Yesterday i did run 1 of wk 5 but really struggled because of not feeling well with a cold.i felt like i really dragged myself around & although i didnt stop at any point i didnt feel as though i nailed it or benefitted from it as such.so next time i run should i repeat it as i dont honestly think i will be able to progress...your thoughts please good people 😊 xx
To repeat or not to repeat?: Yesterday i did run... - Couch to 5K
To repeat or not to repeat?
43 Replies
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ChrisAllen1Graduate
I don't think you need to repeat, you dug deep and got through it. Even though it may not feel like it you will have benefited as each run builds stamina. I would say move on to the next run. Well done on getting through it when not feeling great.
in reply to ChrisAllen1
Thankyou 😊 not quite sure how i am going to manage 8 minutes when i could barely do 5 🤔 deeper digging 😉
MikeJones68Graduate
Chris said it all right there 
in reply to MikeJones68
I just have no idea how i am going to manage 8 minutes when i could barely manage 5 yesterday 😕
To be honest I found those two 8 minute runs hard work. For some reason the 20 minute run in run 3 was easier!!
in reply to MikeJones68
Hmmm...i reckon i am going to really struggle.so far i have felt pretty confident each week...which is weird because i am not usually a confident person in general.but this week is a bit scary & i think that its messing with my mojo a bit 😕
I was dreading the 20 minute run, but as I say it was easier than the 2 lots of 8. Something to do with pushing through the "toxic 10" so I'm told.
in reply to MikeJones68
I'll take your word for it 😉
OK, but don't slap me if you find you don't agree!
It's totally up to you. I had this experience a couple of times around week 4 and 5 and the advice I got was "If you finish it, you've finished it" I took it on board and had a go at the next run and didn't have any problems with it. If I had I would have repeated that one.
I say have a go at week 5 r 2 and if you struggle with it, then repeat it. At the end of the day, there's no damage either way. I just found that being disheartened outweighed my need to have a polished run every time.
in reply to Zandy21
Thankyou...that makes sense 😊
MickGJGraduate
My advice would be to carry on and do R2. The fact that you did the first run at all means it will be working its magic on you today.
I did R2 yesterday. I didn't really feel any different or see how or why I could make the leap to two 8 minute runs, so the only way to find out was to go out and try, And it turned out I could.
If it helps I listen to slow music to stop myself going too fast. I started off with Charles Aznavour and crossed the line with Glenn Campbell.
in reply to MickGJ
Thats how i feel!!!i guess i will just have to stop thinking about it & just do it 😊 no fast tunes on my playlist either 😉
Chariots of Fire by Vangelis
Shelby1973Graduate
Hiya Claire I’d just move on to the next run 🏃♀️ Ure doing great x
in reply to Shelby1973
Thanks very much 😊
Go for R2, everytime I moved up a week the first run felt more difficult and less enjoyable.
I did W7R1 last night and it was the first time I didn't feel like I slightly out of my depth starting a new week. .
in reply to
Yes thats how i feel...maybe this week feels more tricky because it is much more of a challenge than previous weeks
in reply to
You're gonna love R3 then lol. Just pace yourself. I've taken on board some very good advice on this forum - forget speed and distance, just focus on the time. As long as you are running when you should be, no matter how fast, then you are completing the program.
in reply to
Yes i guess so...dreading run 3!!!
in reply to
Don't dread it at all - it's a beautiful challenge.................. I was exactly the same and it was fine, just slowed myself down and it was OK. Honestly!!
in reply to
Ok...i'll take your word for it...watch this space haha 😁
in reply to
You'll be good. Just watch out for W6R1 - it's a cowbag!
in reply to
Oh god...thanks for the warning!!!
You do not need a warning... if you follow the programme, and take it steadily...you are ready for every single run
It is just another run.... slow and steady and you are ready for it.
Don't fret about it: go slow and focus on finding some steady pace and steady breathing: relax!! Also, don't forget you don't have to run every other day if you feel very tired: 2 days in-between runs can do wonders for your body to recover, especially if you're battling with a cold. I couldn't run for a week and felt really comfortable on the 30 mns runs when I picked up. Even if I understand that being at a turning point in the programme, you may feel you're going to lose what stamina you've been building up. But I don't think so: by now your body has retained some memory of your previous run and is adjusting itself to the runs. So go for it but slow and steady!
in reply to Anthie
Thats good to know thankyou 😊
I was dreading R3...now I'm looking back on it. So R2 really does prepare you for it.
To paraphrase Withnail and I: "I fear we have entered the arena of the well".
BluebirdrunnerGraduate
I agree with Anthie Claire, pushing yourself when your body is struggling with a cold isn't a good idea. I know you are keen to keep up with the program, but if your body is craving rest then you should listen to it. You have done R1 of Wk5 so maybe take an extra rest day or two before R2. You will have more energy and be able to tackle those 8 mins better.
Believe in the program, you will be ready for these runs, when you are feeling a bit more chipper. 😊xxx
in reply to Bluebirdrunner
It wont be until.saturday or sunday so got a bit more time to rest.thankyou 😊
Feel better... that is the main thing... and repeating one run will not hinder you... but may help
in reply to Oldfloss
Thats how i feel 😊
Bridget007Graduate
Well done you didn’t stop and still finished even with a cold! 🤧😊
in reply to Bridget007
It was a chore though x
OldflossAdministratorGraduate
Firstly... feel better.... running under par is a huge mistake!
I would say, repeat.... when you feel on top form again... take it gently, as a sort of, come back run... and then move on ... able to build on what you have done
in reply to Oldfloss
Thankyou very much 😊
VictoriaRunsGraduate
I had this a few times where I thought about repeating. I always set out to not repeat but also knew that if, when I actually came down to it, I was really struggling, I could always then lapse into a repeat if that makes sense? Only had to do it once I think in the end.
Hope your cold feels better. Sweating will help you get over it, but don't over do it!
in reply to VictoriaRuns
Thankyou...hoping it will disappear very soon.clearly the wrong time of year to be doing this haha 🤣😂
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