C25K Struggles
ebett320
Posts: 3
Tomorrow I am supposed to start W4D1 of my C25K Training. My W3 consisted of two 1.5 min runs and two 3 min runs. I was only able to run 2 of the 3 minutes for D1 & D2 and finally on D3, I completed both 3 minute runs. I was so incredibly excited, however, there is no way that I am going to be able to jump up to 5 minute runs this week.
I guess my question's are:
Should I be able to finish these runs as planned in the C25K training schedule?
Should I repeat W3 instead of moving on to W4?
Thanks for all the help & info!
I guess my question's are:
Should I be able to finish these runs as planned in the C25K training schedule?
Should I repeat W3 instead of moving on to W4?
Thanks for all the help & info!
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Replies
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Tomorrow I am supposed to start W4D1 of my C25K Training. My W3 consisted of two 1.5 min runs and two 3 min runs. I was only able to run 2 of the 3 minutes for D1 & D2 and finally on D3, I completed both 3 minute runs. I was so incredibly excited, however, there is no way that I am going to be able to jump up to 5 minute runs this week.
I guess my question's are:
Should I be able to finish these runs as planned in the C25K training schedule?
Should I repeat W3 instead of moving on to W4?
Thanks for all the help & info!
Well, the APP I'm using says to repeat a week if you feel you want to, which it sounds like you may need to do? I personally didn't I just carried on regardless...my advice would be that it's just for you so don't feel pressured, do what works best for you and be proud of your achievements so far!!
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I maybe wouldn't repeat the whole week, just do it a couple more times so you have completed it 3 times in total. But if you feel you are able to move on to week 4 then just give it a try.0
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My understanding is that you completed all of the W3 D3 runs. It's really a coin toss. You could re-do W3 making sure you do all the runs, or move on to W4D1 and go really slowly on those runs.
If you complete W4D1, I'd say you can keep moving. But if you struggle, you should stay there until you've figured out pacing.
You will not be able to finish W5 until you learn to run slowly enough to complete all the intervals.0 -
I was so incredibly excited, however, there is no way that I am going to be able to jump up to 5 minute runs this week.
You should let this thinking go and just run. Slow your pace if needed, get some music pumping in your ears, focus keeping your breathing under control and just run. YOU will amaze yourself :flowerforyou:0 -
Thank you all so much for the motivation! 0
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I was terrified of week 4... And today I did it. I went into it thinking ill just do the best I can and I really surprised myself. If you can't et through it that's okay!!! Just do as much as you can.0
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I"m not much further ahead of you, just did W5D1, and I went into every week the same way, thinking I can't do it but then surprising myself & doing it!
It wasn't pretty, I was panting & almost lost a lung more than once but I finished each run. Don't mentally pull yourself down. Go into it with a positive attitude & it will make a difference. I promise you! And if you can't finish the run, so be it! just try again. and again. until you can!!
Personally I don't go to the next training day until I can do the run without stopping but a lot of people continue on, I just feel unfinished if I didn't do it as its supposed to be done, I'm OCD that way
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I am on Week 4. I am not running/jogging for speed. I am running/jogging for time. For me, I'm not trying to win a race. I am trying to learn to breath and run without stopping. I think you should go for Week 4 just slow it down and breath.0
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I am on Week 4. I am not running/jogging for speed. I am running/jogging for time. For me, I'm not trying to win a race. I am trying to learn to breath and run without stopping. I think you should go for Week 4 just slow it down and breath.
This is exactly the mindset that will get you through the program.0 -
I was the same way. Every week I would start the new run thinking I won't be able to do it, but then I surprise myself. I just finished week 7 today and start week 8 on Friday! Running for 30 minutes straight is scaring me, but I hope to surprise myself again!0
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I was the same way. Every week I would start the new run thinking I won't be able to do it, but then I surprise myself. I just finished week 7 today and start week 8 on Friday! Running for 30 minutes straight is scaring me, but I hope to surprise myself again!
^This^
Every week I have wondered how am I going to move on when the one I had just finished was tough and I am amazed when the part that was tough is suddenly the easy one. I think it is more mental on my part. When the 3 minute runs were the "long" jogs I worried and struggled. Move me onto the next week and the 3 minute ones are easy and suddenly it is the 5 minute ones I struggle with. BTW, I just did my 20 minute jog on friday and I never thought that would have been possible.0 -
I felt the same way before doing week 4 and I'm feeling the same way looking at week 5. I think I may do another week 4 run though because instead of getting easier, I struggled more with each subsequent run. I think the hills in my neighborhood got steeper or something...
