Week 5

[Priyanka_03]

I am finding week 5 too much. And each run is different and more strenuous than last one. Any tip to make this easier please?

[Wizziewood]

Well done for getting to W5, that's brilliant!

Slow down, you probably think you're going as slow as a snail but believe me you can go slower! Take an extra rest day if your body tells you it needs it.

This program isn't a competition, speed and distance do not matter, just run till your coach says stop!

You CAN do this ... good luck and happy running!

[Priyanka_03 Graduate in reply to Wizziewood]

I am running slower than tortoise. Good thing is it's just half hour, I keep telling myself this.

Thanks for motivation. I needed it!

[rolysmate Graduate in reply to Priyanka_03]

ahhh but a snail is slower than a tortoise so you can run slower

[Assumpta888 Graduate]

I agree with Wizziewood. You've done brilliantly to get to this. It is a step up, but by listenening to the narrator, they should be cheering you on, you can do it! I agree that you should slow down. It's not about speed for me, it's about doing it and how far I've come. Think back 5 weeks ago when you started, see how far you've come. Good luck.

[RuthL Graduate]

Week 5 is a real milestone and turning point. (I should know, I did it twice!) It might help to take 2 rest days after a particularly difficult run, because this gives your muscles an extra day to heal and strengthen. And remember to take it really slowly. At this stage your running speed should be barely more than your walking speed. Keep going, you WILL do it.

[Whatsapp Graduate]

Persevere. This is the week where the runs will start to challenge you mentally as well as physically, as your mind will tell you: 'I cant do this, it's too far.'

Ignore the doubts. You have got this. Keep running. Start slowly and try not to think about the time. Running down the clock is tough. When you feel yourself falter, look at a point in the distance and tell yourself: 'I'll just run to that point'. Whether it is a junction, postbox, lampost, doesn't matter. When you get there. Pick another spot. Break it down like this and you will get there. Its tough, but thats what you signed up for.

[Priyanka_03 Graduate in reply to Whatsapp]

That's really good suggestion. I will focus on setting smaller goals to achieve throughout the run. Thank you

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Can you hold an ungasping and coherent conversation while running? If not you are going too fast for your current fitness level, so slow down until you can converse as you would while walking.

It doesn't matter if you can walk faster, so long as both feet are simultaneously off the ground during each stride.

Read the guide to the plan healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Relax and enjoy this, don't make it into a battle.

You are long great.

[Priyanka_03 Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Today for the first time, I could feel my lungs working aged and I couldn't talk while running esp 3rd run. I will try to go slower next time. Thanks for the tip! Very helpful.