Stuck on Wk4

[lulu54]

Was progressing well through the programme but am now stuck on Week 4. Have done it 5 times now and just don't feel confident enough to go on to Wk 5. Any tips? Anyone else been stuck on a certain week for ages?

[Tasha99 Graduate]

If you can complete the runs, you need to move on! Forget week 4! Your body is ready! You’ll only improve by pushing on further. Trust the programme!

[jessm_01]

If you’ve completed all the runs definitely move on. You’ll be surprised that your body will cope with it. Just remember to take it slowly and don’t rush anything.

[cheekychipmunks Graduate]

Are you completing the runs lulu? There is absolutely no need to repeat successful runs. Trust the programme. Honestly it works. Each week is designed for the specific reason to prepare you for the next one, so your body will be ready to tackle W5.

Move on. Slow right down if you find you’re struggling. There’s no such thing as too slow. I bet you’ll surprise yourself.

Go on, next run will be W5R1 won’t it? Good luck, you’ll be FINE! 💪👊👍😀

[SnailRunner71 Graduate]

Mind over matter. Just go for it !👍 Good luck

[Karenshann Graduate]

If you look at my posts you will see I am 7 stone overweight age 59,

I struggled to even breathe in week 1.

Like you I was dreading wk5 R1 but somehow I did it.

Honestly, give it a go! If I can do it anyone can

[Gordon173]

Go for it! I’ve been apprehensive at almost every run!! Did W5R3 (which is just evil to look at 😂) on Sunday and got through it first time. It’s in the head. Don’t look at the numbers just listen to Laura 👌

[PeteB1961 Graduate]

I’m at exactly the same point as you, just completed wk4 and worried about wk5. The way I see it is wk5 r1 looks definitely doable as it is 3x5 whereas wk4 is 2x5 plus 2x3. Then it goes to 2x8 again could probably do it but then the dreaded 20 minutes. Come on!! Let’s give it a go, remember no ones timing you, I normally get overtaken by an asthmatic tortoise smoking a fag.

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

What’s the worst that happens if you go to week 5? You run longer than week 4 and don’t quite complete a run? That’s progress still. You can do week 5... week 5 is the best week... go do it.

[molly1973 Graduate]

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

I just shared this post by IannodaTruffe on another thread: it’s so helpful and got me to rationalise my worries about week 5. Run 1 was fine and I’m looking forwards to run 2 later this morning. Trust in the programme: I surprise myself every week 👍

[PeteB1961 Graduate in reply to molly1973]

Thanks for sharing that, it makes good useful prep for week 5 which I start tomorrow.

[SueAK Graduate in reply to molly1973]

Completely agree with Molly, that post really helped me through week 5. You can do it!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

What have you got to lose by trying?

Stepping outside our comfort zones is empowering.

This post about mental approach may help healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

[lulu54 in reply to IannodaTruffe]

A great read!

[lulu54]

Thanks everyone for all the encouragement and tips! What a great place this is ... so glad I found it. Am going to tackle Week 5 (run 1) on Friday so I'll let you all know how I get on. I CAN DO THIS!!!

[Tasha99 Graduate in reply to lulu54]

YOU CAN! just remember to slow down and slow down again 👌🏽

[lulu54 in reply to Tasha99]

This made me lol cos I'm doing a real slow jog as it is ... I think if I slow down any more, I'll be going backwards!

[Tasha99 Graduate in reply to lulu54]

You’ll be fine! 😍

[ambler1]

I am on Week 8 and each week and each run I have been thinking " I wont be able to do this" and each time I surprise myself by doing it. My last run of week 7 was a 5k "Glow in the Park" in Exeter. I was soooo scared and worried I would make a fool of myself. I havent had so much fun for a long time and I did it. So I think what I am trying to say is dont "overthink" it - just do it and take it as it comes. (P.S. I am a very new runner and dont know why I think I can give advice but I just know how you feel!)

[lulu54 in reply to ambler1]

Thanks so much. It really helps to know that other people think the same way I do.

[Oldishrunner Graduate]

You CAN do it. It’s all in the head provided you do it slooooowly. Your mentor knows best.

[lulu54]

Just a quick update. It wasn't Week4 I was stuck on after all, it was Run 1 of Week 5 - just couldn't seem to face those 2 x 8 min runs in Run 2. However, went out on Saturday and SMASHED IT!!! Yay me! Doing my second time of Run 2 today and I feel great! Thanks for all the encouragement and advice. It really helped. x

[Oldishrunner Graduate in reply to lulu54]

It's all in the head,but stick to the script It does work. By the way swearing at Laura can also help!