I've just completed week 5 run 1 and really struggled. Should I repeat before trying run 2 or just go for it?

[lollipopij]

I think I pushed to hard in run 1. I lost it in run two ended up walking for 30 seconds but managed to run a lot slower in run 3 for the full time.

[MarkyD Graduate]

I say 'Go for it'. You completed W5r1 and learned to moderate your pace. Try it out on W5r2 and see how you get on. I ran W5r3 today, and deliberately started at a slow pace. I found I was running faster in the last 5 minutes than I did in the first 5 minutes.

You'll know during W5r2 if you are up to it. I bet that you get on just fine. Good luck!

[helenbones Graduate]

I'm only on week 6 so hardly a pro but I would say go for it and just keep your pace slower. if you are running outside make sure it is not too uphill - that makes a big difference.

good luck with it!

[grannyjudes Graduate]

No I wouldnt, you did it, the idea is to push yourself, so I would forge on but go slower, a lot slower, then even slower again, the idea is to complete not speed, you'll be fine

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

All the above advice is sound and it is worth challenging yourself. Keep the speed down and you will be fine. If you can't complete it, then repeat it and there is no shame in that. The beauty of C25k is that you are in control and have to teach yourself how fast to run. A good policy, especially for the later continuous runs, is to do each days run, that is a step up, at a very slow pace, speeding up towards the end if you can. When you repeat the run, aim to speed up just a fraction at the start.

Good luck and don't forget where you came from.

[Hidden]

KEEP GOING. Forge forward and have faith and confidence in yourself. You CAN and WILL do it.

I would suggest picking the time of day carefully as it is now hot, and that saps your strength. If you can do an early, that is better as there are less buzzy-biters around. This assumes you are in the UK!

[Hidden]

Slow and steady - it's about making sure you pace yourself for the duration... You can do it!

[Laurae Graduate]

Keep going. You completed your run so no need to do it again. Sometimes the next run after a hard one is better. As the others have said keep your pace down. Once you have graduated you'll have time to focus on that if you want to but at the moment you should focus on keeping going for the distance no matter how slow you are going. Well done for getting this far. Remember a few weeks ago you probably thought you would struggle with a minute never mind where you are now. Don't forget to take your rest day or even an extra one if you feel you need it.

[dartymoor Graduate]

I'm just finishing week eight, and have experienced a few bad or difficult runs throughout the programme. I've found the key things for me are, pacing yourself, making sure I've drunk enough fluids etc beforehand. I've also developed a strategy if I have a difficult run, of taking two rest days and then going again on next run.

[frannyfran Graduate]

Hi,

I would try to do run 2. If you struggle too much, revert to run 1. Just take a stop watch with you !

But as Dartymoor says, take an extra day rest after a bad day (I do the same) and you'll be fine!

Best of luck and keep us posted.

[lollipopij Graduate in reply to frannyfran]

I went for it and managed it! Feeling fantastic at the minute and actually looking forward to the 20 min run!

[frannyfran Graduate in reply to lollipopij]

I'm so glad for you.

And remember, you are half way through the program!

Five weeks ago you were running a minute at a time and in another 5 weeks you will be running 30 minutes. Some runs are easier than others for no reason whatsoever, but you will get there!

So well done to you and happy running.

[lollipopij Graduate]

Thanks everyone I'm going to go for it. I didn't think I'd be able to run for more than 60 seconds when I started and look at me now!