Miracle needed!

[Puffed-out]

Hi all, my first post on here, although I have been reading how everyone else is getting on! (Well done to all)

I’ve just come back from my w5r2 run, and just couldn’t handle the last minute. I did the first 8 min run at a decent pace, which I’m happy with, and decided to slow the 2nd 8 min run right down so I could keep going with it. Although that didn’t help as I still couldn’t get that last minute in.

I’m thinking I need a miracle to complete the next run (30 mins 😵) I missed 5 days of running before this run so maybe that didn’t help either. I really enjoyed the w5r1 but didn’t have as much fun with this one. So now r3 seems really daunting and I know it has for a lot of other people too, not sure if I’m gonna manage it 😩

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your progress.

The guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

You don't begin to lose condition for about two weeks, so five days off is neither here nor there, but we all have off days and there could be a whole host of reasons why you didn't manage to complete the run.

Slow your pace down from the start. You should be able to hold a clear ungasping conversation while you run. If not, you are going too fast.

The recommendation is that if you do not complete a run then you repeat it. Moving on is not a good idea if you haven't cracked a certain level.

No need to be daunted by W5R3, it is just another workout and actually the shortest since W3, when you take the equally important brisk walking into account........in fact it is twenty minutes, which is the duration that you managed on your W5R2. You might find this post helpful healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

You can do it.

[Puffed-out in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thanks for the info! I did mean 20 mins rather than 30, typo, whoops. I might try the r2 again then on my next try. I didn’t realise it could take 2 weeks to lose the endurance and stamina I have built up. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to hold a conversation whilst jogging, however I do manage to control my breathing quite well (or I think so, I’m not panting)

Thanks for the reply 👍🏼

[Katiepops Graduate]

R3 is 20 minutes not 30! Don’t panic. It is surprisingly OK but everyone is daunted by it, including me. It’s a bit of a mind game. If you’ve done the other runs, you can do this one. Believe it. Don’t rush it, slow and steady and 20 minutes will fly by. At the other end you will feel on top of the world. Good luck.😉

[mountaindreamer Graduate]

Just go REALLY SLOWLY for W5R3, and you’ll be fine. It’s pretty much just getting used to the mental side of not having walk stops, so no speed is too slow, as long as you keep going forwards! (And don’t panic, I’m pretty sure it’s a 20min run, not 30mins. You’ve got until week 9 before you slowly build up to 30min runs.) 😊🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️❤️😎

[Hidden]

Basically what everyone else is saying. I never thought I could do it either & I loved it. W5R3 was my favourite- I was on a high for days afterwards. Honestly you will totally smash it - look how far you have come - bet you never imagined that in W1? Everything you have done up to now has prepared you for this - you got this. Good luck & keep us posted.

[Dexy5 Graduate]

I agree with everyone else puffed-out . Repeat R2 , starting slowly. Don’t worry too much about matching breathing to steps- I’m not sure that many of us achieved that one. As you continue you will find your own breathing pattern. Good luck.

[Jay66UK Graduate]

I won’t repeat all the things already said. Ask yourself what made you stop last time. Most of the challenge is in your head. Good luck!