Couch to 5K Running Program (C25K)

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anyone else think week 7 is hard?

evolution143
evolution143 Posts: 14 Member
edited January 21 in Social Groups
I managed W6D3 just fine despite being nervous about running for 22 minutes. I was actually very proud of myself for finishing it and without much difficulty!

Fast forward a few days to W7D1 and it was a struggle. It's the first day that I haven't been able to follow the plan exactly (slight disappointment). I knew when I started the program that I might have to repeat a week here and there and I almost thought I'd have to repeat week 6 until I managed to breeze through the 22 minutes. It doesn't seem like 3 extra minutes should make that big of a difference. Mid way through I had to slow down to a walk for 45-60 seconds and I had to do it again before the 22 minutes were up. I still finished though...just wasn't my best run by any means.

Really hoping tonight (W7D2) is a smoother run and hopefully no walking will be needed! As I told myself the other day, not my best run but in the meantime I'll just keep it movin'.

Replies

  • rduhlir
    rduhlir Posts: 3,550 Member
    You will get bad runs throughout your running career. It happens to us all. I had one a few weeks ago. Was hell and I wanted to give up and quit. And the hard headed me kept running.

    DO NOT BE AFRAID TO WALK.

    Even marathoners walk. Believe it or not, a lot of marathoners walk to make their run times and to qualify for the Boston or Ironman. Walking it good! If you find you need to walk, then walk and do exactly what you did. Walk for 45-60 seconds, then start back up.

    If you decide to move onto B210K, they actually bring walks back in and break up the 30 minute run. This Saturday is my first "long" run. I will be going for 4 miles. I have every intention of breaking those 4 miles up into 1 mile segments with 30 second walking periods in between (or 2 2-mile segments with a one minute walk, but that depends on how I feel). Walking is good. Do not be ashamed if you end up having to do it. Every runner does it from time to time, even the one who have been running for 10 years +
  • wiseeliz
    wiseeliz Posts: 50 Member
    YES! Oh my gosh, I'm so glad you posted this. I surprised myself by getting through W6D3 and then did W7D1 on Friday and it was not great - or at least, not as great as I'd hoped it would be, I ended up taking two walking breaks and a couple quick hop-offs for water or to catch my breath. I think I averaged about 5.2 mph, so I think I might try reducing my speed tomorrow.
  • famousmel
    famousmel Posts: 149 Member
    It could be a lot of things. How much rest did you get in between days, food before and water!! I have expereinced the same kind of days the last 3 weeks (also on week 7), but I am trying to take it w/ a grain of salt. If I have to walk for 60 sec so be it-although I do add 1/2 the time on to the end of my run running. Keep on keepin' on!
  • likitisplit
    likitisplit Posts: 9,420 Member
    Week 7 kicked my *kitten*. I whined about it all over this message board and scared everybody. Basically the issue is that the program knows that you are a runner and is asking you to take it up a notch. It's challenging you physically in a way it hasn't before. However, you're not completely ready mentally to be physically challenged as a runner. You will be by the end of week 8, but week 7 is the changeover for many people.

    Basically you'll need to use the same strategy that you've used and will continue to use throughout your running life: slow down, be good to yourself. Enjoy what you can do now. Music is a great motivator.
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