Week 4 and I'm struggling

[Maddy]

Done really well on week 1,2 and 3 really looked forward to starting week 4 today.
Managed the 3 minute ok, but by the time I ran the 5 mins it was touch and go if I was going to make it.
Slowed my pace right down but it didn't help much. My knees are now hurting despite purchasing a proper pair of running shoes from a running shop.
I wear a heart monitor on my GPs advice, my heart rate stays quite steady for a while then starts to shoot up.
Managed to run up to last 9 secs of 2nd 5 min run & had to walk.... totally dissapointed in myself today

[Catherine_M]

Aww I know it must be hard but try not to be too disappointed, if you've got to week 4 with no problems then that's fantastic, I'm only on week 2 and struggling!

You might have just been having an off day! Have a rest and try again another day, And then take it from there, don't let 1 bad run ruin the program.

Catherine x

[Emmaa05]

Don't feel dissappointed. I have just finished week 4, & gotta say I really struggled with the first run of the week. The second I even found hard, & had to mix in a bit of walking. But I have done two more runs of week 4 this week, & found both of them manageable. Felt really proud of myself for today's run, as the last 5 mins felt like forever, but I got there!
Just remember how tough 1 min seemed on week one, & be proud of how much you have done. You can & you will do it, because if I can, then anyone can!
Good luck.

[Maddy]

Thanks both for your replies
I went to the gym this morning, did a 5 min warm up on the treadmill before I was dragged off to make the numbers up at Aqua combat class !
Did an hour of hard aqua cardio then went back up to the gym and got back on the tredmill.
Something must have happend in the night lol as I managed to run for 10 mins solid followed by a 1 min walk then a further 4 minutes, gasping a bit but felt ok.
So how come I managed to do that today and not yesterday ?
The gym instructor thinks the pain in the knees will settle as my body gets used to me running.
So here we go again, onwards and upwards. 2 steps forward and 3 back.
So how are you both getting on...Do you run on a treadmill or on the road ?
I run on a treadmill, mainly because I live in a tiny village with 6 street lights and I feel a bit of a pillock running up and down it on my own lol

[Emmaa05]

Glad that you had a better day; some days just seem to go better than others I guess. Who knows why? I am already panicking about week 5, but I have panicked about week 3 and 4 and made it through, so will just hit the pavements Wednesday and get on with it!
I run on the street, as I can't afford a gym, and I have a dog so I have to take her out every day anyhow! And they were the main two reasons I started this running programme as a way of getting fit! Still haven't been to a running shop for any decent trainers yet, but not having any major problems with the ones I have so will wait till I have some spare money (if there is such a thing!!!) before I treat myself. Maybe this week as pay day is coming up!
Enjoy the rest of the week 4 runs!

[bearlady]

Oh I know how you feel! Ihave just finished week 4 and started week 5 yesterday, just about made it (moves to 3 x 5 minute runs - which is less than week 4) but sore bum today! What I have noticed is that I'm not exactly keeping a brisk pace when walking, I expect I'll have to repeat week 5 next week, if I manage the other two runs - I'm not yet ready for the 8 minute run.

Keep the faith, as you said you've come along way. I feel so much better after I have managed a run, and that in itself is enough to keep me going.

xxx

[Petra]

Don't worry about a bad run, it just happens sometimes. In the Running Tips section on this site you can read: "If you have a bad workout, then don't get put off! Everyone has bad days, and they normally come just before your running really improves!"
But you've already noticed this yourself.

Good luck!

Petra.

[Maddy]

Been to the gym tonight and struggled again, maybe it's because I've worked all day.
Managed to run the 2nd run of week 4 but I don't feel ready to advance any further at the moment.
One thing for all this running I'm sleeping really well!

[Emmaa05]

You can always re-do a week if you feel the need. I've just started wk 5, & am nervous about the 20 min non-stop run at the end of the week, but if I feel I can't do it, will just do some of the previous runs till I can manage it. I think it's better to work to your own pace, but I think you will be surprised at how much you are actually able to do!!
I can't believe that I keep managing the weeks as they keep increasing!

[Maddy]

Thanks everyone for all your words of support, it's great to hear we are all getting there in our own pace & time

Went to the gym last night and ran for 30 mins on and off with a 5 min then a 3 min run with walking inbetween.
I'm still struggling a bit but the more I do the more I'm improving although slowly.
Had the flu jab a couple of days ago and have now gone down with a cold so that's slowed me down a bit.

So what are your plans when you have all finished the 5K ? Run for the 10K or do a marathon ?