Week 4!

[Janechic]

I am about to start week 4 run 1 tomorrow and I have stuck to the plan exactly so far. However I am older 43 and 4 stone overweight. This worries me and someone advised me to repeat the weeks. However I have achieved so far with the weeks 1 to 4 OK and I am recovering better after the 3 minute runs. Despite achy lower legs during the runs. I would like to progress following the programme exactly and join a local running club when I graduated but maybe I'm over ambitious and not able . Any advice from anyone would really help? Xxxx

[Buddy34 Graduate]

If you've been able to finish the previous runs just go into the next week no need to repeat 😊

[CateBlack]

I’m going to do week 4 starting tomorrow too. I’m really nervous about the jump up to 5 mins. New trainers ordered though and really hoping that’s going to end shin pain. We can do this!!!!!!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your progress.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

You are forty years younger than one lady graduate last year and twenty years younger than me................ don't allow anyone to write you off because of your age.

If you are progressing through the programme and completing every workout, then there is no need to repeat, just relax and enjoy your new found ability.

Enjoy your journey.

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

Congratulations on getting to week 4, no harm on repeating any week on the course by you seem very happy to continue, so don't repeat anything, well done, you are almost at halfway. 😊

[E27M14 Graduate]

I’m 46 and about 3 stone overweight at the moment. I was worried to begin with that I wouldn’t be able to do it because of my weight as much as my age, but like others have said, as long as I can complete each week I will. Just about to start week 5 today and the only run I have repeated so far was w1r1 😀

[ButtercupKid Graduate]

Hi JC, I’m 48 and a whole person overweight (I call it Ethel), so I know where you’re coming from. My philosophy has been to take things slow and steady, to repeat what I couldn’t do first time, but if I could do a run first time, to then move on to the next and see what I could do with it. Repeats are useful if you want or need to build stamina, strength, pace, style or confidence, but you shouldn’t do them just because someone else says to ! You sound like you’re doing really well, so carry on with it and enjoy your journey x

[Uphill-downhill Graduate]

53 years old and a recent graduate, having also graduated and then lapsed last year..... On each occasion, carrying a fair few extra pounds, it has been possible to complete without re runs. It’s tough and my legs ached loads to start with but the beauty of this programme is that it’s carefully designed to get you there. It’s important to go as slow as you need to just work on running for the times given. Buddying up with friends is also highly recommended even if you run together only a few times, tracking each other helps. Good luck with this it is eminently doable!

[Jell6 Graduate]

My mantra, if you complete, don't repeat 🤗

Good luck, and at 43, you are just a spring chicken🐓🐓

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

You’re not too old... you’re not to heavy... you don’t have to repeat runs if you’re completing them. This isn’t easy... it’s hard work, but you’re doing an amazing job out there, keep it up. As for joining a running club, that’s a great idea... and setting any goal is good for motivation... you’ll get there pretty soon and in the warmer weather you’re just going to love putting that club vest on and getting down to parkrun! Keep up the great work.

[strollguy Graduate]

Hi. I am in a similar position but one week ahead with W5R1 due on Tuesday. So far I have managed to keep up with the Week-per-week schedule and have found this has helped my motivation but I have been lucky with no injuries or colds etc to slow progress. W4 looked hard last week but was fine in the end Now I feel the same about W5! Good luck with W4!

[Pink-Floyd Graduate]

I’m 53 and 4 stone overweight and always been very non- sporty. I finished the programme with no trouble. Very slow but did it and still trying to keep going although A little erratically. My warning is not to expect to lose weight. That’s a whole new challenge which 3 slow jogs a week will not affect. But you feel great despite this.