W3 And I thought things were going so well.....

[Dixie]

I used to run a bit at school but that was 30 years ago and I have done none since. I have two very athletic/energetic dogs, that I walk twice a day with, but I wanted to do more to improve my fitness (raise heart rate etc). I wanted to do something that I could easily fit into my daily routine, so it made sense to do it whilst out with the dogs, so I decided to give this C25K app a go. I am lucky enough to live somewhere where there is a lot of open land available and so the dogs just run free with me. This usually works fine until I have to do a 'poo pickup'.....

Anyway - W1 and 2 went fine - they were a challenge and a struggle at times but I made it through okay. I am now in W3 and R1 went okay too. I found the last 3 min run tough but I hung in there and was really pleased when i finished. I went out on R2 today expecting it to be okay, since I had managed the first run okay..........It really wasn't. From about halfway through the last 3min run, I had to stop and walk twice, for about 10 seconds each time. It was SO much harder than R1!!??

I am now dreading R3 and wondering if I find it just as bad whether I should repeat the week or push on regardless to W4?? W4 looks quite a step up though, with not far short of double the running time!

Thoughts anyone?? Also - it is probably not sensible, but I run first thing in the morning and don't have time to eat/digest some breakfast before my run. Is running on an empty stomache that much of a problem??

Thanks!

[flyboy]

Hey.

Don't panic.

Most people who do this app have their share of ups and downs. I've kept track of pretty much all of my runs in the thread 'And So It Begins', and you can see the complete lack of consistency. I have repeated a few runs now, sometimes because of weather and sometimes because of performance. I'm around two weeks behind schedule, but that really doesn't matter.

Also bear this in mind: something that all of the runners learn is the art of pacing oneself. The more you do this app, the more you get a feel for how fast/slow you can go in order to complete the runs. You WILL get better at this. So I would just repeat the run and go at the slowest trot you can, then maybe look to speed it up for the last run if you feel comfortable.

Keep your chin up! You'll get there. I'm now doing 2 x 8 minute runs, and that seems a WORLD away from just a couple of months ago when I was struggling to run for one minute...

[Toadie]

Something some seasoned runners I know have told me is that everyone has bad days - even marathon runners sometimes have a day when they can't even get to the end of their street. And nobody really knows why! Don't be disheartened I'm sure you'll manage it next time, or the time after!

[Hostiemostie]

Hi Dixie,

I'm finding week 3 a struggle too! Run 1 was awful for me, such a difference between that and W2R3 where I found it a breeze.

I've just completed W3R2 this morning, and whilst it was slightly easier than R1, it was still very hard.

I also do most of my running in the morning/early afternoon so sometimes have not eaten, but I've not noticed that making a huge difference to performance.

I'd say stick with it, try W4R1 and see how you get on, that's my plan for things anyway, if need be repeat W3.

Good luck, I look forward to seeing how you get on.

[starknut]

Dixie, I also run first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, and I haven't noticed any difficulties in that regard. Try to eat a good meal the night before, with plenty of protein and a decent amount of carbs (you don't want to overdo it, but carbs are fuel!) It may help give you that extra boost.

Everyone has days where they hit the wall. It's okay! Maybe repeat thy run a few more times before moving on, for the sake of your confidence.

[Dixie]

Hi

Thanks everyone for your replies and your encouragement.

Flyboy - I read your thread 'And So It Begins' and I found this really helpful. I went for R3 of W3 this morning (after my 'two day rest period' - I started this programme in the middle of the week and I like to run Mon, Weds, Fri). I did as you suggested and slowed the pace (I say 'pace'.... it was barely above a fast walk by the last 3 min run ) and, although it was hard and I had to 'hang in there', I finished it! I think I am now going to to do as you did and repeat this week, if nothing else but to increase my confidence in my body (something you mentioned Starknut).

Hostiemostie - good to know that I am not alone! I'd be interested to know how you get on!

[Hostiemostie]

Hi Dixie,

I've just completed W3R3 and I must say it was slightly easier than expected, I feel far more confident about week 4 now. I've been updating the post "wow....that was tough" with all my recent runs, the ups and downs of them all and my progression, it looks like we're at the same stage so I look forward to hearing all your news in the future.

Hope you're doing well and good luck.

[Missbossie]

Hi Di ie and Hostiemosti, i am just behind you in the schedule. Today W3r1 and i made it fine! Slow slow because I overdid it on W2r3 and have a bit of muscle acking. But changed sporting shoes for running shoes and that was nice. Even squeezed a bit more upspeed in the last 30 seconds today. You hang in there. You will be fine. Slow down, try to enjoy being outside and stop this focus for time and realising the goal. Surrender to Claire's voice I would almost say, she takes care of us.... I wish she also gives massages via tha app.... Rest well and give it another go soon. Greetings to u all

[Blondebexwants2run]

Hehe this conversation made me chuckle! It's great hearing other people's struggles( and I mean that in the nicest possible way! ) by that I mean its reassuring to hear that I'm not alone in this and there is light at the tunnel for completing this app!
I started w3 2 weeks ago but my phone broke and I had to send it to be repaired! I then had a weeks complete break from running and then I started again this week by going back to wk2! I've got my final run Tomo and so far I've found wk2 as much of a struggle as I found wk3 to be!
To be honest I think a lot of the struggle is in the mind- I know that when I'm running that minute and a half, deep down I prob could do 3 mins as in wk3, but cos I've already set my brain up to expect to do 1min30 then that's all my body allows for In that time!
I always try an make sure I eat something an hour or two before a run as that helps me personally but I know of runners who can only stomach a banana just to give them enough energy but not enough to make them feel too sluggish - might be worth trying that one out?