What do you do if you miss a week (or 2) - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

134,191 members159,534 posts

What do you do if you miss a week (or 2)

pete_be_healthy profile image
9 Replies

So I got to the end of week 5, managed to get through the 20 minute run, and so far OK. However... due to circumstances beyond my control haven't been able to run for about 3 weeks, no injuries, just life got in the way.

So the question was, do I go back and redo week 5, or do I press on and just do week 6.

Many thanks

pete

Written by
pete_be_healthy profile image
pete_be_healthy
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
9 Replies
JaySeeSkinny profile image
JaySeeSkinnyGraduate

Three weeks at this stage is quite a lot. I'd go back to the end of week 4 and build up from there. Or maybe I'd just go for the 20 minutes and if I managed carry on from there😎 But I'm greedy! 

poppypug profile image
poppypugGraduate

Hi Pete, Personally I would go back to Week 5 and see how you go on .

No harm in doing a week again and theres no pressure to complete the plan in the 9 weeks .

Entirely up to you though of course, no pressure :-) xxx

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate

Week 5..use it as a practice run...then..onwards and upwards :)

Madcow62 profile image
Madcow62

I got to week 5 and pulled my calf muscle so couldn't run for 2 weeks. I went back to week 4 to rebuild my strength ... and my confidence! It's a personal choice. Week 6 has 3 different runs like week 5 and the first one is pretty easy so you could press on to week 6 and see how you get on. No shame in repeating a week as its all good practice 😊

Rignold profile image
Rignold

Just pick a run, say W5R3, and go out and do it. If you find you struggle, then back up a bit, if not, forge ahead.

davelinks profile image
davelinksGraduate

As the others have said, but best not have a full roast dinner before you run!😰😱

pete_be_healthy profile image
pete_be_healthy

Yeah, the roast dinner thing was not good. In the end ignored everyone's advice (sadly I do that sometimes) and did the week 6 run 1. It was sort of OK, cut the speed back from 10kph to 9kph for the last interval and managed to get through it.

I may see what the run 2 and 3 are like before I go onto week 7 next week, but thinking it should be OK.

Thanks for all the advice.

Pete

Bluebirdrunner profile image
BluebirdrunnerGraduate in reply topete_be_healthy

Woah you run fast pete. A slower pace will help with these longer runs....😊

Bluebirdrunner profile image
BluebirdrunnerGraduate

I went on a two week holiday at the end of W5 and couldn't take my running gear. Knowing I had run for 20 mins was great though so when I got back I just started week 6 which is intervals still and was fine. 

You should still be fine but if in doubt do a 3 x 5 min run which will give you confidence.

Good luck and keep going. 😊

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Miss a week

Hi im due to start week 6 but am currently on holiday for a week. I had planned to.try and run here...
Ukdebdow profile image
Graduate

If you can't fully complete a week do you repeat it ??

Hi folks, Just wondering what a lot of you do if you can't fully complete a week ? Do you...
BigGinger profile image

Week 2 Run 1 - Failed - do I keep going or back to Week 1?

Hi All, need a bit of advice. Did my first Week 2 run today and failed. Managed to do 5 of the...
bexbridge profile image
Graduate

Week 8? Or 6? Run 1? Or 2?

I actually cannot believe how far I've come!! Today was meant to be week 8 run 1. When I started...
Soosysoo profile image
Graduate

Week 7 Run 2 - what a struggle?!

Hey guys. So I’ve just got back from run 2 of week 7 and it was the hardest run I have done so far....

Moderation team

See all
MissUnderstanding profile image
MissUnderstandingAdministrator
Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministrator
Annieapple profile image
AnnieappleAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.