Hating week 4

[Kayleigh2507]

I've been okay up until now. Finding it difficult but coping. This week I feel like I'm going so slowly I may as well be walking. I've only got one run left and can't imagine having to step it up for week 5 😦

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

You got through......... well done.

The running action is different to walking and it doesn't matter if you could walk faster, you will still develop stamina and running muscles and speed can come later.

Slow down, relax and take the pressure off. This should be fun, not torture. Yes it is hard work, but if you keep it nice and gentle then it will much more likely be enjoyable.

This may help healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Take it easy. You can do this.

[Richard7 Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Always good to be reminded

[GoogleMe Graduate]

If you previously thought that you were *supposed* to be moving faster when running than walking, then you've just learned a valuable lesson! Some of us do, plenty of us don't. Still get the benefit of high impact and increased heart rate!

[Bridget007 Graduate]

I am really slow at running but am always more out of breath and a lot hotter than if I was walking 😊 so presume I’m exerting myself more 🤣. You might be finding it difficult but you’re still going! You’ll be fine in week 5 xx

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

As long as you don't stop you are fine... make sure your stamina and strength exercises are getting upped too on rest days!

[Hidden]

Week 4 was my nemesis. So slow and out of breath. Run 2 nearly killed me. I sailed through week 5. I honestly think week 4 is a breakthrough week for a lot of us. I think our bodies are gearing themselves up for the longer runs. You will be surprised how much easier it gets.

[Elfe5 Graduate]

Don't worry about your running speed at all. You have made me remember how I used to dread that dog walkers might overtake me!!😂 - They never did but the possibility felt very embarrassing!! I still am slow, but I'm out there enjoying myself and reaping the benefits. You can too! 😀

[badcrumble]

Well you've done 2 out of the 3 runs so that's positive 😁 I'm on week 4 too and just couldn't manage the first run the other day. If I slowed down any more I'd be walking/running on the spot too! Some good advice on these replies. We can do it Kayleigh 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[Poppyf Graduate]

I remember posting almost an identical post back in may. I thought there was no way I could get past week 4 but you so can!! I promise. I’m slow but it doesn’t matter as long as you’re still moving and you will get quicker. I graduated in June and am training for a marathon and can now run 12 miles but very slowly (takes nearly hours!) but it’s all about completing and not competing so just go at your own pace. You can do it!! X

[Hidden]

I found W4 difficult. I had 2 'failures' (aka training runs), but I finished the (long) week after 5 runs. I had similar concerns to you about W5. I decided to treat each run of W5 as one week of 3 runs, and I have just done my second 'run one'. I completed both of these runs much more easily than I supposed I could during W4. The old bod is a funny and remarkable thing - I think it is truly amazing how fast it adapts. Keep thinking +ve thoughts, and remember ... S L O W !

[Copleyrunner]

Don’t get downhearted, you will have ups and downs but your body will respond to the exercise and you will get fitter. Tell yourself often how good it makes you feel to be in charge, taking positive action for your health and fitness.

Speed is not important but keeping going is, you’re not racing, you’re running.

Good luck.