Week 3 distances dramatically dropped - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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Week 3 distances dramatically dropped

Rhedeg profile image
RhedegGraduate
10 Replies

Did weeks one and two with little issue but finding week three a bit demoralising. I found that the total distances i'm covering have dropped by a fair bit.

I reckon this is becayse the total workout is shorter time wise but thought this would be offset by running more.

Is this normal? Am I overthinking it?

(not posted distance as reccomended in the faq post)

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Rhedeg profile image
Rhedeg
Graduate
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10 Replies
AlMorr profile image
AlMorrAmbassadorGraduate

I do not think you need to bother about total distances too much at this stage, if you are finding it hard just slow down a bit especially the runs. Perhaps you are over thinking, just relax and continue to enjoy the 🏃 runs as you enjoyed weeks one and two. 😊

AngryFlower profile image
AngryFlowerGraduate

No don’t worry it’s much too early in the programme to worry about distance. The early parts of the programme are preparing your body by building up stamina, trust the programme it will all be fine.

Rhedeg profile image
RhedegGraduate

Thank you all

I thought i was overthinking it.

Had a bit of a cold this week which is also why i think its been a bit harder

But happy to ignore distances for now and. Just enioy running

Rhedeg profile image
RhedegGraduate

So i just completed w3r3 and it was the best yet. I think i found my happy pace and concentrated on my form. I had no lower back pain or any of the early niggles and feel like i could go out and do another 3 mins.

Such a stark contrast to the esrlier runs this week and now looking forward to next week.

UnfitNoMore profile image
UnfitNoMoreGraduate

Good job. If the distance is dropping you’re finding your happy slower pace and that is the one to do this at and indeed many of your future runs after graduation... though it will speed up with fitness and experience. Enjoy the next one.

Rhedeg profile image
RhedegGraduate

That's the thing

My distance increased from previous runs

I literally think it's because week 3 in total is 22mins where as the others are half an hour

Im covering more distance actually running i think so total distance isnt that useful ive realised sfter this morning.

camcan profile image
camcanGraduate

How is it going now. Do you use an app while running? Concentrate on just building stamina especially after your cold.

You’re doing well just keep going.

Rhedeg profile image
RhedegGraduate in reply to camcan

Up to wk4 run 2 and consistently my distances are up higher than they have been for any of the previous runs.

I had quit smoking before this programme too however slipped up at the weekend, back on track with that now. Running hungover isn't as fun but i was certainly glad i did it.

Still got this cold, but as long as its above the chest i can run with it.

Picked myself up some warmer gear at black Friday so should work out.

Rhedeg profile image
RhedegGraduate in reply to Rhedeg

I do use an app

Started with mapmyrun now have bought a xiaomi band 3 as planning on heart rate zone training on graduation to increase pace smarter

camcan profile image
camcanGraduate in reply to Rhedeg

I’m on MapMyRun as well and my husband bought me a Fitbit so it’s interesring to monitor heart rates etc.

I only ran twice last week because the weather was so awful and I’m trying to avoid using a treadmill until I have to. So, later this morning is my last run of wk 8. Then onto the last week.

Glad to hear the smoking has gone. Well look at you, I’m so impressed!! So many lifestyle changes.

I try and concentrate on distance for now and like you on graduation will try and work on speed.

If I can figure out how to send a PM Perhaps we can follow each other on the app. Let me know you May beat me to it.

Now to try and sleep! Happy running! 😀

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