Any advice for a nervous convert?

[joannecb]

Im due to start week 3 tomorrow after finishing week 2 on Sunday - I did find the 90 seconds run hard and I am really nervous about the 3 minute runs anyone have any advice please? thanks

[nrg_girl Graduate]

I think the best advice I got was to watch your pace. Start off really slow during the run segments, your pace might even be slower than your brisk walk. Don't worry about speed at this point. This will leave you enough energy to finish all of the segments. If the first or second run of week 3 feels comfortable, you can think about increasing pace for the third run. But based on advice from this forum I've decided that it's not necessary. Although this program is called couch to 5k, it's really focused on running 30 minutes in a row. So building your stamina to be able to do that is the focus. Speed can be built later when fitness levels are higher. I'm starting week 6 tomorrow, and am still running at a slow pace (my Garmin can't tell the difference if I'm walking or running).

Good luck tomorrow, let us know how you get on!

[runningnearbeirut Graduate]

Great advice from nrg_girl.

Trust the programme. We all have bad runs or not-so-good runs every now and then, and some runs just feel like hard work so don't let them put you off. If you completed the week, then you're ready for the next one (slowly and steadily!).

Well done for finishing the first 2 weeks, and best wishes for the next runs. Keep us posted - I'm sure we'll be reading about how well you've been doing

[johncw]

Every stage has it's own challenges but if you stick with the programme you will find that each is also achievable.

You've done really well so far so just take it easy and you'll get there.

[malimaio]

hi, Ive just finished week 3 this sunday with no problem, my advice is not to get afraid of minutes that u havent really tried running yet, cuz u dont really know if u can do them or not, when u r out there doing first run of the week think about ur breathing and pace and not minutes, I try to be as ignorant as i can about how many minutes i need to run or walk, but when Laura says run i run, when she says walk i walk, I think it is all in your head

[Hidden]

Firstly, have faith that you can do it. We have all been there and have had the same worries, but you do get through it.

My advice would be to take it slow. I would also suggest running 'naked'. That is without Laura, not actually in the buff. Try not listening to the time, but just run and enjoy it. OK, you will need to know when 90 seconds is up, but you will be surprised at how quickly it goes by, as long as you don't rush!

Good luck and let us know how it goes.

[Hidden]

Well done on completing week 2 and there is no real need to worry about week 3 - it's achievable. As has already been said, keep it very slow and steady and you will get there. You have already done the preparation and trained up for this next stage. Just go out and enjoy. Good luck and best wishes.

[joannecb]

Hi everyone thank you for your words of encouragement I went out and did the day one of week 3 tonight and I did it!!! - have to say I think I enjoyed it the most of all of the runs.

My calf is still causing me pain but im running through it

thanks again

[nrg_girl Graduate in reply to joannecb]

Yea for you!

[Hidden]

Hooray, and well done !

[carerof Graduate]

well done, so pleased for you.

[Becca66 Graduate]

I had the same feeling when I was about to move up to the 5min runs. So one evening, when walking the dog, I experimentally ran for about 5 mins. And of course, it was fine.

I see your post is from a couple of days ago so you have probably done your 3mins by now and found it was fine… good luck...