W4R1 - struggled

[CCarnall]

Hi

I finished week 3 early Saturday morning and really enjoyed it, felt super motivated to start W4 today.

I went out this evening around 7pm, to try and avoid some of the heat. However I found it really hard! I was only able to run for 4 minutes of the 5 minute runs and it just felt very difficult. I'm not sure if it was the heat or that I maybe started too quickly.

Looking to do W4R2 on Wednesday and hoping for cooler weather! If I struggle again I think I'll maybe redo W3.

How did you guys find W4? Did you struggle?

[owmeknees]

There will be good runs, there will be bad runs, the most important thing to remember is that you got out there and did it. It is very hot out there! Were you properly hydrated? 💦 I wouldn’t go back to w3, maybe just repeat wk4, 1? You can do this, you’ve come so far. Good luck with your next run 👍

[Sofabunny]

I have found any run at weekend..which I do early morning..easier than those I've done in the week and I put it down to being plain old knackered after a hard day at work. I can't remember week 4.. I am about to start week 7..have deliberately not looked at it yet..

[Kamia Graduate]

You gave it a good go so be proud of that. I think it’s a big jump up from 3-5 mins. Also 16 mins running in total instead of 9.

I’m doing this run tomorrow and hope I do as well as you.

Don’t go back because week 3 runs are shorter. I intend to just repeat the runs in week 4 if I struggle until I can do them.

Hope you nail the next run.

[Fimoo Graduate]

I hated week 4, the only time during the programme I've considered quitting. It took me three goes to complete the first run successfully and runs 2/3 I only just made it through. Stick at it, week 5 was a real turning point for me and almost seemed easier after how difficult I had found week 4. You can totally do this, just keep trying until you make it through those 3 runs.

[Trixster1971 in reply to Fimoo]

Dreading w4, I made the schoolboy error of looking up the format once I had completed w3.....🤥

[Rachelkuuk]

I did W4R1 yesterday and yep it was tough and I do think the heat isn’t helping us lol. Though if we can do it through this wave of weather we can do it through anything 👍🏼👍🏼

[Maryshaw]

Same with me I’ve just done W4 1&2 on treadmill Saturday and yesterday at gym as so hot outside and finished them but so hard. I’m going to try r3 outside tomorrow if not too hot and will maybe just repeat another one before moving onto w5 but most posts say w5 is doable if you stick at w4 and complete before moving on - good luck 👍

[slowsue]

I struggled with run 2 week 4 also but went on to run 3 and got through, tomorrow I’m doing run 2 on week 5, just don’t give up and take it a bit slower. Good luck

[BlondeAmbition72 Graduate]

Just take it slower. I did run 2 of week 4 yesterday and found it much easier than run 1. If you’re struggling slow it down until you’re comfortable. You CAN do this!

[Midlifecath Graduate]

I remember this. I did C25K year before last & found W4 a killer so just repeated it. I repeated another week as well but can't remember! I am redoing it all again after illness/injury. You will be fine ☺️

[Ducky100]

I too am really struggling w4. Did r2 tonight but only ran 1 minute of the 5 minute 1st run but completed the rest of it! Mustn’t have been ready! But it was hard feel like I’ve cheated if I move on to next week so may just repeat this week?

[thefutureliz Graduate]

I'd say try again with a W4 run, but I do understand where you're coming from. W4 R2 was the first time I REALLY struggled and thought to myself can I even do this? Can I even make it to 5k? I do agree with others that each run is different and some will be bad, some better. My W4 R1 was great but then R2 was the worst yet. I've realised I really need to pace myself, especially with these longer runs. We may end up going faster without realising it - need to focus on really slowing down. I'm going out for W4 R3 tonight so we'll see how that goes. But be proud that not only have you made a start at C25K but you're now almost half way to week 9!! What an achievement there will be always be struggles but the feeling once we've overcome them - so good!

[CCarnall Graduate]

I completed R2 on Wednesday and R3 this evening! R2 I still found a little tricky but I really enjoyed R3. I think the cooler weather on both the days helped compared to the heat on Monday! I also went a little slower.

Now debating whether I should repeat one W4 run on Monday before trying W5 or whether to see how it goes and drop back if I need to