Struggling with week 5

[Lesley42]

Hi I'm doing week 5. Really struggling with run 3. I've been running a bit faster as I feel more comfortable at that speed but just can't complete long run. I run at about 5.5miles an hour so it's not fast!! Any tips please

[runner56 Graduate]

Hi Lesley. I have only just completed run 3 this morning so I am probably not the best.person to advise but here goes.

I dont think your problem is stamina or anything physical. I would suggest that it is a mental issue that you have. You see 20 minutes as a huge single chunck.

You know that you can do 2 x 8 minute runs.

Why dont you try 2 x 10 minute runs with a 3 minute walk and then have a go at the 20?

If you break the 20 down in your head to 2 x 10 when you are running, you might find it easier.

Good Luck

[Hidden]

? Or maybe slow down again if you have speeded up.

[Lesley42 in reply to Hidden]

Yes think you're right. Thanks

[Hidden]

Sorry to hear you are struggling with this run. It seems to have a reputation all of it's own (undeserved in my experience) so it's possible that you could have a mental block about it. However, you mention being more comfortable at a faster pace so I suspect you are going a bit too fast and burning yourself out. The aim of the programme is to build stamina and the ability to increase the amount of time each week that you can run. 5.5 miles an hour is pretty speedy, especially at this stage of the programme. Try slowing right down and see if that helps. Good luck with your next try and best wishes.

[Lesley42 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for your advice. Will think about what you've said!

[stevo216 Graduate]

SLOW DOWN!!!

[Lesley42]

Thanks! Build up stamina then speed me thinks!

[simon_c25k Graduate]

Hi Lesley,

Just noticed your post after posting very similar:

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

I've always been inclined to sprinting rather than long distance running, so think I'm still going a bit too fast.

Did you crack it in the end ?

[Lesley42 in reply to simon_c25k]

Thanks for your post. To be honest no I haven't. I just find it hard to run slowly! I've been away and had other commitments so slightly half hearted . At the moment I've been running for 5 and then walking for 3 minutes just to keep my hand in. How are you getting on ?

[simon_c25k Graduate]

Hi Lesley, Thanks for your reply.

I'm re-doing W5 - I'm using the 5K Runner app which is slightly different in that it seems to have more walk intervals during weeks 6 and 7, ratther than the NHS programme which dives straight into the 20 min run on week 5. Yesterday I re-did W5R2 which is 5R+3W+8R+5W+5R tommorow I will tackle 5WR3 - 8R+5W+8R - the one I failed on last week.

I have a similar problem as you - running slowly enough to maintain longer runs - I'm ok so long as I can have the recovery walks in between !

Maybe it would be an idea to slowly increase the length of run eg 5.5, 6 mins and so on and decrease the walk if you feel recovered enough to continue running ? That way you might feel a sense that you're getting somewhere and feel less half-hearted..

[Lesley42 in reply to simon_c25k]

Hi there, thanks for bothering to take the time to reply. I will try that app you mentioned. Have been for a lovely ten mile walk on the north York moors - beautiful. I'm sure I'll get there just a bit longer than some. Good luck with your running!

[kaz56 Graduate]

I have just done week 5 run 3 and i was hard but i only go slow, i was very grateful for the 5 min times but i only run on the track i was just my stubborn ness that kept me going

[Ellischris]

Just slow down. I was very slow at some points then when recovered speeded up again. You can do this. Took me ages to get off week 5 run 2. My next run is week 6. 😁😁

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate in reply to Ellischris]

This is quite an old thread-I wonder if you missed the dates? Really good luck with your next run! You’re getting close to the end now!

[Ellischris in reply to MissUnderstanding]

🤣🤣🤣🤣