Scared of moving from Week 4 to Week 5

[JoolieB1]

I have been running outside as it is more interesting but moving onto week 5 seems a big jump in running time and I am unsure if I am going to do it. I am planning to rest at the weekend now and on Monday use the treadmill instead. I don't want to fail, help,mi am a first time runner aged 51, doing well but daunted 😕

[Lizzielooly]

Of course you won't fail, we'll do it together... I start week 5 on Monday too, just got my last run of week 4 to complete on Saturday.

You've got this far, just keep going and trust in the programme as so many on here tell you. I trust in the programme and the amazing support on this forum. Don't let the gremlins take over now, you're doing ace!

Let us know how you get on xx

AND...ENJOY XX

[JoolieB1 Graduate in reply to Lizzielooly]

It's a deal, will post how I do, in the meantime, going to treat myself to rest, relaxation and good food! Run 3 was easier on week 4 so go for it!! 😀

[rich_wolves Graduate]

You will be AMAZED that the past few weeks have built your stamina. I was the same, I thought it would be impossible, but it isn't , you will have some bad days, but you will be able to do it! The best of luck!

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

Don't be daunted - trust Laura and the programme - she knows what she is doing and thousands of us have made it through with her! if you have completed week 4 okay you are ready to move on.

Personally I really prefer to run outside - more distractions. Just take each run as it comes. If you do it, move on to the next. If you can't manage it, repeat until you can. Take it nice and slow - it's not a race!

[JoolieB1 Graduate in reply to Ullyrunner]

Thank you. I agree with running outside, I am easily bored and like the fact I am out and about being nosey. The treadmill is tedious and only for emergencies, thought it might be easier though, will think about it, appreciate ur thoughts, it is mostly a battle of the mind, need to trust the programme steps up for a reason xx

[ShannieP Graduate]

You have got this far and you will do it just remember to keep it slow

I felt the same when I got to week 5 but it was fine....

Congratulations on completing w4

Good luck with the rest of the program 🏃🏻

[JoolieB1 Graduate]

Wow, how far are u now? I guess I am breathing well so my heart and lungs will just be doing the same for longer. Nth leg pain comes and goes anyway whether it is 5,8 or 20 minutes. Just a matter of wanting to do it and believing I will! ☺️

[Purple_faced_woman Graduate]

It does seem like a huge jump, but you can do it. I repeated Week 4 because I was uncertain. There is no shame in this, and you should do it if you feel you need to. But the program does seem to work really well. I am 50 and very overweight, and have now just finished Week 8. The thought of running for 28 minutes seemed impossible when I started Week 1, but just keep those gremlins under control and realise that you've raised your fitness and stamina. Week 5 is a now a mind game - you have the ability, but you need to make that leap of faith to truly believe in yourself.

Go for it - you can do it. You are doing brilliantly.

[JoolieB1 Graduate in reply to Purple_faced_woman]

Thank u. Will do day 1 and then prepare myself for week 2. You are right, if I make my mind up, I will do it! This seems a significant week where I need to b serious

[gary_bart]

You could try the first run, but give yourself permission to reverse a little if it hurts you or turns out to not yet be possible. I actually find I dislike treadmills, now. I can use them at my gym, but take a walk instead. It's not just that it's boring on the treadmill, it's also that out there, running, you can make constant fine adjustments to your pace as you go. Try that on the treadmill, and you can hurt yourself. You have to completely lock into what the machine says. I don't like it anymore.

[JoolieB1 Graduate in reply to gary_bart]

I agree, once I saw no one is interested in me keeping fit, I have been running in my local area. If I see anyone running or cycling, I think "good for you" especially if they are battling through, guess most people who see me think the same!!

[gary_bart in reply to JoolieB1]

The only ones who are interested are those who just want to say, "Hi! Me, I'm also Mad! and Good DAY to youoooo"

[Idolitorus Graduate in reply to JoolieB1]

Every person I have seen in the 7 weeks I have been doing this has been pleasant. Even other runners don't phase me any more.

Enjoy your run for you. You will make it. Take it slowly at first, even slower than last week. If you find you complete it and it was a doddle, then up the pace a smidge but you will find this program is about distance running, not speed running. That is for the future or for fit young things.

Good luck.

[JoolieB1 Graduate]

I have had a closer look and week 5 has three separate sessions! Monday seems ok with basically 3 x 5 minute sessions of running, so will go out as it is more fun,mother see how it goes for days 2 and 3!

[Jol_Keen Graduate]

All I would say is go nice and steady. It's not a race. Wk4 just completed, I was concerned about the change from Wk3 to 4, but doing it at a slow pace I found it surprisingly easy and indeed each run easier so the programme must work with building your stamina. If my breathing is good and legs not too tired I just get into my zone and get it done. And as Laura is always saying "you can do it".