly cold wind. When I started it was ok, I couldn't feel my legs because they were so numb but apart from that it was going well. And then I turned round to come back. Bad move. Not only was that lovely wind blowing against me, it was also blowing snow into my face! However, I put my head down and persevered and when the final 5 minutes were up I actually shouted out loud and swore a bit.....thankfully there was no-one around.

So today the sun was shining, there was no real wind and all I had to do was run for 2 x 10 minutes with a 3 minute walk in between. No problem, right?

Wrong. Very, very wrong.

The first 10 minutes was hard going especially as the elderly lady in front of me walking her dog was seemingly going faster than I was, and I found it hard to even do the 3 minute walk afterwards, but the second 10 minutes was brutal. I made it, but from about 6 minutes onwards it was mentally and physically exhausting. My chest felt tight and I seemed to be struggling to breathe at times. To say I was relieved when Laura told me to slow down is an understatement and it took all my strength to do the 5 minute cool down walk home. All I wanted to do was sit on the nearest wall and try to catch my breath.

I am now very fearful about Friday's 25 minute run. Don't get me wrong, even after doing the 20 minutes last week I knew that to go for an extra 5 minutes would be difficult for me but had confidence that it would be possible. After today that confidence has taken a hammering, I don't even think that 20 minutes is achievable now, it's really made me question my progress and ability to complete this plan. From next week it's long runs all the way. Am I capable? I know I've come a long, long way - after Run 1 of Week 2 I wanted to pack it all in - and I'm proud of the progress I've made, but it'll be with trepidation that I pull on my trainers on Friday.

Wish me luck!

*substitute the word "running" for "very light jogging on the verge of going backwards"

[gdeann Graduate]

Sorry bexsbridge, but I had to laugh at your title of the blog! The little running fairy has a way of knocking a few of us off of our cloud 9 high from running 20 solid minutes. Week 6 totally sucked for me! One of my worse weeks on record! Just KNOW you CAN do the last run and you WILL ace it! The intervals seem to really do a number on some of us. You will soon be to the longer runs! GOOD LUCK! Gayle

[Dribblin_spaniel]

I'm nowhere near this level yet, but I keep telling myself (or rather I think Laura did) that if I have to redo a week then it's no biggie - it will just make me stronger in the long run. There isnt any shame in it - my understanding is that you should take it a pace that's correct for you - not everyone will do it in 9 weeks (and I fully expect to take between 18 and 27 myself - if I get there at all!). Dont let it get you down - just pick yourself up and try one of the runs again and then you (in theory) should see how easy it is!!!

[caz1_ca Graduate]

Oh goodness Bex now I'm scared. I'm scared about week5 run3 but I thought after reading ahead that week 6 would be easier. Silly me eh. LOL

Good luck with your next run.

[TX-Bluebonnet Graduate]

Yeah, that first run of week 6 were an eye opener for me. I remember deciding to go a little bit faster since I'd have a walking break inbetween. Bad idea, I had a hard time catching my breath during the walking section. Just before the 2nd running segment begins Laura helpfully warns against the temptation to go at faster a pace. (Why that handy little hint wasn't in front of the first running segment is beyond me.) So I went back to my usual shuffle-jog to get through it.

So after that experience I had some doubts about W6R3 also, but I got through it just fine. Hang in there and try not to sell yourself short. You're more than likely capable of doing it, just go as slow as you need to.

[Hidden]

I had the exact same problem this morning! I did W6R1 and it was so hard! TX-Bluebonnet, I did the same as you and ran too fast for the first run, and THEN Laura tells me not to run too fast, haha! I actually cursed her aloud! haha

Good Luck bexbridge! I'm glad that I'm not the only one with the struggle in W6! And I too feel like I'm jogging backwards sometimes I'm soooo slow! ;D

[aileenconnor100]

oh jings, I know.. tonight I did w6r2 & by six minutes in was begging for mercy I'm due to attempt W6R3 on Wed or Thurs..knees are knocking at the thought - 'will report back & wish you well for Friday

[aileenconnor100]

lololol just noticed the post to which I've just replied is two yrs old - I'm still finding my way around this site, sorry, lol!