Excited about beginning W6 tomorrow morning but in a quandry..

[pinkangel16]

I'm still on a high after completing W5R3 Wednesday morning - really proud of myself as I have never run before or been vaguely sporty, so this is a real first.

But it seems a little odd to go back to 5 mins, 8 mins and 5 mins running for W6R1. And the next is 2 x 10 mins, with the final run of the week as 25 mins.

After having done 20 mins, I'm keen to continue to do longer runs.

I am considering if it would be reasonable to do 2 days of the 2 x 10 min runs before the final run instead?

But then again, the programme has worked so far, and I have put so much trust in it and followed it to the T and it's worked - I managed 20 mins running on Monday morning when I would never have believed I could!

Would be interested in any opinions.

I've read so many of these questions and find them really helpful and inspiring.

After some bad health, I feel my life has turned around and becoming fitter is something I wouldn't have considered until now - and I'm loving it!

[Hidden]

You would be wise to stick with the programme as it is. Also, please don't think that the return to intervals is a soft option - it isn't. You need to treat Week 6 with respect because those intervals have caught people out - it's tougher than it appears. Take it very slow (even slower than that), very steady, stay calm and this will see you through. Good luck with your next run and best wishes.

[GoogleMe Graduate]

Fitmo's right, plenty of people come crying to the forum about how hard it is, and how they didn't expect that. It's a weird thing.

Good luck!

[nrg_girl Graduate]

I would agree. It seems like going back to shorter intervals might be a step backward, but it's all about your body getting used to this. The program is developed to build the stamina to finish it, and skipping steps has resulted in injuries for many people. Better to have one run where you think "I could have done more", then to have an injury and have convalesce and start much further back! Good luck. Let us know how it goes.

[dottiemay Graduate]

Listen to them ^^^^

They all talk a great deal of sense!!

[pinkangel16 Graduate]

Thank you everyone, I appreciate your comments and advice - and I will take them all - I will follow the programme - it's proving itself! Not knowing about sport and stuff like this I just didn't understand - and now I do and it makes complete sense.

Happy running !

[Hidden]

Yes, do not be deceived, that one is a lot harder than you think its going to be. Take it easy.

[pinkangel16 Graduate]

You're all right - it was hard! Which is just fine and I feel I've achieved again. Went a little quicker in the 2nd 5 minutes. Looking forward to the final 11 runs of the programme

[Mum156]

It's only a couple of runs. It soon picks back up again and, believe me, you will feel that 25 minutes when it comes along!!!

[NickTuson Graduate]

I have just completed week 6, and thought the same as you. Week 5 was 20 minute run high and going back to intervals seemed strange. I decided two things:

1) Doing some more intervals to build up to a longer run could make sense

2) So far I've managed to do all Laura has asked by following the plan with OCD like precision

I decided to just follow the plan 100%, completely. I managed the 25 minutes run (yeah!), but it was hard work.

My advice, continue to follow the plan to the T, it's what's got you this far

Good luck.