End of week one...or is it?!: Yesterday, I got... - Couch to 5K

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End of week one...or is it?!

the_knack profile image
13 Replies

Yesterday, I got through W1R3. I say got through, because it felt like a struggle. I got round but it was a bit of a letdown after feeling so positive after W1R2. I had a bit of a stressful situation going on yesterday though, so I’m wondering if that had a part to play?

Anyway, I’m not giving up because my legs don’t hurt today and that’s a positive. But, I’m not charging straight into week two with a chance that I’ll just get completely discouraged. I didn’t manage two of the 60 second runs on W1R1 so I figure I haven’t successfully completed week one yet. And, until such time as I’m comfortable with week 1, I’m sticking there. For me, it’s a marathon not a sprint!

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the_knack profile image
the_knack
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13 Replies
Cazzajambo profile image
Cazzajambo

I found these runs hard too. Best advice is to slow down as long as your doing a running motion it doenst matter if your slow. This helps keep the breathing right. It was wk5 before I got the slow pace/breathing better to suit me. Stick with the programme n no run is a failure. I've repeated a couple of runs to help me mentally for next run in the early wks but now I just try every run no matter how last one went.

the_knack profile image
the_knack in reply to Cazzajambo

Thanks for this. After posting, it seems the general consensus amongst the more experienced members is to plough on to week two. So, maybe I should give that some consideration...

Jay66UK profile image
Jay66UKGraduate

If it makes you feel better why not just do one more go at W1R3? But you probably don’t need to.

Think about why you stopped when you did on that early run. Was it pain? Total exhaustion? Death? Or was it gremlins in your head saying “stop”?

Most of this is a mental challenge which has huge physical benefits. But your mind is the thing you are training much more than your legs or heart and lungs.

How about trying W2R1 and see how it goes? Unless a part of you is broken or you die, keep going. But slowly - this is jogging not sprinting, speed comes after this programme if you choose it.

Enjoy your next run.

the_knack profile image
the_knack in reply to Jay66UK

Thanks once again for the words of wisdom. In that case, I’ll give W2R1 a go.

I gave W1R1 a go and I’ve managed to progress, so...

Jay66UK profile image
Jay66UKGraduate in reply to the_knack

Good man!

Mrsjhw profile image
MrsjhwGraduate in reply to Jay66UK

That’s got to be the running quote of the week “unless a part of you is broken or you die keep going”. Love it 😂

Bluebirdrunner profile image
BluebirdrunnerGraduate

Hi the_knack, well done for starting the program and welcome to the forum. You have a brilliant attitude, prepared to put in the time and training to complete the program successfully and safely...

I agree that you probably could move onto Wk2, but this is your c25k journey and you are in control.

Each run builds you up for the next, and you only need to be doing a gentle jog, as you train towards 30 minutes of running... ( yes! You will be able to do that 😆) take the run intervals nice and steady...

Good luck and keep posting so we can cheer you on...😊

SisterDora profile image
SisterDora

I started on Saturday and have completed R2 yesterday. In 28degree heat. I was blitzed but finished it. R3 is Thursday. I am working away for two days but will be taking my kit with me. Rather than stay in the hotel I have found a lake with a 3 mile route/track around it. So plan to do the run and walk the rest of the route. Enjoying it so far even though I have never run in my life before. Managed both 1 and 2 without stopping. Was impressed with myself given the sunny weather ☀️ My pace is very slow, almost a jog. Is this right? I felt like I should be runnin faster but took the advice and slowed it right down. Still unsure how I can get to 30 minutes continuous running but trying to keep the faith and trust the programme. Suffered a little after run 1 with DOMS but ploughed on R2 and it has eased.

the_knack profile image
the_knack in reply to SisterDora

Big props for getting out there! Slow and steady is the way to go - I learned that the hard way! I started week 3 this morning and from struggling to run 60 seconds I’m now struggling to run 3 minutes...but I’m able to do it.

Keep us updated!

Jay66UK profile image
Jay66UKGraduate in reply to SisterDora

Well done for running in this heat.

Slow jog all the way. 30 minutes? You will amaze yourself if you keep going.

Enjoy the ride.

Fabulous450 profile image
Fabulous450Graduate

You did get round the_knack! That’s great. You may find you do better in W2 than you currently think. Every run is a different experience, but you’ve done what’s needed to complete the next one. Take it slowly, really slowly. You can do it!! ❤️

the_knack profile image
the_knack in reply to Fabulous450

Thanks for the words of encouragement! I just keep going - even though I nearly launched my phone today when I was told I still had 1 minute of the final three left...,

Fabulous450 profile image
Fabulous450Graduate in reply to the_knack

You could have, but you dug in! There can be a few challenges and protests of the mind on this journey. I can assure you, I’ve had to tell mine to shut up a time or two. So, well done! 👏🏽👏🏽You did it! Amazingly, I now have to tell myself to shut up on rest days, when I want to get back out! It is a marathon, so I wait, taking nothing for granted, but eager to see what I’m capable of on the next run! ❤️

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