WK6 R1: So, after finishing week 5 with a 2... - Couch to 5K

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WK6 R1

Tvoakes profile image
TvoakesGraduate
15 Replies

So, after finishing week 5 with a 20 minute run that nearly killed me off, I go into Week 6 Run 1 with optimism - after all I’ve just completed a 20 minute run so a 5 minute run, 8 minute run and another 5 minute run shouldn’t be too taxing should it!

OH HOW VERY WRONG COULD I BE!

How is it possible that I found Week 6 Run 1 (3 runs of 5 min, 8 min and another 5 mins) well harder than a single 20 minute run a few days earlier. What’s all that about??!

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Tvoakes profile image
Tvoakes
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15 Replies
UnfitNoMore profile image
UnfitNoMoreGraduate

It’s a notorious run. The intervals aren’t the only thing that you did... add the 2 walks in and you’re over 20 minutes. If you run too fast in either of the first two intervals the third will hurt. Also there’s a tendency to slow each walk, cooling your legs slightly... also making it more difficult as you progress. The changes in pace may be nearly invisible, but they do bite. There’s a lot of psychological gremlins in that run, and it’s easy to go into it a bit arrogant and think it’s easy, you just ran 20. This run has caught many out and will continue to do so. Hopefully I won’t be one of them tomorrow 😂

Look what happened though... you beat it... very well done.

Tvoakes profile image
TvoakesGraduate in reply to UnfitNoMore

I did beat it - ran further (distance wise) than any of my previous runs so I’d say it was a success - definitely caught me by surprise, guess I was one of those “I’ve just run 20 so 5, 8 & 5 should be easier”! BUT I came out the other side victorious but it was hard!! My next run is 2 x 10 mins - looking forward to that midweek 😉

Good luck with your run, sounds like you already have it sussed mentally!

UnfitNoMore profile image
UnfitNoMoreGraduate in reply to Tvoakes

I have the theory on it down... I’ve been watching it for a couple of months! The two tens should be easier... in my head anyway.

Tvoakes profile image
TvoakesGraduate in reply to UnfitNoMore

Well I know to keep it a little slower for the 10s 👍

Jundal profile image
JundalGraduate in reply to UnfitNoMore

Better be careful UNM...

UnfitNoMore profile image
UnfitNoMoreGraduate in reply to Jundal

I know I will... it stood out weeks ago... I’ll be a very slow snail early on.

Jundal profile image
JundalGraduate in reply to UnfitNoMore

Good lad. Save the explosion of energy for the last minute, not the first one!

UnfitNoMore profile image
UnfitNoMoreGraduate in reply to Jundal

Always... that way if the tank is empty I can crawl the rest 😂

Jundal profile image
JundalGraduate in reply to UnfitNoMore

😂 we've all done it!

Jundal profile image
JundalGraduate

This run tripped me up, stole my lunch money and stamped on me several times for good measure, so your in good company! It's a deceptive one this one! Slow it down, watch your breathing and go slow and steady. You'll smash it next time. 😉

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

Overconfidence after W5R3 and the fact that it is your longest workout to date.

You did it, that is what matters.

One twenty minute run does not a runner make..........

Keep running, keep smiling.

Tvoakes profile image
TvoakesGraduate in reply to IannodaTruffe

I don’t consider myself a runner, I consider myself a trainee! I’ll not consider myself a runner until I’ve completed this C25K and completed a good handful of 30 minute runs

SANDI_runs profile image
SANDI_runsGraduate

I was the same really struggled with this run. My confidence was sky high after w5r3 and it had a serious knock with this run. I think subconciously cos the runs were shorter I thought I could run faster. How wrong I was.

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate

Ahhh, the dreaded W6R1 strikes again! There are sooooo many posts on the subject and all sorts of different theories, pretty much all of them are relevant too!

But you did it, that’s the main thing. 👏👏 R2 is similar, be warned, but you’ll be prepared this time and you’ll smash it. Just embrace your inner snail. 🐌 Then it’s all lovely long runs after that all the way to the podium. No pesky walking intervals to cramp your style.

Go out with your 🐌, smash R2 next time, and be proud! You’re doing so well! 💪👍👏😀

Dannybhoy625 profile image
Dannybhoy625Graduate

I was the same! Yet R2 was a bit easier on me. Just finished R3 this morning,after running 20 minutes I knew I could manage 25. The first 5 minutes were torture,I nearly gave up,but after I got my second wind I plodded on. On to Number 7.

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