How much tougher is week 3?

[RachieD]

I've just finished week 2 today and particularly found today's run tough (although I think I may have been a bit dehydrated). I'm a bit anxious about starting week 3 - is it a big step up?

[sofaqueen Graduate]

Each week is tougher but if you've managed to complete Week 2 then you'll be ready to tackle Week 3 even if you don't think you are. The programme is tried and tested and most people will have thought at some point that there was no way they'd be able to do the next week but they always manage it (I never thought I'd even get past Week 1).Try drinking a glass of water half an hour before you go running, I usually find that helps with the dehydration. The main thing is have faith in yourself, I'm sure you'll be just fine on your Week 3 runs

[Scipio Graduate]

Have faith - if you've done W1 & W2, you are ready for W3. Go for it, you will probably surprise yourself. Good luck.

[Mazzero Graduate]

You can do this. Stepping up to week 3 scared me more than any week but I did it and you will too. Trust Laura and the program it works. Good luck.

[Katietaz Graduate]

it's amazing how fast you get fitter following this plan. I found the first 90 second run of week 3 hard but when it was time to do the 3 mins run I felt stronger and able to manage it. Just keep going!!!!

[RachieD Graduate]

Thanks very much for all your positive support - much appreciated. I will try and do the week 3 starting on Monday. I think one problem is that maybe I start running too fast and then get tired by the end. If the music playing has a fast beat I try to run in time to it. So maybe that is the way forward - run at a slower steadier pace.

Thanks a lot for all your replies! I do want to do it as I have a 5k run I'm aiming for at the end of October in aid of the local hospice, so I do want to stay on track.

[sofaqueen Graduate in reply to RachieD]

Definitely slow and steady is the key to building up your strength and stamina and don't worry about running in time to the music. If you still have energy at the end you can speed things up for a final burst. Good luck for your run on Monday.

[katee1958 Graduate]

I haven't managed to run in time to the music, definately slow and steady to build up your stamina. I did week 8 run 1 today and I was a complete non runner before this, if I can do it, anyone can. You will be surprised at yourself. One thing I haven't done is look ahead to see what is coming, apart from seeing what is in the posts on the forum. I just put my trust in Laura she has got me this far x

[RachieD Graduate]

I haven't looked to see what is coming up each week, so I am hoping it won't be too big a step up! But it is good to hear how everyone else has managed to succeed at this!

[RachieD Graduate]

Thanks everyone - I did my first run of week 3 this morning and it wasn't as bad as I thought. I didn't feel like I was running very fast, but it was a steady light jog. Thanks for all your help.

[Clumsy2 Graduate]

I was worried about week 3 and thought would end up doing week 2 again but it was fine. I just had to go a bit slower on the 3 min sections then what I did on the 90 sec sections. Dreading week 4 though!

[RachieD Graduate in reply to Clumsy2]

I was dreading week 4 too, but was amazed starting it this morning and it felt good!