Week 5 Run 3: Wow! I was terrified to try run #... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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Week 5 Run 3

Perfectly_imperfect profile image
16 Replies

Wow! I was terrified to try run #3 so I had put it off because I didn't think I could do it. I didn't understand why the program I'm using went from an 8 minute run to 20 minutes! But, I decided to go ahead and try and I did it!  I am so proud of myself and it felt so good. I haven't been able to do than in a very long time. I know to some it is no big deal and honestly I jog pretty slow but even so I am happy and ready for week 6!!!!

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Perfectly_imperfect profile image
Perfectly_imperfect
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16 Replies
Celtprof profile image
CeltprofGraduate

Well done- it's a great feeling. 

John_W profile image
John_WGraduate

Well done!

To be fair , W5R2 is 16 minutes of running with a short walk halfway thru. So 20 minutes isn't that much more - but the program is designed so that you are prepared for it. 

Remember that Week 2 sees a 50% increase in running time (from 1 minute to 1.5 mins). Week 3 sees a 100% increase (!) - 1.5 min to 3. 

So 2x 8 min to 20, isn't actually too much of a leap. It just looks like it.

What's happened is that Weeks 1-4 have got you used to being on your feet for 20-25 minutes, so jogging for 20 mins, actually turns out to be much easier than you imagine.

Did you know that when you train for a marathon (I haven't), you actually never run the full distance until the race (26.2 miles) itself? The longest training run will probably be around 20 miles - the principle being that all the training, from short runs at the start to doing say 3x 18 mile runs a week, is enough to help you run a single 26 miles when the time comes.

Imagine running for 20 miles (maximum) in training and then expect to run 6 miles (10k!) extra on the day of the race? But the same logic and science applies.

Cheers

John

hilbean profile image
hilbeanGraduate in reply toJohn_W

That was pretty much the tactic I used for W5R3.  Knew I could do the 8 minute runs either side of the 3 minute walk.  It was just a case of joining the dots in the middle.  Not sure if that made it any easier or less nerve wracking but hey!

poppypug profile image
poppypugGraduate in reply toJohn_W

Thats really interesting  John, thankyou xxx

Rhedwr profile image
RhedwrGraduate

Fantastic!  Such a brilliant feeling when you discover that you can do what you thought you couldn't! 

Keep up the good work :)

Perfectly_imperfect profile image
Perfectly_imperfectGraduate

Thanks everyone! I really love the information and support this community provides. I hate that I am unable to download the UK couch to 5k program with Julie in it because I am in the U.S. 

poppypug profile image
poppypugGraduate in reply toPerfectly_imperfect

Cant you do it from here ?

nhs.uk/Livewell/c25k/Pages/... 

Or doesnt it work ? Sorry if I have given you the wrong link, tech is a bit of a weakness of mine xxx

Perfectly_imperfect profile image
Perfectly_imperfectGraduate in reply topoppypug

I can get the podcasts but not the app. When I try to download the app from the App Store it says I must change to the UK. When I change to the UK store it says I must change back to US lol. 

in reply toPerfectly_imperfect

I am using the podcasts alone (I live in Sweden) and it works well for me!

skysue16 profile image
skysue16Graduate in reply toPerfectly_imperfect

I never found Julie either!! Technology isn't my strong point but I suppose I must have been just using the podcast.... anyway it seemed ok for me! Well done for achieving run 3 - I was terrified too but the programme works (as John explained really well!). Best of luck with your future runs. 

Nomoreexcuses profile image
NomoreexcusesGraduate

Well done. That's my next run. Hoping to get out in next couple of days for it. Glad it went wellfor you 

runswithdogs profile image
runswithdogsGraduate

Congratulations.  Feels like you're on top of the world doesn't it?

hilbean profile image
hilbeanGraduate

Congratulations!  That's a huge milestone in the programme and you just cracked it :)  Well done, and enjoy the afterglow of success!  Bet you're still smiling about it today ;)

Happy running!

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate

Well done you! 

I think many of us felt exactly like you..but, you did it! :)

Rubywednesday profile image
Rubywednesday

Well done, a great milestone completed!  I'm planning on doing it tomorrow, hope it goes well.

Katie204 profile image
Katie204Graduate

Very well done! That is a huge achievement!

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