That pesky Run 3 of Week 5

[Duddles]

I tried to do Run 3 during a Park (Prom) Run on Saturday, and realised that making that big step needs a lot of concentration and getting into the right mode and mood. Running competitively and trying to overtake people is not the way, and I failed and ended up Jeffing the 5k in just over 31 minutes. So I tried again yesterday but as soon as I started running, I knew things were not right just a couple of minutes in. So a change of plan and I convert to doing a five mile walk, the final few minutes at racewalking speed, to try to compensate.

So Run 3 will be later this week. I have completed Couch twice before, and did not have too big a problem with Run 3 before, so those also contemplating it, don't worry you will get there. My personal lesson is not to be so competitive and just plod it out instead.....

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

My recommendation is that you stick to the plan and build your stamina and strength before tying to run 5k. Doing too much too soon is a recurring theme on this forum and with a well proven training plan to follow there is no need to jump ahead, especially if you are not ready for it.

Have you read the guide to the plan healthunlocked.com/couchto5... which is full of tips.

Take care.

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate]

Duddles ...run your own 5k..everyone else is...in their own time, no need for overtaking...no need for speed, just enjoy the fact that you’ve run 5k that you wouldn’t have dreamt of not that long ago...it took me a couple of Park runs to understand that it’s not a race, it’s a run, your run, at your comfortable pace...

[Duddles Graduate in reply to Mummycav]

Thanks, all good advice and I know you are all right.

It is just that I do regular 10k walking races and that urge to give it stick when you are in a 'race' situation just overrides everything else.

I hope to do my first Park Run next week, and I will just 'Jeff' it and keep the Couch training totally separate. I was just trying to point out to newcomers that Week 5 Run 3 is not at all bad - but don't try it in a Park Run or race.

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate in reply to Duddles]

Good advice too