Week 5 - run 3 help!!: Hi folks need some advice... - Couch to 5K

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Week 5 - run 3 help!!

BellaJ profile image
BellaJGraduate
12 Replies

Hi folks need some advice. I notice that week 5 run 3 is running continuously for 20 mins. That seems quite a leap from 8 minutes!! Bit worried I won't manage it - particularly in this weather. How did you manage it !!

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BellaJ profile image
BellaJ
Graduate
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12 Replies
MarkyD profile image
MarkyDGraduate

Trust the program.

Read this forum regularly, as your concern is by far the most common post (after.. 'hello I'm new here').

Start extra slowly.

Don't think think that W5r3 is suddenly 20 minutes running with no rest. W5r2 is 8 minutes running, 5 minutes walking, 8 minutes running. That is 21 minutes, and your heart-rate is going to be practically the same on W5r3. Even though you get to walk in W5r2, your heart-rate doesn't recover fully before you run again, and so the exertion is pretty much the same.

As for running in this heat, I'd recommend going out very early in the morning, or later in the evening.

dlloyd004 profile image
dlloyd004Graduate in reply to MarkyD

I had the same thought when I did mine, but trust me, it’s all psychological. You’ll be absolutely fine.

Just keep well hydrated.

I’ve been doing all of my runs in the mornings.

sallenson profile image
sallensonGraduate

You'll find absolute shed load of advice if you do a search using the box at the top right of the page.

You'll manage, but mind the heat.... :-)

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate

Trust the plan.. believe in yourself... and one slow and steady step after another:)

Janebuswell profile image
Janebuswell

Hi Bella. I felt exactly the same, I repeated run 2 before attempting it but only because I had had a week off. It is pretty daunting and I found the first 5 minutes the hardest and then seemed to get into a bit of a rhythm. However, I did make sure I did this run in the morning before it got too hot.

Go for it, you might surprise yourself, I did!

I’m only one run in front of you.

Good luck I’d love to know how you got on!

Fifi64 profile image
Fifi64

I felt exactly the same, it was fine! Not easy but possible! I’ve never run before and I’m 54 so if I can I’m sure you can!

Just off to do run 1 week six!

Froggit profile image
Froggit

I did my 20mins yesterday and it was fine other than the heat so plenty of water and run early or late. Good luck and trust the programme.

BellaJ profile image
BellaJGraduate

Thanks everybody - I'll just go for it and see what happens - been fine so far and if others are managing it - it must be possible -

Victoria1james profile image
Victoria1jamesGraduate

I’ve been trusting in the power of Jo Wiley, Coldplay, Seal and vintage Kylie to get me through. You can do it.

Mrsjhw profile image
MrsjhwGraduate

I thought the same as you, so despite a lot of reservations I thought I’d give it a go this morning. I did it easily. I’m still roughly 5 stone overweight too.

Katiepops profile image
KatiepopsGraduate

It’s all in your mind. Believe in the plan. Believe in yourself. It’s so much easier than you think it’ll be, come back and tell us after you’ve done it. You’re ready - go smash it.😊

BellaJ profile image
BellaJGraduate

Reporting in after my week 5 run 3!! I made it - slowly- but I ran for the whole 20 mins even back up the steep hill on the home stretch- so pleased with myself and thank you all for your advice.

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