Lead legs..: I find this running lark so... - Couch to 5K

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Lead legs..

Jmiss profile image
JmissGraduate
11 Replies

I find this running lark so confusing. Saturday I did W5R3 and was buzzing afterwards, I could never imagine running for 20 mins, today started W6R1 and found it harder that Saturday. I felt heavy legged & tired although I did it I felt knackered. Is it my fitness, should I leave 3 days in between, wondered if 2 days is not enough for me...no way am I giving up I want to Graduate :) but it certainly is a challenge.

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Jmiss profile image
Jmiss
Graduate
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11 Replies
MichaelH070862 profile image
MichaelH070862Graduate

W6 does seem to throw people off as it starts to ramp up the runs in to prepare you for W7, 8 & 9 which are continuous runs if you feel the need for an extra days rest take it after all it is not a race to the finish line but a lifestyle change.

Jmiss profile image
JmissGraduate in reply toMichaelH070862

I have just been reading some of the posts under week 6 and I feel comforted by the fact that sooooooooo many have commented on the feeling of going backwards at this point. I actually said to my husband I felt it was harder having to stop start etc. so look forward to the continuous running again. Feel so motivated by all you guys on this site...thanks again for all the support.

MichaelH070862 profile image
MichaelH070862Graduate in reply toJmiss

I am sure you will be fine all you need to believe you can do it and it is achievable

McFitty profile image
McFittyGraduate

It's very common to feel like that in week 6. It's the 'back to intervals' thing that kind of throws you off - especially just after the elation of getting through week5 r3. It's preparing you for the next few weeks though, so stick at it, you're not far off now :)

RainbowC profile image
RainbowCGraduate

As the others have said, lots of people find the intervals really tiring in week 6 - possibly going a bit fast because they 'should be easy' after the W5r3 achievement, possibly because W5r3 is a bit more tiring than we realise, possibly for any one of a dozen other reasons. There's no harm in having an extra rest day if necessary - but if you managed the run, even with leaden legs, you DID IT! Well done, and you're obviously fit enough and able to move on to the next one :)

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate

Most folk, as you are seeing from replies. feel like this.. and some runs too, are just like that. Lead legs, running through treacle.. all manner of things:)

Well done your for doing it even with those leaden legs!!! brilliant.

Just carry on, as ever, slow and steady does it... not a race...This is your journey, your way...if you feel you need an extra rest day... take it.

Maybe, try to build in some strength and flex exercise too if you can ? :) The link on the C25K site is helpful! :)

davelinks profile image
davelinksGraduate

Well done! Push through, rise to the challenge, the runs may well vary with the feelings, it happens, make sure your well hydrated & keeping the pace down, when it feels really tough just slow it very slightly and breath well.. I bet you noticed afterwards how good you felt at achieving the run, although it felt so tough. Like most things, it doe's get easier as you keep plugging away at it..😊

Ullyrunner profile image
UllyrunnerGraduate

It's not uncommon that people struggle with week 6 - it's a tricky one after the euphoria of that 20 minute triumph.

Don't worry - stick with it. It will get better.

OldPossum profile image
OldPossum

Yep me too. Before I set off I thought why will I be walking I can run now. By the time I got back I was glad for every minute walking I had been granted! Has been much better since and I will be heading out in the morning for my first week 8 run. Your next run should feel much better - I'm sure it's all physchological 😀

ju-ju- profile image
ju-ju-Graduate

Sometimes the body is tired for no reason, I'd say stick to the programme and you will probably find it feels fine next time....

pinkangel16 profile image
pinkangel16Graduate

Isn't it the strangest thing - I felt exactly the same. But, the programme works, and this is part of the programme, so just stick with it, at your own pace, and you'll be graduating in no time!

😀 🏃 xx

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