W6 R1 & R2 - awful: As others have found, W6 R... - Couch to 5K

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W6 R1 & R2 - awful

Robert_IS_a_Runner profile image
14 Replies

As others have found, W6 R1 and R2 unfathomably were the worst yet. So tough.

Very odd. On paper it looks like they should be easy. I wonder what that's about? It's a bit of a downer.

But I'm taking solace from others on here who found the same but carried on. And graduated.

R3 tomorrow. I'm determined to think positive, stick with it and get back to enjoying the programme.

I'm saving up for some proper running shoes and should have enough by W9 so that will be a great graduation prezzie!

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Robert_IS_a_Runner profile image
Robert_IS_a_Runner
Graduate
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14 Replies
cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate

Wow, that’ll be me next week. I wonder what it is? You’re right, R1 especially looks particularly doable.

Eeek, curious to see how I find R1 on Monday (first got to get past W5R3 tomorrow of course!)

😀

Robert_IS_a_Runner profile image
Robert_IS_a_RunnerGraduate in reply to cheekychipmunks

It is odd. I slowed down a lot and got through it. I had been able to increase my speed a little over previous weeks which had given me a buzz of getting fitters. But a run is a run.

Lylagrace profile image
LylagraceGraduate

Hello Robert, I think it’s because it’s just over halfway.... but that means you are on the homeward stretch. I did try and vary my runs, although have a regular route, off road, with no traffic, but find variety is helpful. Built in runs when visiting my parents so it’s been nice to explore their areas ( flat Lincolnshire) and also on holiday only managed one run, but the Speyside Walk, an old railway track, really cheered me up, and running alongside the river Spey waving at fisherman made some lovely memories. Keep going.

Jay66UK profile image
Jay66UKGraduate

W6 is much tougher than it seems. It’s the longest workout overall (although very slightly less running that W5R3) and the stop-start nature is hard.

Everyone gets very psyched up about the 20 minute run and many manage it well. The next couple of runs look relatively easy and catch people out.

Run 3 is great - it’s a stretch from the 20 minutes but the chance to see the extra fitness Runs 1 and 2 have given you. Take it slowly and you will be fine.

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate in reply to Jay66UK

Now I can’t wait for Monday to try R1 out!

Jay66UK profile image
Jay66UKGraduate in reply to cheekychipmunks

You’ll love it. Just take it slowly and catch your breath in the walking phases.

davelinks profile image
davelinksGraduate

Non if it's easy for a new runner! Think you'll find mainly it's mind over matter, warm weather doesn't help and try diverting the mind away from the hardness of the run and remember slow and steady!

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate

The runs are just different... that is the idea of the plan:)

It is not just about each run being the same and just running...I know it seems odd, but each run and each week teaches us new disciplines in our running and we learn more about it and ourselves.

try to relax into the runs.. take it slow and steady as ever..let the legs, the new running legs begin to find their happy pace.... you are going to be just fine:)

Robert_IS_a_Runner profile image
Robert_IS_a_RunnerGraduate in reply to Oldfloss

It is an amazing programme and the support and positive approach of this forum mean that although I run alone I feel like I've got lots of people who want me to succeed which really, really helps.

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to Robert_IS_a_Runner

It is brilliant... this forum family keep me going!

51firstrun profile image
51firstrunGraduate

Hi , i foung W6 hard too , but i did W6R3 today . It was hard but good feeling afterwards. Slow as you can manage and there will be moments that you enjoy it . You can do it if you got this far !

Jay66UK profile image
Jay66UKGraduate in reply to 51firstrun

Well done and very well said.

Tinker5393 profile image
Tinker5393Graduate

Enjoy tomorrow. At the end of week 6 you get a nice surprise which gives you a real boost . You will have to change your name (clue) go for it 🙂

Lozzer-B profile image
Lozzer-BGraduate

Keep going you can do it 😊 before every run I thought I couldn’t do it then while I was running I would think I’m gonna stop but I didn’t and I graduated last week

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