Suddenly run 3 is 20 minutes is this correct? Why the sudden jump. Previous runs have been 3 and 8 minutes then suddenly asked to more than double the running time. That's a big ask. I thought this programme was steady does it. This has really put me off my game.
Week 5 run 3 HELP!: Suddenly run 3 is 20 minutes... - Couch to 5K
Week 5 run 3 HELP!
Written by
JeanRogers
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27 Replies
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stormwardenGraduate
Go for it Jean. Think of it as a 10 min run then a 0 min walk then a 10 min run. You'll do it!
If you did W5R2 correctly, you ran for sixteen minutes with a 4 minute walk inbetween. Now you are running for those 4 minutes as well. If you do the maths again you will find that it is only a 25 percent increase in running time. It isnt there to mess you up. Its there because thats how the science of it works. You are ready for this.
You could always read some of the other many hundreds of posts on this topic and the followup posts where the doubting runers express their elation at having smashed the 20 mins
Thanks that does make it sound better. But then the next week you drop back to 8 minutes runs again I think. I don't really get it!
hah! don't underestimate the drop back to 8 minute runs. That is the one that has grown people weeping usually
but dont worry about that yet. just go smash that 20 minute run. Then come back and whoop about it.
Just follow the plan... go as slowly as you like and KNOW you will do it 
Steve1011Graduate
Hi Jean, I completed this run earlier today, like you I was dreading it, but it was much more straightforward that I expected. Keep a steady pace and don't go off too fast. If you managed the other 2 runs in week 5 then you will be ok. Good luck and let me know how you get on.
WhatsappGraduate
I have bored many with lengthy explanations of how it works. But I think Rignold has said it all.
You'll be fine it is not a big leap. Trust the programme.
MskenGraduate
Felt the same when approaching w5 run 3, what a leap! But managed it and even enjoyed parts of it. Trust the programme. You will feel amazing and feel capable of anything after completing that run believe me. Watch your pace, take it really slow and you'll nail it. Good luck!
ickleguiGraduate
Also makes sense - if you dare look ahead further - this week and week 6 are a pair, week 6 follows a similar pattern.
You can always check out the total running times as well, if you doubt yourself check out what a 'big ask' you already managed between weeks 3 and 4...
Thank you all for the comments, they are really helpful. OK I will have a go then! maybe if I go veeeeery slowly!
Aaah them's the magic words slow and steady wins... the approval of the C25K forum , and more importantly will get you to the end!
(No pressure - you don't actually *have* to complete the runs first time, no-one's counting!)
You should be going slowly... this is a great programme.. enjoy all the different runs in it and just think of everything you are learning about running and yourself
Thank you. Yes there's nothing stopping me repeating run 1 and 2 until I'm comfortable is there.
oh that's also true, repeat if you wish - but remember, if you completed the runs however uncomfortably (errr with the exception of pain) you are ready to move on. The programme works by pushing you each time so you might not feel "comfortable" but you will feel proud and maybe even smug 
GillmaGraduate
I remember that startled feeling! Just head off with an open mind.
IficandoitGraduate
Go for it - I found it ok because actually you will have a rhythm by 10mins in so it's not too hard just to keep going. Just keep it slow!
OldflossAdministratorGraduate
It is steady... just all about discipline in our runs and knowing that you are ready for it ... you just take it slowly and steadily and you run
No need to let it put you off your game at all... you are ready for this... game on
IannodaTruffeMentor
You are actually moving for 21 minutes between warm up and cool down on W5R2, as opposed to the twenty minutes in W5R3.
Just relax and trust the programme.
Yeah but 20 of it is running!
JeanRogers you are putting up a barrier before you even start. The programme aims to get you running for 30 minutes in 9 weeks, so at some point you are going to have to step up the length of the runs.
The programme works your cardio fitness, which improves your body's stamina and ability to sustain a run. That is done by getting your heart rate up and letting it slow down and getting it up again (run/walk), so you can sustain longer runs. All the interval walks in between are to get your leg muscles used to moving non-stop for long periods and allow your heart rate to return to normal before the next run.
When you ran for the second 8 minutes you had already run for 8 minutes and had been on the move for 13mins total. You still completed the next 8 minute run. If I stay up two hours later tonight, the second hour will be harder because of the first. Its accumulated tiredness.
When you start running, your body is suddenly jerked into action and your heart rate and breathing increase to get more oxygen to your body (you have been training your body to do this - Cardio). It takes about ten minutes for your body to relax into a rhythm and settle into a run. Your breathing, and heart rate settles. You will find that on the longer runs you can feel like a runner instead of clock watching.
Please don't just repeat 1 and 2. Give it a go and you will surprise yourself.
Thank you. Am feeling a bit more positive after all the supportive comments.
KatyKaycdGraduate
I am about to do W5R3 today as well and I am also concerned about the increase in the length of the run. However, I usually find that the first 5 minutes running are the worst and after that it gets easier so I am hoping that I will make it without stopping.
GingerBohemianGraduate
8 of your favourite songs should do it.
You'll be too busy singing to notice the time. And then when you get told you are halfway then then suddenly you know it is getting shorter not longer.
Looking forward to the 'woo hooooo' post later today.
Babs24Graduate
I can remember having a peek at that run after finishing my previous run, and 'the shock!!'. Honestly you can do it. Just slow down if you need to. Slow and Steady is the mantra. That is the sage advice I got from this forum, and it works. x
I've just done it (20 minutes - Wow!) and I'm so glad I didn't "peek" first. As with all things, thinking about something is way worse than just doing it, so stop looking ahead and just concentrate on today.
p.s. I haven't run since my teens - 40 years ago, so if I can do this without passing out, then I'm sure you'll have no problems
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