C25K stuck and I have big races coming up...!

I am on W5D1 starting tomorrow and am definitely intimidated. I just remember that interval running is more challenging then running for a certain amount of time. Also, remember how far you've come. For not running prior to December, I think you're doing a great job!

I also agree that it's mental...that's why it's important to think of the other things (how far you've come, etc.).

What about not doing C25K for one or two days, and just running? Maybe that will give you a little more encouragement and realize that you can do it? Maybe that will help?

Good luck and great job at how far you've come!

Im in the process of C25k im on week 6 day 2. I had to repeat week 4 just help with things. When i saw week 5 day 3 I was thinking of quitting. I believe to its a mental game. Your not going to die get a bottle of water and just get after it and remember to breath., You got this good luck

I've done the C25K program once before 3 years ago and hit the same wall. Definitely decrease the speed to 5.0 (12 minute mile) and then when you're comfy there increase the speed in spurts until you can sustain 5.5 for the duration. This is my second time around and I'm running at 5.0 and I could increase but I'm working in distance first and then speed. I didn't hit a wall this time at week 5. I'm currently finishing week 7 and enjoying it.

Good luck! You can do it! Positive thinking! :drinker:

You can do it.

^

Keep telling yourself that while running and just keep going. I have always felt that running long distance is 75% mental toughness. Tell yourself and believe in yourself and you will reach your goals.

I started running in December of '11, ran my first 5K in March, my first 10K in September and I am now training for a full Marathon. Anything is possible.

I wouldn't worry too much about having to run it all the way through, it's honestly a lot less important than you might think. I know seasoned marathon runners personally that have a set pace they do in all of their races (like run to .85 or .90, then walk to a full mile, then run to 1.85, then walk to two mile and so forth). If that is a goal of yours, that's an honorable goal but maybe you want to reach it too fast. There's no shame in being slow, or having to walk in between. A book that may really help you is "An accidental athlete" by John Bingham.
Other than that, what does help me run for long periods is having a really really good playlist. Sometimes just wanting to listen to the end of the song or it having just the right beat really keeps me going.

Good luck and enjoy the scenery while you run.

PS: and I agree with getting off the treadmill. They hardly prepare you for running outside.

Ok...here's my two cents....take it for what it's worth, but here's my experience. I've ran 8 races now, and have yet to complete any of them (7 of them were 5ks, one was a 4 mile) without walking at least a little bit. Part of it is because I train on and off part of it is because I've yet to get over anxiety and butterflies from races, and part of it is because I still have trouble mentally getting that I can run that length.... I was on vacation and had scheduled a race for while I was there, and a cousin who has completed marathons was asking me about it and I made the comment that I'm not really a runner, I'll run some and walk some, and her response was "That's how I ran my marathon...Running and taking walk breaks"...and literally I felt like I had an epiphany...I thought marathoners Ran the whole thing...I thought serious runners Ran everything....and yeah, some might...but...like others have said, it's SO less important that you run it all and more that you just get through finishing it. However...I'd suggest just slowing down...even if you're barely running, just slow down to the point that you can get through your C25K time....and the biggest thing is that you just have to believe you can do it. I literally broke down in tears on the middle of the beach when I did the 30 min run...I jsut couldnt believe I could actually do it....and while it hasn't translated to running races, sometimes it's just belief in yourself.

I would consider all these great suggestions here. I will emphasize a few that have helped me: Make sure you are properly fueled and hydrated before you run. Do not run too fast when you start out -- conserve your energy and let your body tell you how much you can handle. Running is VERY mental. Whether you are training or racing, your mindset can make or break you. And, if you are running on a treadmill: get outside ASAP. If you are not used to running road/trails you will be in for a surprise on race day (and not a nice surprise LOL). Running outside can be more physically demanding however I find running outside is so much easier MENTALLY. I am lucky to last a 1/2 hour on a treadmill before my mind turns to mush. But when I'm outside, I can run over an hour without struggling. Good Luck and don't set your goals too high on race day. Just finish and don't stress about finishing times when you are starting out.

Get spikes or even run in trail shoes if you are going to run in the snow so you don't slip. If the cold is what bothers you just wear some layers and you are good to go. There are ways to run outside in Canada during the winter.

Nutrition wise, everybody is different. I run first thing in the morning only drinking a glass of water. I may run 5 miles, I may run 25, but either way I hate running with something in my stomach. A running buddy of mine has to eat a banana and a bagel before running, they cannot stand running on an empty stomach.

Experiment and see what works best for you.

Glad I'm not the only one to see W5D3 and go AHHH I have D2 tomorrow and D3 Friday and I'm terrified...Then I looked at W6D1 and realized it's a test. then my wife reminded me that 4mph (on the treadmill) is still technically jogging (I average 5-5.5) so as long as I stay above that I feel I'll be okay. One "trick" a seasoned runner told me to try is to alternate the incline. I generally leave it at 1.5-2 depending on the machine and found when I start to "gas" if I drop to -2 for a minute or so I re-energize. Good luck, you can do it!

Like others have said it appears that you may just need to slow down a bit. From my personal experience and others I have read, the speed is a huge issue as many try to go to fast to soon. You should only be working on distance at this time and not speed. I am currently on W7D2 and I know I would hae not made it this far if I did not take it slow and steady. Speed will come in time;)