W6r2 soooo difficult: Hi all, I did w6r2 this... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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W6r2 soooo difficult

Assumpta888 profile image
Assumpta888Graduate
10 Replies

Hi all, I did w6r2 this afternoon and I found it really hard. I put pressure on myself to try to run faster, as I really have only been doing a light jog, so I up'd it a bit, not much though. I literally dropped down the speed immediately.

Firstly, why was today so difficult and secondly; how slow is too slow? I know everyone has their own pace but is 3.5 miles an hour too slow, 4 miles an hour too slow etc., ere must be some guideline. Thank you all.

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Assumpta888 profile image
Assumpta888
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10 Replies
Assumpta888 profile image
Assumpta888Graduate

'There' not 'ere' oops!

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

Well done you did it, but you don't need to go fast.

Please read the guide to the plan healthunlocked.com/couchto5... which explains why you don't need to run fast.

Those working through this plan vary from teenagers to octagenarians, every conceivable gender and the whole gamut of fitness and health, so there is no defined pace that works for all, apart from the very simple instruction to run at a pace at which you can comfortably hold a clear ungasping conversation.

If you gasp or pant then your breathing is shallow, the oxygen does not get into your system and can not be carried by your blood to the muscles. Result you tire quickly.

As a new runner, an easy conversational pace is all that is required. Do not compare yourself to others.......apart from the slugs still inhabiting the sofa.

Assumpta888 profile image
Assumpta888Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe

Thank you for that; I shall read that plan, and take it easy.

garym profile image
garymGraduate

You won’t be surprised to hear that most people who do this program seem to class this run as the most difficult one.

Assumpta888 profile image
Assumpta888Graduate in reply to garym

Oh really, I didn't know that. That helps me feel better than thinking it was just me!

Anthie profile image
AnthieGraduate

There's no such thing as "too slow" here: as long as your two feet are off the ground at the same time, you're doing fine! You'll try to run faster once you feel really comfortable after graduation. I graduated mid-November and I've run quite regularly since apart from over the last month. I can tell you that sometimes it's still a struggle to run for 30 mns or more. I'm trying to increase pace gradually but I know that at the moment, I'm not feeling good enough to do so. So, I'm being patient and wait for better days. Until then, I run slow, very slow but I try to run twice a week.

Getting the habit is far more important than your speed and most of all try to enjoy yourself. Hope your next run will be easier and in any case, well done for all your efforts!

Assumpta888 profile image
Assumpta888Graduate in reply to Anthie

Ok Anthie, I will take it easy and just go at my own pace and see how I get on. Thank you.

Anthie profile image
AnthieGraduate in reply to Assumpta888

Some member said there's no other pace but your own. So just ignore those runners cruising past you ;-)

misswobble profile image
misswobbleGraduate

Slowwwwwwww is so good. Slow buys time, saves puff! Makes sense. Do it 💪👍😃🏃‍♀️

Assumpta888 profile image
Assumpta888Graduate in reply to misswobble

Thank you

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