5K+; really struggling.: Does anyone else find... - Couch to 5K

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5K+; really struggling.

60Mouse profile image
60MouseGraduate
11 Replies

Does anyone else find the 5K+ runs hard? I have run two Interval runs which were just about okay but the stamina run knocked me out! I only managed half of it; I was so tired. Any tips or does this just happen and you just keep on going and have another go? Not dispirited, just puzzled.

It's good to hear from others' experience, thank you.

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60Mouse profile image
60Mouse
Graduate
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11 Replies
Millsie-J profile image
Millsie-JGraduate

Oh yes! I posted on this previously. Stamina is hard particularly if you are not yet one of our faster runners ( I'm v slow😂). The Stepping Stones is slightly easier than Stamina, a slightly slower pace, have you tried that one? You can then build up to Stamina😃👍🏼

Kmcm66 profile image
Kmcm66

I prefer the speed podcast but it does push me to my limits. Overall I dont run any faster but know the intervals at a faster pace are doing me good. The stamina one is the most challenging for me but still beneficial i think. I have started using a bridge to 10k app and enjoyed the 10min runs interspersed with 1min walking intervals this morning 😊

Clawmum profile image
ClawmumGraduate

I graduated in July, started off continuing with the 30 mins x 2 and one 5k run a week, slowly changed this to 2/3 5k runs a week, now I'm happy with that i thought i would try the 5K+ podcasts, I have just got back from 5K+ speed and was pleasantly surprised at how good i feel after it also made me realise how slow i actually run normally........ gonna try stamina on Wednesday, unfortunately its difficult to run this time of year as i live in the country and its very dark so focussing on running on my off days. I wouldn't worry about completing it just do what you can (saying that i may feel differently on Wednesday lol)

Good luck with whatever you decide and as Laura says "even a bad run is a run"!!!

Irish-John profile image
Irish-JohnGraduate

I just run. Probably would make better gains if I followed a new programme since graduating but found when I tried l was getting too hung up on goals other than enjoying running. Now I do what I find to be a good balance between exercise, progress and fun. Some days I get around more comfortably than others but the minimum distance for me is the four laps of the Park I know for sure -barring injury or accident - I am lieing to myself if I think I 'just can't do it physically"

I always find I go on then for the extra bit that gives me the full 5k :)

AncientMum profile image
AncientMumGraduate

Stamina is notoriously tough when you first try it. Do stick with it and you'll definitely reap the benefits. It's called Stamina for a reason as it really does take stamina to finish it. Just run what you can, walk what you can't and know it's doing you good. Personally, I found Stepping Stones almost impossible but I love both Speed and Stamina and have been know to listen to Stamina when I'm doing Parkrun to give me a bit of a boost. Good luck :)

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply toAncientMum

With you on all points 🙂

60Mouse profile image
60MouseGraduate

Thank you for all the encouragement. I think probably a mix and match will work best.

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate

I agree with AncientMum ..Stepping Stones weird..Speed and Stamina..great! After graduation I did lots of ,just runs...runs for pleasure.and no pressure.three a week. Icalled it running for joy.

Then.did Stepping Stones..three times first week..Speed x3 second week..and then Stamina x3..I did not enjoy Stepping Stones..but still use the others..mix and match within runs..as I fancy..😃 Do what you can..walk..run whatever...This is your journey..adapt it to yourself☺

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate

Many of us have felt, the 'Lost without Laura Syndrome.'

But, we all find a way to continue our journey.I have tried very odd things, all to aid my running or just for fun. 🙂

Hillrunner2201 profile image
Hillrunner2201

I tried stepping stones and couldn't get on with it at all, so I ditched 5k+ podcasts and carried with week 9 of Laura for a while, then just my own music. I found my speed and stamina built up just through doing my own thing and setting myself mini challenges.

60Mouse profile image
60MouseGraduate

Really good advice, thank you. Just completed week 9 run again. I ran further than before in 30 mins so I feel encouraged. I will try the interval training again but give Stepping Stones and Stamina a miss for a bit.

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