Couch to 5k BBC health app week 4

[LouIselsqy]

I've one run to go tomorrow to complete week 4 and enjoying it but having peeked at week 5's run 3 jumps from 2x 8 minute runs (run 2) to a 20 minute run?! Week 6 then jumps back to 5&8 minute runs... is that correct - seems odd to me?!

[Tricky2836]

Probably is not got there yet.... but hey if it is you have got this and I will be catching up with you soon so GO for it we can do this 😉

[icklegui Graduate]

Shhh... that's how it goes, yes, but don't tell anyone, you wouldn't want to scare them about that 20 minutes

[icklegui Graduate in reply to icklegui]

... less flippantly, that really is how it goes. Weeks 5 and 6 mix it up a bit, but you can trust it! Since you've looked already, maybe consider that week 5 run 2 is 16 minutes total running, then week 5 run 3 is 20 minutes total. Well done on getting to the end of week 4!

[LouIselsqy Graduate in reply to icklegui]

Thank you icklegui😊 That's an encouraging reply - and you're quite right i shouldn't have advertised the detail....sorry to anyone I've scared....

[icklegui Graduate in reply to LouIselsqy]

Oh goodness I think that spoiler is well and truly out of the bag, you just have to visit this forum to see all the happy "20 minutes I did it" posts! They surprised and scared me but I remember thinking "well, if that's the programme, we'll give it a go..." and it also helped to remember that completing them first time isn't compulsory so no pressure!

[Hidden]

Hey Louise it is exactly as it says, it helps not to consider the individual runs as standalone, because it does seem weird and can be off-putting when you do longer times then go back to short.

If you look at the cumulative effect of the intervals, you will see you are building time and kms but just in a different way. Mixing it up is good for your stamina and running memory as it were.

I agree with you it looks odd, but you soon get back to longer running intervals. I always think of W5 as a milestone Week. You are changing your running methods as part of the platform for graduation.

Good luck on your last W4 run today, happy running in W5.

[LouIselsqy Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thank you jancanrun... 😊that makes sense and the cumulative run times did cross my mind ... I think it's a just a temporary psychological barrier -stamina is fine and I'm enjoying the runs - just have to believe in my commitment to the training so far - and the programne!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

It is all true.. that is what you get for peeking! Only joking.. do not let any of this throw you. Take it, as with every single run, slowly and steadily. light steps and a relaxed positive start to your run!!

Just go with the flow and know you can do it!!!

[LouIselsqy Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks for the encouragement oldflloss...! I think I peeked to prepare my mind ahead rather than impatience 😄.

[Realfoodieclub Graduate]

Trust the program. Many have thought it is unrealistic and guess what they are the ones on here telling you it is ok with graduation badges next to their name. Your body is ready for this, in the last four weeks it has been building up and getting used to the time without your knowledge. 😀. The main hurdle for this run is the brain so give your self a fighting chance and go out with a positive attitude towards it, trust me your body is ready. Enjoy your run.

[LouIselsqy Graduate in reply to Realfoodieclub]

You're right realfoodieclub! Appreciate that and I know deep down it'll all be good!

[Beccym Graduate]

You'll be okay you've done the work. Even if you're not you can always repeat week.

If you look back at this forum you will see that there are lots of similar posts. Look forward to your week 5 run 3 post

[sheps Graduate]

Perhaps you could think of it as running, slowly, the 4 minutes walk between the two 8 minute runs. Going from a brisk walk to a slow run is not too much of a jump, is it?

[LouIselsqy Graduate in reply to sheps]

I agree - thank you sheps and I walk fairly fast so I think it's just keeping a positive mindset for me! I've always told myself I can't run far so I'm learning to change that and instead I now tell myself "I like running and enjoying running longer distances " plus good carefully selected tunes on my run play list help 😉.

[sheps Graduate in reply to LouIselsqy]

That's a great attitude for a future graduate - positive thinking is as important as slow and steady running. Well done you.