Run 1 week 6 harder than 20 minutes?!

[Clairecandothis]

Hi all

I'm confused. I thought running 20 minutes would be hard but I found today's run harder. It was warmer so that didn't help but I genuinely found the intervals harder. I thought I would just be running 20 mins again too. I'm sure there is a logic to the intervals though. On a positive I finished the run and I think I'm increasing speed. I'm also running, well very slowly jogging up hills now. Onwards we go to run 2. I think I will stick to 7am as it is colder lol.

[pinkaardvark Graduate]

It's a common and frequent question. Week 6 is 5,8,5 but when you add the 2x3min walkk in your at it for 24mins. Your heart rate doesn't recover fully in the walks and your body then has to warm up again for each run segment. So in fact running continuously is actually easier. When you move on to week 7 you will appreciate this more and it's often why some people find the 20 min run in wk5 unexpectantly ok.

[Clairecandothis Graduate in reply to pinkaardvark]

That makes sense, thank you. I trust the programme, I just found it odd that it was so hard today after 20 mins running but now I know. 😊 x

[TedG Graduate]

Been there, done it Claire! 😊 I struggled on W6R1 too.....lots of us have. You’ll be OK the rest of the week 😊 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[Clairecandothis Graduate in reply to TedG]

I've since seen this run is a tough one. Odd but all part of the process I hope 😊 x

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

W6R1 is the longest workout to date.

[MikeJones68 Graduate]

You are not alone. I found these intervals harder than the 20 minute non-stop. It does work though, and you'll be a graduate before you know it

[Clairecandothis Graduate in reply to MikeJones68]

I've got my 25 minute run today..... I'm sure that will be ok. I hope lol! I remember talking to you about 5 minute runs and now you're a graduate and I'm on 25! This programme is great. Such a high doing something I never thought I would be able to do! 😊 x

[MikeJones68 Graduate in reply to Clairecandothis]

You'll be fine. That 25 minute run is easier than the intervals. I never imagined being able to run a 5k, but now I'm well on my way to 10! Enjoy the run today, you will feel great afterwards

[Clairecandothis Graduate in reply to MikeJones68]

I did it! 😊🤗😊 was easier too.

[MikeJones68 Graduate in reply to Clairecandothis]

There you go! And now you've reached 25 minutes, 30 minutes is within easy reach