C25K Stuck on Week 4

megbee617

Hi guys,

This post is more looking towards motivation and encouragement than anything else I suppose.

I started C25K because I've always wanted to be able to run. I started it maybe the second or third week in January, and the first three weeks were a breeze. Well, week 3 itself was more challenging, but I completed each session in it's entirety and felt GREAT. I was never athletic, like, ever. And have been overweight since puberty. I have been doing cardio workouts for years, and things like spin and the elliptical are just so easy to do in comparison. Running is just. So. Hard. When I was able to actually complete weeks 1-3, I actually felt like I belonged on the treadmill with the beautiful people (that make it look so easy).

So I started week 4, and ooooh boy. Suddenly everything changed. The first time I tried it, I almost completed it (within the last 5min jog portion), but got blisters on my right foot, so I stopped. Then, last night after work, I tried again and couldn't even run for half of it. I was winded, my calves were on fire, and it just wasn't happening. I'm sure 6hrs of sleep followed by a 12hr workday didn't help, but I don't want to make excuses. I'm really frustrated and I know if I can just complete ONE of the three sessions, I'll feel motivated again.

Has anyone else got stuck on the C25K? What did you do to get out of your funk?

thebuz

Slow down.... way down. I promise you you can do every week if you slow down especially for the first run of each week which is usually an increase. I have done this program a few times and still I catch myself running too fast in the beginning and having to adjust to a slower pace. I hope this helps!!!!!

blues4miles

I had to repeat several weeks in C25K when I went through the first time (it is how I got my start running).

Running is weird. The thing I use to motivate myself is that if I have a crappy run, usually it means the next run will be better. Sometimes if I take too much time off (even more than a couple days) getting back into it will be hard. But you will pick it up again, don't worry.

Make sure you aren't going too fast. Most people try to 'run' when they first start. But you really should be jogging/shuffling. Right now you are just trying to build up a habit, strengthen your muscles, and not get injured. You will get to speed later when you start going longer distances. You should be able to run slow enough to keep up a conversation (look up the talk test for running) not necessarily easily, but you should be able to talk to someone. If you can't you're running too fast.

Just keep at it. Rome wasn't built in a day. Every day you run and every day you rest you are building fitness and the foundation to a solid running career.