Where to start: Hello, I had completed up to... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

134,190 members159,536 posts

Where to start

Anniejane profile image
7 Replies

Hello,

I had completed up to week 5 run 2 (and as someone who loathes all forms of exercise, was feeling pretty proud of myself), however I haven't run for 2 weeks now (due to first hurting my leg, and then coming down with a virus). I feel I'm just about ready to get back in to running but there's no way I can go back to week 5 run 3! I've never run that far and having had 2 weeks off I know I wouldn't cope.

Just wondering if anyone has any advice as to where i should start from? I feel like the only reason I've come this far is because I've put all my trust in to the program, I need to be able to believe that what I'm setting out on is achieveable but I don't want to have to start from the beginning again! Thanks all 🙂

Written by
Anniejane profile image
Anniejane
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
7 Replies
Whatsapp profile image
WhatsappGraduate

I would normally encourage anyone to go out and do W5R£ and just see how fare you get. You may achieve it, but without trying you will never know. As mostly two weeks shouldn't mean you lose too much fitness

However, given your reasons for being on the IC were both viral and injury related, I would suggest you take yourself back to W5R1. That way you don't do too much too soon.

DawnRun profile image
DawnRun

Did you get injured during an attempt to run W5 R3? It's an unfortunate place to have a hiccup. Normally , I would just repeat the last one I had completed which would be W5 R2, it depends on you, there is no harm in going back a step or two and you are right, there is no need to restart at zero. If you aren't very confident I'd go back and start at W4 R3. But really the best rule of thumb (that I use) is to go back and do the one you last completed. Other people may have different ideas though.

RunForestR profile image
RunForestRGraduate

I bow to wiser heads than mine on this Forum, but in the same circumstances - I'd be going back to the start of w4 and making sure I had the stamina built into my legs again - that way I would be more likely to complete without issue, build my confidence and then gauge how fast to progress from there. I'm still a newbie tho- so that's only my point of view and as I still have week 5 r 3 to do on Friday - I do not speak as the voice of experience. Good for you for getting back to it tho' and good luck whichever one you choose to do.

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor in reply toRunForestR

Going back is fine, as is trusting the plan, both work. However, the psychological aspects of the process become ever more demanding and while building confidence is valuable, you cannot fail this plan, unless you head back to the couch. Facing the challenge means you know whether you can or cannot complete it. Repeating earlier runs will not give you that information. So, in my opinion, stepping outside your comfort zone will ultimately build confidence to a far greater degree.

If you don't try, you will never know. Repeating the run you could not complete means you have found your level and that is the challenge that needs to be beaten, not the earlier weeks you have already completed.

Wizziewood profile image
Wizziewood

Glad you're over your problems and I understand your apprehension about where to restart.

You probably won't have lost as much fitness as you fear so I'd suggest starting back at the beginning of W5. That will ease you back nicely and by run 3 you'll be flying!

Good luck and happy running!

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate

I would agree with IannodaTruffe .. step out. slow and steady!

Anniejane profile image
Anniejane

Thanks everyone, it's really useful to have your input! Back out tomorrow morning, going to try repeat week 5 run 2 and see how we go 🙂

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Where to start back😷

Hi, I’m after some advice. The last time I ran was 2 weeks ago and that was week 8 and run 1. To be...
2707 profile image

Where to start?

I began couch to 5k about 2 months ago and got to about week 5. Due to illness I have been unable...
jlk22 profile image

Where to run?

Hello everyone, I only just started Couch to 5K last week, and today I completed W2R2. I'm...
han22 profile image

Where should I start?

Next week I am moving from running on the treadmill to back outdoors (the cold weather and...
WillsMum68 profile image
Graduate

Where to start again from after injury

Hi all, I guess a bit of background would help - i started the c25k back in March, and was...
epic_fai profile image
Graduate

Moderation team

See all
Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministrator
MissUnderstanding profile image
MissUnderstandingAdministrator
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.