So, having managed the dreaded Week 5 run 3 of 20 mins successfully I was feeling really good and then seemed to hit a bit of a wall with week 6. Struggled with, but did the first run of week 6, but really struggling with the second run of running 10 mins, walking 3 then running 10. Managed the first 10 mins (just!) but someone filled my legs with concrete for the second 10 mins and I just couldn't keep going - stopped after about 5 mins then walked and ran intermittently to the end - really cross with myself and not sure what has gone wrong - maybe I went a bit too fast in the first 10 mins. Feel a bit disillusioned and the thought of doing a 25 mins non-stop is daunting. Think I will start again with week 6 and concentrate on the slow but steady approach.... has this happened to anyone else? Any tips? I do not run to music, preferring instead to have some headspace and listen to the rhythm of my feet.
Feel like I need to "re-sit" week 6... - Couch to 5K
Feel like I need to "re-sit" week 6...
Are you not listening to the podcasts or app then? I couldn't have managed without them 🙂
There is no need at all for any kind of speed. The object of the exercise is to finish each session and move on to the next. Week six is the toughest, so crack that and you're virtually home and dry 🙂
Thanks! I know others have struggled with week 6. Yes I have the app on which gives me my instructions and when to start running, start walking and how far I have left to go. You can set itunes to music so you have music playing - or else just have it silent in between the "chat". I sought some advice from a trainer when I first started C25K and she advised no music, as I began with music and found that I was running way too fast, and not able to keep up! Running "silent" has taken some getting used to but have to say it is much easier to get in tune with your body, the pace of your feet and your breathing!
Nothing wrong with repeating either the first or the second run of the week. Why not try using the podcast or app.with the app you can use your own music, so I guess you could have silence instead? (I don't know, as I used the podcasts, it was the only way I could know when to run and when to walk!!)
Thanks CookieM - I am using the app - but you can set it to silent - so you just get the voice letting you know when to run, when you are half way through etc. it works well. I did my first run of week 6 with music and think that made me run too fast - hence running out of steam!
Yes, I found when I started using my own music I was going too fast and the couldn't sustain it. Go back to silent then, and try run 1 again. If you feel happier with that one, then move on to run 2.
Aaah Week 6 is tricky but there for a reason..
Take a look at the pinned posts below..you may need to click the more button..but the post by Poppypug **the toxic ten** is still there.
Have a read of this it might explain why you struggled.
W6R1 is a hard one. After the furore of W5R3 it should feel like a victory run. It isn't. It is another week and another stretch towards the end goal.
Not only that but we have good runs and bad runs. Dust yourself off and have another crack in a day or so.
I ran C25k without music as well. I didn't want to get to the point where music was a crutch that I couldn't run without. Same with running with water. Also, I didn't want to run the risk of switching off and missing the instruction.
I do run with music now, but my mind wonders down its own paths and it just becomes mostly white noise. Keep at it - you've got this!
If you don't complete a run, then repeat it. No need to go back to the start of the week.
Oh my week 6 run 1 a total meltdown. But looking back there were reasons and a lack of 'a clear head' was the major one. It seemed weird going back to intervals after the momentous W5R3 but it is stamina build again. Find your happy pace, I did also find that in my enthusiasm I think I started off too fast too. I redid that one and it was fine thereafter, not easy but very doable.
Get your head in the space and the legs will follow I promise. Personally I wouldn't redo the whole week, the programme is meant to test you, try the last run again and move on when done. Otherwise you could end up on a W6 treadmill always trying to improve and refine it, when you really the need the stretch of the next week. Good luck next time out
thanks Jancanrun - it is a lovely sunny day here (and very warm which is a shock to the system after the recent spell of cold wet weather!) I intend to go out this evening after work - I will attempt the week 6 run 1 again tonight in the hope I nail it. Otherwise I am going to be very grumpy! Reassuring to hear that others had a week 6 meltdown so I don't feel alone or as useless as I did on Friday! I think it's important to make sure I have enough hydration and energy so about to have a large glass of water and a banana before heading out in an hour or so.....
Banana power and water, perfect combo, go do it, and enjoy the feeling of satisfaction when you have
Banana power?? I know they give you energy but are they really that helpful??
I managed to finish W6R1 but I was quite disillusioned after it as I found it so hard! After W5R3 I felt invincible as I never in a million years thought I could run for 20 minutes, and actually I thought it was an error in the app until I found this forum! I think the problem with W6R1 was that I went out a bit fast, a bit overconfident, and really struggled on the 8 minute section. Interestingly, W5R3 I did 4.1km including the warm up / warm down, whereas W6R1 I did 4.6km so that's quite an increase. I am a bit nervous about the 10/3/10 coming up next, but think I will just have to take it slower (if that's even possible... I am not going to be breaking any world records any time soon!) Good luck to all the Week 6'ers out there!
Hi Kaydev - I did the 10r 3w 10r last night. It was good to finally get that one under my belt without "cheating" it is definitely a mental test and I actually quite comfortable 3 mins into the second set of 10 and pushed on to the end in a better frame of mind. Slower pace - but I did it. Good luck with yours! The programme has certainly stepped it up a level!
Yikes...I'm struggling at the moment with W5R3...I'm SURE if you cracked that run you will be fine when you get your head around W6...I am sure I will feel invincible when I finally crack W5 so I can totally understand where you're coming from there....keep at it...listen to your body and not the gremlins...although they seem to be out with me at the moment!! Good luck 😉
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