First couch-to-5K training failure

Hi folks -

I think some of you know that I'm nearing the end of my C25K program - I'm in Week 7 of 8.  I had my first "failure" this week.

Tuesday I was supposed to run for 25 minutes uninterrupted, and I did.  In the rain, no less!

Thursday I was supposed to run for 26 minutes uninterrupted, and I went kaput after about 17 or 18 minutes.  I'm not sure why, but I have some ideas:
- I usually have a protein shake (23 g) before I run (while I drive home from work) but didn't on that day
- I've been not getting enough sleep all week, about 5 hours a night.
- I tried running with a water bottle for the first time, and although I could exercise and drink before surgery, I found the water unsettling and drinking while running made me a bit sick.  

Ugh.

Hoping that today I can recover this 26 minute day.

 Please forgive me if I LOL at your definition of "failure"
- you made great strides in the last couple weeks that I'm amazed by you!

Its going to happen from time to time - just keep on going!

 I could not finish the last 15 seconds of my "run" times in week 3! I think you are awesome 

Don't sweat it - sure its a program but you do need to listen to your body.  It might take you a few more times to get there - but you will, don't worry.  I always find that after a bad run if I take a day off, eat a lot of protien the next time i go out there I have an awesome run.  Concetrate on how running makes you feel (for me I feel so good in my body, I feel more alert, I love being outside) and less on the numbers.  

Good luck!  

This is great advice - I was able to make the full 27 minute run yesterday - and felt like I still could have done a couple more minutes... the rest and protein made all the difference, thanks!

Bad runs happen to good runners.  Our bodies are not machines.  Sometimes you know why, some times you don't.  The most important thing is to refuel properly and to keep going on another day.  

Also, if you are interested in running more, I highly suggest you read this book: http://www.amazon.com/RUN-Mind-Body-Method-Running-Feel/dp/1934030570

Hey, thanks for this!  Looks very good!