Hi all,
I just did week 5 run 3, 20 mins non stop, and I couldn’t do it, stopped at about 17 mins almost dead! I’m really confused how it jumps from 2x8 min runs with 5 mins walk in between, then 20 mins non stop, then week 6 is back to 8 or 10 min intervals? Is my app dodgy?!!
No Naddy your app is fine. The programme is gradually building your endurance and whilst it seems a little weird, it is a fine tuned plan. If you think about it, previously you did 16 minutes in running on the R3 you’re being asked to do 20 minutes. It's not a huge jump it’s just without the walking interval. If you stopped dead at 17 minutes, maybe you were pushing yourself a little too hard, it’s so easy to do on the longer runs. On mine I recall mentally saying slow and steady all through the run, to keep my speed down.
Give yourself a rest, take another day if you think you overcooked it and then have another bash at it, just taking it at a glacial pace, even though it may feel as though you’re cheating somewhat, slow running is some of the best running you can do.
Goodluck next time out and looking forward to seeing your ‘I did it” post.
Amazing support.🌟
Hi Tbae - it’s running karma I believe, so many folk helped me when I started out, it’s just part of the help we give each other.... And it’s also very encouraging seeing how people are progressing and how this fab community is growing - one of the nicest social media places on the web in my opinion.
No question.But the experience, knowledge, compassion and concern from you,the principals and many,many graduates is world class.🌟
Ah ok thanks for your reply. I managed week 2 no problem. I think because I forced myself to do it this morning on about 3 hrs sleep and I hardly ate yesterday as was feeling quite sick, may be the main reason!! I had some peanut butter on toast about 1.5 hrs before this run but I guess I’m just not in the zone today, my neck and shoulders were so painful for the whole run and I literally thought my heart was going to burst, and for the 1st time ever I had stitch. I will repeat it Wednesday as long as I feel better! Thankyou! I guess even 17 mins is an improvement and a in between goal and better than nothing!
I think you may have just written your own explanation! And 17 minutes is a wonderful achievement. I can recall when doing W1R1, I thought 60 seconds running how hard can that be? - and then felt like death on legs when I’d finished. So your constant running interval is 17 times better than that first run. Sometimes too we ignore the niggles and go out running and whilst I do believe any run is better than no run, sometimes we forget to give ourselves an allowance for not feeling quite on the money. I’m sure you’ll do fab next time out
Thankyou you are very kind and helpful 😊
No your app is correct.I am at the same novice stage as you.I will leave the expert advise to this wonderful team.
Your are doing great.Acheived 85% of your run.Look how far you have come.
The fact you have entered this programme shows you can manage your up time.It is also important to minimise any potential downtime.
That is just a more senior novice talking, because it is just more critical for that group.
But for younger persons may also be relevant sometime.
Good luck you are doing great.
You will be fine and you will nail it! Peanut butter on white toast is a goodly snack to be sure! We all have our off-days when bugger all goes to plan. It won't work if you've not had enough nourishment or adequate hydration the day before. So, next time set yourself up to succeed. Get a good night's sleep too!
Go nice and slowly! If you need a walking break don't worry about taking it. A short stop, to get your breathing back to normal, can save a run.
Good luck for your next run, or a repeat of that unmentionable one, and let us know how it goes.
You can do it. I just did w5r3 last week, felt elated but in pain for a week after! The advice to go slow is excellent. I took it on board this morning to get back on track with wk6r1 and did it easier than I could have imagined. I never thought I could do it after a week off but this program must work in building up stamina. So my advice would be go slower and you'll do great
I don't know if this helps but when I did it I ran to music and ignored the voice of my coach. 4 x5 minute songs that you love and tick them off one by one.
Here's my post
Jancanrun has nailed it. You did 17 mins which is already a huge jump, and I suspect you were pushing your tired self too hard.
Prepare better next time and you'll smash it 👍😉
Thankyou everyone you’re all lovely 😊
I will try again! I WILL do it! (With more sleep food and water in me!)
I ache already god knows what I’ll be like tomorrow 😆
The advice above is excellent. I might also add that you need to consider hydration. Once I started drinking/sipping water (up to 2 litres a day) I really noticed the difference. Good luck on your next try!! Let us know how it goes.
Look at the totals for each workout, between warm up and cool down, unless of course you can walk briskly without expending any effort.
W5R2 =21 minutes
W5R3 =20 minutes
W6R1 = 24 minutes
W6R2 = 23 minutes , but longer running intervals
W6R3 =25 minutes non stop
This is gradual build up with steps down in overall duration for the first two continuous running sections and it works if you believe you can do it. Read this which was written for doubters healthunlocked.com/couchto5...
Above all, slow down.
Hi everyone, well today I did it whoooo! Found it actually easy today?! Wanted to carry on running! Having sleep helped and feeling better and all your positivity and encouragement, I did a slow steady run. I’m so happy 😀
I tried it last night- you did about the same as me, only I stopped and walked at 10 minutes for about 2 minutes! It’s hard...think I just needed to slow down as my second try felt easier.
Great that you cracked it today. I’m not sure whether to try it again or just crack on with week 6....
I know this is an old post but just wanted to say thank you to you and all the replies! I'm moving onto W5R3 next and I was going to compromise by splitting it into 10 minutes, 2 minutes walk, 10 minutes run but now I think I'll just go for it and see if I can do it
I was dreading it but now I'm almost excited for the challenge.
Week 5 ready for run 3 
Week 5 run 3 - YES!!!!!
Week 5 Run 3 is looming 😱
Week 5 run 3 in the bag!
Week 5 - the dreaded run 3!
