Week 4 a struggle!

[PaulaGullett]

Well, went to the gym last night to start week 4 wo 1 and struggled with the last 5 mins run, only managed about 2 mins. Not sure if it was the heat or me not drinking enough water during the day but thought this was tough! Not giving up though but wondered if others had struggled with this particular week?

[Keepcalm-keepsmiling Graduate]

Hi Paula. I loved week 3 but did not enjoy week 4 and found it a struggle but it did get better - honest!

I’m struggling with the heat, as are many others. Keep hydrated and run early morning or late evening when it’s cooler.

Keep going...it’s so worth it 🙂

[cheeseheads]

i just did w4r2 yesterday in the heat(100 heat index) and the heat can for sure make the run harder. i did manage to complete it but wow i struggled. Like you im gonna have to run when its cooler so i can enjoy the run and not struggle

[KayBee1000 Graduate]

I’ve just done Week 4 Run 2, found it really hard! I don’t like how Sarah M tells you how long you’ve got left on the 5 min runs - I think I’m happier not knowing!

I managed to do all the runs, but only just. The last two (3 mins then 5 mins) were really hard.

I think the heat doesn’t help (I ran a bit later than usual, so it was warmer).

I have a drink of iced water just before starting, and keep it in the treadmill holder to drink in the walking sections; that seems to help me feel less exhausted.

You can always repeat this week if you can’t do the full runs by Run 3; you are building up your stamina and fitness even if you have to walk for a bit in the final run of the sessions, so keep at it!

Would slowing the treadmill down a bit help?

[PaulaGullett Graduate in reply to KayBee1000]

I did try slowing the speed a little probably need a little more. It was the final 5min run that was tough. If I struggle on run 2&3 think I may repeat week4 next week. Thanks

[KayBee1000 Graduate]

I found I needed to slow the speed for the walking sections after the first two runs of the week 4 sessions, as my legs were too tired to go at my usual speed. I also reduced the speed a little for the last run, that made it a little more bearable...

[David_G]

Hi Paula, I think a lot of people struggle in week 4. 🙂 It’s possibly a combination of heat and lack of water. 😒Remember you need to keep hydrated, especially on ‘non-running’ days. I don’t understand the science behind it, but it’s something I’ve found useful to remember. 😀

Good luck with everything. Keep posting, you’ll find lots of helpful advice on here. We’ve all been through it or are going through it and we all want each other to reach their goal! 😊