But we should probably just keep pushing ourselves forward and stop letting our fear win out. What's the worst that can happen? You just have to walk when you're supposed to be running. You'll do better next time! That's what I tell myself anyway.0 -
I'd reccomend moving to week 4 when your ready, I repeated week 3 when I did my first round of C25k 0
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There's nothing wrong with a repeat, depending on your personal goals. I was going JMBR for a month before I started C25K, and instead of the 90 day program, I'm stretching it out to 6 months, with one month for each set of DVDs. It really kicks my butt, and I'm seeing nice results.
I may do each week twice in C25K just because my first race isn't until October. However, I might run one in summer if I'm feeling up to it. I'm all about modifying to what works for you because most people won't stick to something that they end up hating. Give the next week a try. You can always go back if needed and take it at your own pace.0 -
I was terrified of week 4... And today I did it. I went into it thinking ill just do the best I can and I really surprised myself. If you can't et through it that's okay!!! Just do as much as you can.
same here! But I DID IT. Just keep going!0 -
I love this thread. When I first started, I used to whisper, "I hate this!" when I passed other runners. Fortunately they would laugh and tell me to keep it at it. I'm glad they did. The next day/week of the plan always intimidated me too, but felt great when it was accomplished. Anyway, go at your pace. Cheers!0
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I am on W5D2 (zen labs) and it took me 2 tries to get through the double 8 minute runs. I made it through the second try but it was by no means pretty. My heart rate & breathing is out of control before I hit the 2 mnute mark & then I struggle. I'm not running too fast, I've slowed it down, but I can't seem to get this under control.
Also I've been running on the treadmill and today I attempted to do w1d1 outside. what a joke!! I literally couldn't run for more than 30 seconds. why is that??? it wasn't hilly, it was a flat trail, but every joint hurt with every step. Should it be that different than on the treadmill???0 -
I am on W5D2 (zen labs) and it took me 2 tries to get through the double 8 minute runs. I made it through the second try but it was by no means pretty. My heart rate & breathing is out of control before I hit the 2 mnute mark & then I struggle. I'm not running too fast, I've slowed it down, but I can't seem to get this under control.
Also I've been running on the treadmill and today I attempted to do w1d1 outside. what a joke!! I literally couldn't run for more than 30 seconds. why is that??? it wasn't hilly, it was a flat trail, but every joint hurt with every step. Should it be that different than on the treadmill???
Make sure you have the right shoes for running on pavement. It makes a huge difference. Also, even when you percieve a course to be flat it might be banked one way or another, or cambered one way or another. Try to run towards the center of the road if its not a busy road. That is where you will find the flattest spot on the road. Also running outside is much better for building strength. You will see your speed go up on the treadmill if you keep running outside.0 -
Hi all, I was having bother with week 3d1, I couldn't finish the two 3 mins, got to 2:50 on the first one and 2:15 on the second. So just completed w3d2 and finished the first 3 and got to 2:30 on the second 3. I took everyones advice here and slowed down today but it worked so I'm hoping for w3d3, I will get up the second 3 mins a bit further. I am on holidays next week so i'm thinking I might repeat week 3 (i'll be at altitude and warmer climate), Any suggestions greatly appreciated. Great Thread btw!0
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I am on W5D2 (zen labs) and it took me 2 tries to get through the double 8 minute runs. I made it through the second try but it was by no means pretty. My heart rate & breathing is out of control before I hit the 2 mnute mark & then I struggle. I'm not running too fast, I've slowed it down, but I can't seem to get this under control.
Also I've been running on the treadmill and today I attempted to do w1d1 outside. what a joke!! I literally couldn't run for more than 30 seconds. why is that??? it wasn't hilly, it was a flat trail, but every joint hurt with every step. Should it be that different than on the treadmill???
Make sure you have the right shoes for running on pavement. It makes a huge difference. Also, even when you percieve a course to be flat it might be banked one way or another, or cambered one way or another. Try to run towards the center of the road if its not a busy road. That is where you will find the flattest spot on the road. Also running outside is much better for building strength. You will see your speed go up on the treadmill if you keep running outside.
Thanks for the advice. I'm running on a trail, sort of dirt/fine gravel covered, would I need different shoes for that compared to the treadmill?
The more I think about it the more I think its a mental thing for me. I know I don't look like all those slim, athletic runners on the trails and although part of me is proud to be doing it the other part is embarassed that I'm doing it at my size. I feel like someone will laugh at me, although I know this isn't true. I tend to worry too much about what other people think of me, overcoming this issue will be the greatest accomplishment and the biggest help to me in this journey for sure.0 -
There are different shoes, but I have run trails in my regular ones.
And the only runner thinking critically about you is you.
