W5R3failed..: Well I've finally moved up from W... - Couch to 5K

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W5R3failed..

Bigjimknickers profile image
8 Replies

Well I've finally moved up from W4R3 this week, I did the first two of week 5, W5R2 was ok, I managed but the R3, wow I was aching like hell after 5mins, by 8 mins my back hurt two & I had to walk, so I switched back to W5R2! I'm going to do this a few more times before I tackle W5R3 I'm simply not ready for it yet & fear I'll injure myself if I push that hard (still running with 19st after all!)

So it's not the end of the world just a slight setback.

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Bigjimknickers profile image
Bigjimknickers
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8 Replies
Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate

Oh dear.... :( (But, we don't use the 'f' word on here ! :) )....It was as you say a setback.. or a practice run.:)

Poor you and your back.. hot shower or bath and some easy strength and flex exercises maybe?

Take it very, very steady and low.. and see how you fare. Your journey and your pace >:)

Well done anyway!

NickiCS profile image
NickiCSGraduate

Just remember the C25k program is suggestions and it really doesn't matter if it takes a bit longer...it's all part of the journey...and what an accomplishment it will be when you manage it...and beyond, and you will.

orchards profile image
orchardsGraduate

Well done for getting this far and for realising you need a few extra practices (as Oldfloss says, not that f word). Going really slowly helps and make sure you take enough rest days. Hope your next run is a lot more comfortable.

JoolieB1 profile image
JoolieB1Graduate

It is not a fail in my eyes, you did most of the week, well done and you felt you avoided injury which is very sensible too. Onwards, you are very close to completing week 5! Determination

melly4012 profile image
melly4012Graduate

The F word isn't allowed here. It was a practice run and you did 8 minutes more running than if you were sitting on the couch. :) You will be able to get through this run - it's very much a mental challenge as well as a physical one. If you need to do some earlier runs a couple of times to build your confidence then that's ok. :) When you try to tackle it, go slow and steady and if you feel like you want to stop just slow right down to try to get you through. Also, perhaps give yourself a couple of rest days before you give that W5R3 a go to make sure your muscles have fully recovered from the previous run. Keep going, you can definitely get there!

Bigjimknickers profile image
Bigjimknickers

Thanks all! I'm going back to W5R2 on Monday & I'll see how that goes, it seems a hell of a jump, 8mins to 20 mins! My calves & back seem to enjoy the walk parts in between too much!

Irish-John profile image
Irish-JohnGraduate

Wise Runner!

I, and most of us Graduates, had to take a few Practice runs before the Success run at a number of stages :)

The ONLY failed run is the one you did not -barring for health reasons - take.

You are doing it the right way, never fear. See you at the Graduate Table soon ;)

runswithdogs profile image
runswithdogsGraduate

That was my first repeated run as well. I assure you, you have it in you to do it. You've done all the buildup and hard work, your brain just needs to catch up. I had to slow right down from the get-go, and if I ever felt myself wavering I slowed down even more. It's doable, and after abandoning it the first time and completing it the second time I was on top of the world. You will be too. The challenge is in your head.

That being said, I still love walking breaks, and even after running for a couple of years I use them generously.

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