Any advice? I've been trying to do the couch to 5k but seem to repeatedly get to week 3 then stop for a while, restarting again, any tips?

[tvcallis]

Someone told me it's common to struggle at week 3 or 4 of a new exercise plan?

[LSBeech75 Graduate]

You're doing really well to keep at it, which is great. Are you repeating any runs in W3 or just stopping? I suppose it depends in your reasons for stopping? Do you feel daunted by W4? If so - I hear you! Moving onto that phase of the programme can be scary - but Laura will totally get you through it and you can do it! Let us know how it goes - keep the faith & good luck!!

[paul2014 Graduate]

Can you give us a bit more on why you stop? Are you fatigued; is it just the thought of moving onto w4; do you lose interest? Hopefully we can help you get past w3

[Ray801 Graduate]

You are trying to change an old routine - that is couch to a new routine that of a runner.

Making specific plans for achieving goals is a more likely way to successfully make a new habit. 9 weeks is not very long I put all my runs in my diary - I work on a PC all day so I had them in my Microsoft Outlook Calendar with a reminder set. I did not always manage to do them at the time set but I did them all. I did not clear the reminder until it was done and of course I put the odd post on here and some of the regulars gave me encouragement.

I lost my way after graduating for a while but realised it was because I did not have something to aim for - a goal. I have now set myself another target which I am working towards.

You can do the same, set the time for each run and 'just do it'

Good luck and keep running

[RainbowPixie]

I've been the same, been doing this on and off since October and never got past week 2 before I would simply stop. I'm now "back on" and have done week 1 5 times! And will still be doing it a couple more times before moving on.

Set yourself some goals and think about why you are doing this. And think about how great you will feel when you complete week 9! I'm doing the programme to lose weight, get healthier and fitter again.

Just take it slow, and repeat runs if you have to. And come on here if you need some motivation to get outside some days. Keep at it, you can do it!

[GoogleMe Graduate]

It's the restarting that is likely the problem, depending on how long you mean you are leaving it between.

Unless it really is quite a while or you've been really ill or injured IMHO the only time you need to 'repeat' a run (eg W1 R3) is if you haven't actually completed it in the first place.

One of the many mind things to be learned by doing C25K is that some runs are just hard because they just are and it doesn't mean that you are not ready for the next step. It could be of course that you've been 'sprinting' and need to re-focus your pace on sustainability (even if that means walking pace)