Finally, make sure that you are breathing from the belly and make sure that you are pulling up through your body. Bending over cuts off your air.0 -
Just remember, no one can make you feel a certain way unless you let them (and most or all of the other runners are likely not even paying any heed to your size). Don't let your fears project onto others in a way that inhibits your success. Mentally reframe your thoughts from "I'm too big too be doing this, and what if others notice and think the same thing?" to "I'm a heck of a motivated person and am proud to be doing something to improve my health. Soon enough I'll be a slim runner if I maintain this motivation."The more I think about it the more I think its a mental thing for me. I know I don't look like all those slim, athletic runners on the trails and although part of me is proud to be doing it the other part is embarassed that I'm doing it at my size. I feel like someone will laugh at me, although I know this isn't true. I tend to worry too much about what other people think of me, overcoming this issue will be the greatest accomplishment and the biggest help to me in this journey for sure.0 -
Also I've been running on the treadmill and today I attempted to do w1d1 outside. what a joke!! I literally couldn't run for more than 30 seconds. why is that??? it wasn't hilly, it was a flat trail, but every joint hurt with every step. Should it be that different than on the treadmill???
Oh. Yes, it is common for a switch between treadmill and outside (and vice versa) to be this difficult.0 -
The more I think about it the more I think its a mental thing for me. I know I don't look like all those slim, athletic runners on the trails and although part of me is proud to be doing it the other part is embarassed that I'm doing it at my size. I feel like someone will laugh at me, although I know this isn't true. I tend to worry too much about what other people think of me, overcoming this issue will be the greatest accomplishment and the biggest help to me in this journey for sure.
I absolutely could have written this part of your post. Visibility while struggling is a tough combination. I still struggle with it, though now it's on the other side of my first 5k. My recommendation... be patient with yourself, compassionate, gentle, loving. You struggle with this for a reason, you'll let it go when you are able.... probably in steps. Right now... it's a struggle.
Okay. Can you do it anyway? I would have to self-talk myself into getting out there often. I can share that it gets so much better. For me, the visibility during struggle was very much a part of the challenge that is the c25k. You are not alone!0 -
I am on W5D2 (zen labs) and it took me 2 tries to get through the double 8 minute runs. I made it through the second try but it was by no means pretty. My heart rate & breathing is out of control before I hit the 2 mnute mark & then I struggle. I'm not running too fast, I've slowed it down, but I can't seem to get this under control.
Also I've been running on the treadmill and today I attempted to do w1d1 outside. what a joke!! I literally couldn't run for more than 30 seconds. why is that??? it wasn't hilly, it was a flat trail, but every joint hurt with every step. Should it be that different than on the treadmill???
Make sure you have the right shoes for running on pavement. It makes a huge difference. Also, even when you percieve a course to be flat it might be banked one way or another, or cambered one way or another. Try to run towards the center of the road if its not a busy road. That is where you will find the flattest spot on the road. Also running outside is much better for building strength. You will see your speed go up on the treadmill if you keep running outside.
Thanks for the advice. I'm running on a trail, sort of dirt/fine gravel covered, would I need different shoes for that compared to the treadmill?
The more I think about it the more I think its a mental thing for me. I know I don't look like all those slim, athletic runners on the trails and although part of me is proud to be doing it the other part is embarassed that I'm doing it at my size. I feel like someone will laugh at me, although I know this isn't true. I tend to worry too much about what other people think of me, overcoming this issue will be the greatest accomplishment and the biggest help to me in this journey for sure.
At 5'4" and 255lbs I look nothing like the athletic people on the trail. Plus I turn bright red. And every person who I pass on the path smiles at me. They know it is hard and I like to think they are pleased to see someone my size giving it a go. Be PROUD!!0 -
At 5'4" and 255lbs I look nothing like the athletic people on the trail. Plus I turn bright red. And every person who I pass on the path smiles at me. They know it is hard and I like to think they are pleased to see someone my size giving it a go. Be PROUD!!
^^^^^^ This.
I did C25K last year, and my goal was to just keep my feet moving. I didn't worry about how fast I was going, I just worried about getting through each workout. I didn't repeat any weeks and at the end was able to run a 5K course (which was very hilly), but I was crazy slow. I didn't care because I did it. I'm repeating it again now (did W3D2 this morning) and am able to focus a little more on trying to build up my speed. The only person I need to impress out there is myself.0 -
They know it is hard and I like to think they are pleased to see someone my size giving it a go. Be PROUD!!
Inspired. They are inspired by you. I mean, one of the reasons why I hang around here after graduating 3 1/2 months ago is because seeing all of you overcome your individual challenges inspires me to go out there and overcome mine 0 -
I love that there are a variety of ages, fitness levels, and body shapes running on the path I usually take. There's no judgement as we all pass by each other, just an unspoken sense of "we're all in this together."
My mother was extremely obese and struggled with bulimia and drug addiction, which started with uppers for weight loss which were so freely prescribed in the 1960s. She died in her 50s, and sadly, I can't even begin to imagine her getting on an exercise program and embracing a healthy lifestyle. I have enormous respect for those who choose to make that change, and I love that there are tools like MFP and C25K to make it much easier.0
