Why is week 5 run 3 harder than week 6 runs 1 ... - Couch to 5K

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Why is week 5 run 3 harder than week 6 runs 1 & 2???

babygirlshuey profile image
16 Replies

Week 5 run 3 is a solid 20 minute run and then in week 6 there are intervals if walking in between running?

I keep repeating week 5 run 2 because I struggle with running for 8 minutes straight and don't think I am ready to run for 20 minutes straight.

Did anyone else feel like this?

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babygirlshuey profile image
babygirlshuey
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16 Replies
Deborahchick46 profile image
Deborahchick46Graduate

Deffo do the 20 minute run you are ready for it. Nice and slow. It's not a race and believe it or not once you get past 8 minutes something just goes pop and you will just keep running.

It's actually easier to keep running rather than all the stopping and starting.

Then in week 6 you have two more runs with walking and then it running from then on.

You can do it. You'll be amazed by how much you can do. Xx

ArthurJG profile image
ArthurJGGraduate

Don’t repeat a run that you’ve successfully completed. Week 5 is a mental challenge not a physical one. And week 6 is not necessarily easier if you ask the people who have done it! Do the 20 minute run. If you don’t succeed first time then repeat THAT run - don’t keep repeating one you’ve successfully completed several times. But in fact you probably will succeed. Your body is ready, it’s your brain playing tricks.

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

It is not harder. W5R3 is shorter duration than the previous 5 workouts, which have got you used to moving for that length of time. W6R1 is the first increase in overall duration since the beginning of W4.

If you are struggling with running any run, just slow down and make sure you can hold a clear ungasping conversation as described in the guide to the plan healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

You might find this helpful too healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

You can do it, if you try.

Wairy profile image
Wairy

I lay in bed this am at 5.30 thinking of all the reasons I could not to do wk 5 run 3. In the end it seemed easier to get up and try in the cool.... def not ready for it but about five mins in it clicked and I did it..... am in shock and never for one moment did I think I could... please trywhats the worst that could happen ??? Best of luck and go for it. C

Nonnie83 profile image
Nonnie83

I disagree with the assessment that it's more a mental challenge than a physical one. I found it HARD physically to do the 20 minute run. Just hard to keep breathing. But slowing down helps as does music to distract me. And I did not complete it on the first try. But I kept at it and am now in week six. Just keep at it if you don't make it on the first go. Good luck!

Kjh2477 profile image
Kjh2477

I thought the same until I did w6 r1. It's was a shock to the system.

Rachelkuuk profile image
Rachelkuuk in reply toKjh2477

Ditto! I thought oh I’ve cracked this running lark then....boom! Lol

Did W6r2 this morning and that was better!

flannyk profile image
flannykGraduate

I honestly thought the jump was too much for R3 but, I amazed myself by doing it and the feeling afterwards was unbelievable! Put faith in the programme and promise yourself a treat at the end! I found w6 R1 difficult yesterday but think that was weather related!let us know how you get on.

Big_maz profile image
Big_maz in reply toflannyk

I found wk 6 run 1 difficult but the heat had put me off so I had a few days gap so I’m doing run 1 wk 6 again I enjoyed the wk5 run 3

theoldfellow profile image
theoldfellow

I have two things to say about this:

1) Give it a go, you are ready, but run it very slow, try to go a bit slower than the W5R2 runs. Yes, it's hard, but you must keep stretching yourself, or you cannot progress.

2) There is a prize at the end - you will be so proud of yourself, and so will we.

Somerset-girl profile image
Somerset-girl

I was dreading W5r3 as well but It was easier than I thought I just kept a slow steady pace and the time flew by. Give it a go and you might be surprised. Good luck

Sandie1961 profile image
Sandie1961Graduate

I had read all the comments about W5R3 and thought it sounded tough, but like many others on here took the advice to take it slowly and found it much better than I feared, then went too fast on W6R1 and struggled! Am now on W7R3. If I can do it, so can you! Good luck!

Sask81 profile image
Sask81

Oh I felt like this but went for it and did it. Week 6 r1 was he'll this morning though 😂 just go for it. Good luck xx

Polly2810 profile image
Polly2810Graduate

Make the most of it I hated week 6!! You will be fine with the 20 mims you have been building up to it since week one enjoy it! 😜

JulesAllostock profile image
JulesAllostockGraduate

I found w5r3 fine and actually easier than w5r2, for some reason. I struggled on w5r2. The 20 mins of run 3 was actually OK - I took it really slowly. I finished w6r2 tonight - it was OK too, but the heat (28C when I set off) was a bit of a challenge - my canine companion Jet was very hot.

In case you think I'm an elite athlete with a greyhound in tow, I'm actually a horribly unfit oldie with a yorkie-poo leading the way.

Ducky100 profile image
Ducky100

Yes! I’m in same position as you now and I’m find I’m putting this 20 minute run off cos I don’t think I can do it. 😩

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