I have been stuck on that week five for forever it seems! I attempted that first 20 minute run the other day (fourth if July) and made it about 15 minutes before I quit and walked. I repeated the other days and attempted it again this morning. Once again it did not work! I walked two or three thirty second intervals and then just totally gave it up and walked the last minute or so of the 20 minutes. I feel like such a failure! Why is this not working! And even more importantly, what in the world am I going to do...I'm committed to running a marathon and I can't even make it 20 minutes!!!!
Is it mental? Is it my diet? Is it my extra weight (I have gained in the last 6 months)??? Could be all of them. But honestly I had gotten myself up to running 6 miles back in early April....I haven't gained that much weight since then!!! I increased quickly and felt wonderfull! So why is it not working this time?????
Soooo....my plan.
Take Friday off as a rest day and attempt this 30 minutes one more time either Saturday or Sunday. Maybe drive to the canal and do it on a nice flat shaded path. Maybe I need to have my rest day and then the next day do my 'long/push it further' runs after that rest day, I just thought '20 minutes that's not much'. (And really I'm discussing this about a measley 20 minute run.....this is embarrassing and sobering!)
If that doesn't work I will be adjusting my training plans. I will be implementing a walk/run interval plan. I'll set up the interval timer on my phone and just interval to my hearts content. I can still build miles in preparation for the half marathon and I can hopefully build the length of my run segments. Maybe I can get back to running consistently. I know I can do it...I did it in April...I did it last fall. I know I can do it. But for some reason right now it's just not happening. So instead of beating my head against the wall, I'm going to adjust and move on. I can always adjust my plan again once /if I get over this hump!!!
